This chapter shall be known as the "Existing
Structures Code of the Village of Ridgewood."
The purpose of this code is to protect the public health, safety and welfare in all existing structures, either nonresidential or residential. Articles
XIII through
XV, excepting §
223-114, and Article
XVI, §§
223-119,
223-120, Article
XXI, §§
223-140,
223-141 and
223-142 of this code shall not apply to owner-occupied one-family dwellings.
A. In the event of a conflict between this code, the
Uniform Construction Code and the Uniform Fire Safety Act, the Uniform Construction Code and the Uniform Fire Safety
Act shall prevail.
B. This code shall establish minimum maintenance standards
for all structures and premises, for basic equipment and facilities,
for light, ventilation, space heating and sanitation, for space, use
and location and for safe and sanitary maintenance of all structures
and premises now in existence.
This code provides for rehabilitation and reuse
of existing structures and fixes the responsibility of owners and
occupants of such structures and provides for the administration and
enforcement of penalties hereunder.
This code shall be construed liberally and justly
to ensure public health, safety and welfare insofar as they are affected
by the continued use and maintenance of structures and premises.
Any repairs or alterations to a structure or
changes of use therein, which may be caused directly or indirectly
by the enforcement of this code, shall be done in accordance with
the procedures and provisions of the Uniform Construction Code.
The provisions of this code shall not be deemed
to abolish or impair existing remedies or the jurisdiction of any
municipal officers relating to the removal or demolition of any buildings
which are deemed to be dangerous, unsafe and unsanitary.
This code shall not affect violations of any
other ordinance, code or regulation existing prior to the effective
date hereof, and any such violation shall be continued to be punishable
to the full extent of the law under the provisions of those ordinances,
codes or regulations in effect at the time the violation was committed.