Township of Montclair, NJ Property Maintenance

Any part of the premises not occupied by any building;

Any open space on the outside of any building; or

Any part of any building which is exposed to the elements.

EXTERMINATION

The control and elimination of insects, rodents and vermin, whether by eliminating their harborage places or by removing or making inaccessible material that may serve as their food, or by poisoning, spraying, fumigating, trapping or any other legal means of pest elimination.

GARBAGE

The animal and vegetable matter or other organic waste resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of food or other products.

HAZARD

Includes but is not limited to the following:

Natural growth. Dead and dying trees, limbs and other natural growth which, by reason of rotting or deteriorating conditions or storm damage, are or may be dangerous to persons in the vicinity thereof.

Overhangs. Loose, overhanging and projecting objects and accumulations of ice and snow which, by reason of location above ground level, constitute a danger to persons in the vicinity thereof.

Ground surface conditions. Holes, excavations, breaks, heaps of material, ungraded fill, projections, traps and obstructions on paths, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and parking areas and other parts of the exterior of the premises which are accessible to and used by persons having access to such premises.

(4)

Recurring accumulation of stormwater. Inadequate running off or recurrent accumulations of stormwater due to lack of or improper installation or maintenance of drains.

(5)

Sources of infestation. Conditions conducive to breeding or harboring of insects, rodents, vermin or pests.

(6)

Defective foundation walls. Holes, breaks, deterioration, undermining or any damage in foundation walls rendering same incapable of safely bearing all imposed loads placed thereon or of excluding weather, vermin and other pests.

(7)

Defective chimneys, flues and vent attachments thereto. Chimneys, flues and vent attachments not structurally sound or free from defects, or inadequately designed, attached or maintained, so as to perform capably at all times the functions for which they were designed and constructed; chimneys, flues, gas vents and other draft-producing equipment which do not provide sufficient draft to develop the rated output of the connected equipment or are not structurally safe, durable, smoketight or capable of withstanding the action of flue gases.

(8)

Defective exterior porches, landings, balconies, stairs and fire escapes. Exterior porches, landings, balconies, stairs and fire escapes which are not provided with banisters or railings properly designed, not structurally sound or maintained in good repair, painted or not otherwise provided with a protective treatment to prevent deterioration.

INFESTATION

The presence on or within premises of insects, rodents, vermin or pests.

LITTER

Any used or unconsumed substance or waste material which has been discarded, whether made of aluminum, glass, plastic, rubber, paper or other natural or synthetic material, or any combination thereof, including but not limited to any bottle, jar or can or any top, cap or detachable tab of any bottle, jar or can; any unlighted cigarette, cigar, match or any flaming or glowing material; or any garbage, trash, refuse, debris, rubbish, grass clippings or other lawn or garden waste; newspapers, magazines, glass, metal, plastic or paper containers or other packaging or construction material, but does not include the waste of the primary processes of mining or other extraction processes, logging, saw milling, farming or manufacturing.

[Amended 2-19-1991 by Ord. No. 91-5]

MIXED OCCUPANCY

The use of any building for both residential and nonresidential purposes.

NUISANCE

Any public nuisance known at common law or as defined by the statutes of the State of New Jersey or by the ordinances of the Township of Montclair.

Any inadequately protected well, shaft, basement, excavation, abandoned motor vehicle, appliance or equipment, structurally unsound fence or building, building materials, trash, debris or vegetation, such as poison ivy, oak or sumac, or other substance or any condition which is or may be detrimental to the safety or health of persons.

Any hazard, as defined herein, which is dangerous to human life or detrimental to health of persons on or near the premises where the hazard exists.

(4)

Fire hazards, as defined by Chapter 153, Fire Prevention.

OCCUPANCY UNIT

Any room or group of rooms or part thereof forming a single usable unit (used or intended to be used or designed to be used for nonresidential purposes) and located within a building used or intended to be used or designed to be used in whole or in part for other than residential occupancy.

OCCUPANT

Any person or persons (including the owner) in actual possession of and using an entire building or an occupancy unit in a building.

OPERATOR

Any person (including the owner) who has care or control of the premises or any part thereof.

OWNER

The holder or holders of all or part of the title to the premises.

PARTIES IN INTEREST

All individuals, associations and corporations who have interests of record in a building or premises and any who are in actual possession thereof.

PERSON

Any individual, firm, corporation or other legal entity, and also a political subdivision of a state or the United States.

PREMISES

A lot, plot or parcel of land whether or not the same has buildings situated thereon.

PUBLIC AUTHORITY

The person or persons who are authorized by the codes and ordinances of the Township of Montclair to exercise powers prescribed therein.

