This chapter shall be known as the "Property Maintenance Code of the Township of Gloucester" and may be referred to in this chapter in the short form as "this code."
It is hereby found and declared that there exists in the Township of Gloucester structures used for residential and nonresidential use which are or may become in the future substandard with respect to structure, equipment or maintenance or further that such conditions, including, but not limited to, structural deterioration, lack of maintenance and the appearance of the exterior of the premises, infestation, lack of essential heating, plumbing, storage or refrigeration equipment, lack of maintenance or upkeep of essential utilities and facilities, existence of fire hazards, inadequate provisions for light and air, insanitary conditions and overcrowding, constitute a menace to the health, safety, morals, welfare and reasonable comfort of the citizens and inhabitants of the Township of Gloucester. It is further found and declared that, by reason of lack of maintenance and progressive deterioration, certain properties have the further effect of creating blighting conditions and initiating slums and that, if the same are not curtailed and removed, the aforesaid conditions will grow and spread and will necessitate in time the expenditure of large amounts of public funds to correct and eliminate the same and that, by reason of timely regulations and restrictions as herein contained, the growth of slums and blight may be prevented and the neighborhood and property values thereby maintained, the desirability and amenities of residential and nonresidential uses and neighborhoods enhanced and the public health, safety and welfare protected and fostered.
The purpose of this code is to protect the public health, safety, morals and welfare by establishing minimum standards governing the maintenance, appearance, conditions and occupancy of residential and nonresidential premises; to establish minimum standards governing utilities, 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 and operators and distinct and separate responsibilities and duties upon occupants; to authorize and establish procedures for the inspection of residential and nonresidential premises; to fix penalties for the violation of this code; and to provide for the repair, demolition or vacation of premises unfit for human habitation or occupancy or use.