[Ord. No. 2002-23; Ord. No. 2003-05; Ord. No. 2005-11; Ord. No. 2012-08; Ord. No. 2014-03; Ord. No. 2015-10; Ord. No. 2015-16; Ord. No. 2017-02; Ord. No. 2018-04]
This chapter shall be known as the "Property Maintenance Code of the Borough of Hightstown" and may be referred to in the chapter in the short form as the "Property Maintenance Code" or as "this code."
[Ord. No. 2002-23; Ord. No. 2003-05; Ord. No. 2005-11; Ord. No. 2012-08; Ord. No. 2014-03; Ord. No. 2015-10; Ord. No. 2015-16; Ord. No. 2017-02; Ord. No. 2018-04]
It is hereby found and declared that there exists in the Borough of Hightstown structures used for residential and nonresidential purposes which are, or may become in the future, substandard with respect to structure, equipment or maintenance, and further, that such conditions including, but not limited to, structural deterioration, inadequate maintenance, infestation, inadequate provisions for light and air, and unsanitary conditions constitute a menace to the health, safety and welfare of the residents and inhabitants of the Borough of Hightstown. It is further found and declared that the existence of such conditions has the effect of creating blights and substandard neighborhoods, and that by the enactment of timely regulations and restrictions as herein contained, the development of blight may be prevented and neighborhood and property values maintained, and the public health, safety and welfare protected and fostered.
[Ord. No. 2002-23; Ord. No. 2003-05; Ord. No. 2005-11; Ord. No. 2012-08; Ord. No. 2014-03; Ord. No. 2015-10; Ord. No. 2015-16; Ord. No. 2017-02; Ord. No. 2018-04]
The purpose of this code is: to protect the public health, safety and welfare and to ensure the maintenance of property values by establishing minimum standards governing the maintenance, appearance, condition and occupancy of residential and nonresidential premises; to establish minimum standards governing facilities and other physical components and conditions essential to make the aforesaid facilities fit for human habitation, occupancy and use; to fix certain responsibilities and duties upon owners, operators and occupants; and to fix penalties for the violation of this code. This code is hereby declared to be remedial and essential for the public interest and it is intended that this code be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes as stated herein.