This chapter shall be known as the "Property Maintenance Code of the Borough of Wood-Ridge" and may be referred to in this chapter in the short form as the "Property Maintenance Code" or as "this chapter."
It is hereby found and declared that there exists in the Borough of Wood-Ridge property and structures used for residential and nonresidential purposes which are, or may become in the future, substandard with respect to structure, equipment, or maintenance, or which contain, or may contain in the future, a nuisance, and further that such conditions, including but not limited to structural deterioration, inadequate maintenance, infestation and unsanitary conditions, and/or harboring or containing of a nuisance, shall constitute a hazard to the health, safety and welfare of the residents and inhabitants of the Borough of Wood-Ridge. It is further found and declared that the existence of such conditions has the further effect of creating blight and substandard neighborhoods and that, by the enactment of timely regulations and restrictions as herein contained, the development of blight may be prevented, neighborhood and property values maintained and the public health, safety and welfare protected and fostered.
A. 
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the Borough of Wood-Ridge and its residents by establishing minimum standards governing the maintenance, appearance and condition of residential and nonresidential property; to establish minimum standards governing residential and nonresidential property and other physical components and conditions essential to make the aforesaid properties nuisance-free; to fix certain responsibilities and duties upon owners, operators and occupants; and to fix penalties for the violation of this chapter.
B. 
This chapter is hereby declared to be remedial and essential for the public interest, and it is intended that this chapter be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes as stated herein. This chapter specifically relates to the appearance, condition, maintenance, and upkeep of structures and property only and shall not be construed to replace or infringe upon the jurisdiction or the powers of the Board of Health, the Construction Code Office, or the Fire Prevention Bureau and its designated licensed personnel and other governmental agencies within the Borough.