Every residential and nonresidential building, and the property on which it is situated in the Borough of Wood-Ridge, previously or presently used or intended to be used for dwelling, commercial, business or industrial occupancy or such other uses permitted by the Borough of Wood-Ridge, shall comply with the provisions of this chapter, whether or not such building shall have been constructed, altered or repaired before or after the enactment of this chapter and irrespective of any permits or licenses which shall have been issued for the use or occupancy of the building or for the installation or repair of equipment or facilities prior to the effective date of this chapter. This chapter establishes minimum standards for the initial and continued occupancy and use of all such buildings and does not replace or modify standards otherwise established for the construction, repair, alteration or use of the building, equipment or facilities contained therein, except as provided in this chapter by the "higher standard to prevail" provision.
In any case where the provisions of this chapter impose a higher standard than set forth in any other ordinance of the Borough of Wood-Ridge or under the laws of the State of New Jersey, then the standards as set forth herein shall prevail, but if the provisions of this chapter impose a lower standard than any other ordinance of the Borough of Wood-Ridge or of the laws of the State of New Jersey, then the higher standard contained in any such other ordinance or law shall prevail.
No certification of compliance with this chapter shall constitute a defense against any violation of any other ordinance of the Borough of Wood-Ridge applicable to any structure or property.