REFUSE

Any rotting or spoiling foodstuffs, fruits or vegetables and all putrescible and nonputrescible solid wastes, including but not limited to garbage, rubbish, ashes, litter, dead animals, abandoned automobiles and solid market and industrial wastes, brush, weeds, broken glass, stumps, roots, obnoxious growths, filth, trash, rubbish and debris of any description.

RUBBISH

All combustible and noncombustible waste materials, except garbage.

STRUCTURE

Any assembly of materials forming a construction, including but not limited to buildings, stadiums, gospel and circus tents, reviewing stands, platforms, stagings, observation towers, radio towers, water tanks, trestles, open sheds, bins, shelters, fences and display racks and signs.

TRANSLUCENT

The property of admitting the passage of light but diffusing it so that objects cannot be clearly distinguished.

TREE PIT

The area immediately surrounding a tree, the perimeter of which may be decorative brick, grating, native soil or grass.

[Added 12-27-2001 by Ord. No. 01-54]

WEATHERING

Deterioration, decay or damage caused by exposure to the elements.

WINDOW

An opening in the wall or roof of a building for the admission of light or air, which opening may be closed to the elements by casements or sashes containing glass or other transparent or translucent materials.

WINDOW DISPLAY AREA

That area of a building in proximity to the inner surface of a window which is designed or used for the viewing of the interior and the display of items representative of any goods or services pertaining to the business conducted therein.

Meaning of certain words. Whenever, in describing or referring to any person, party, matter or thing, any word importing the singular number or masculine gender is used, the same shall be understood to include and to apply to several persons or parties as well as to one person, and to females as well as males, and to bodies corporate and partnerships as well as individuals, and to several matters and things as well as one matter or thing.

§ 247-3 Applicability.

Each and every lot and building thereon located in the Township of Montclair which is not exclusively residential by virtue of its use, intended use or design shall comply with the provisions of this chapter, whether or not any 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 any such building or premises, for the construction, alteration or repair of any such building or for the installation or repair of equipment or facilities therein or thereon 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 premises and does not replace, modify or lessen standards otherwise established for the construction, repair, alteration or use of such buildings and premises, equipment or facilities contained therein or thereon, except as provided in Subsection B hereof.

Where there is a mixed occupancy of such buildings and premises, the residential and nonresidential uses thereof shall be regulated by and be subject to the applicable provisions of both this chapter and all other ordinances and codes of the Township of Montclair thereto pertaining.

In any case where a provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with any provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety or health ordinance or code of the Township[1] as it relates to such buildings and premises, including provisions governing the issuance of licenses and permits, the provision which establishes the higher standard for the promotion and protection of health and safety shall prevail and be applied.

[1]

Editor's Note: See Ch. 121, Construction Codes, Uniform; Ch. 153, Fire Prevention; Ch. 186, Health Standards; and Ch. 347, Zoning.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to abrogate or impair the powers of any department or official of the Township to enforce the provisions of any Township ordinance or regulation or to prevent or punish any violation thereof.

§ 247-4 Independent responsibilities of owner, operator and occupant.

Owner and operator. Owners and operators shall have all the duties and responsibilities prescribed in §§ 247-5 through 247-8 inclusive and in the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, and no owner or operator shall be relieved from such duties or responsibilities by reason of the fact that the other of them or the occupant is also responsible therefor and in violation thereof.

Occupant. Occupants shall have all the duties and responsibilities prescribed in §§ 247-5 (except Subsection F), 247-7, 247-8 and 247-9 and in all regulations promulgated pursuant thereto; and the occupant shall not be relieved of any such duties or responsibilities by reason of the fact that the owner or operator, or both, is or are also responsible therefor and in violation thereof.

Contract not to alter responsibilities. The respective duties and responsibilities imposed hereunder on the owner, operator and occupant shall not be altered or affected by any agreement or contract to which one or more of them is or are a party or parties.

§ 247-5 Maintenance of exterior of premises.

The exterior of the premises and all structures thereon shall be kept free of litter and of all nuisances and hazards to the safety of tenants, occupants, pedestrians and other persons having access to the premises, and free of unsanitary conditions. The exterior of the premises shall also reflect a level of maintenance in keeping with the standards of the neighborhood, shall meet the standards of this chapter or such higher standards as may be adopted by the Township and shall not constitute a blighting effect upon neighborhood properties. Specifically, but not in limitation of the generalities of the foregoing, the following standards shall be maintained:

Storage. There shall not be stored or used at a location visible from the street, sidewalks or other public areas equipment and materials relating to commercial or industrial uses unless permitted under Chapter 347, Zoning, for the premises or unless permitted by Board of Adjustment action.

Landscaping.

[Amended 9-13-1983 by Ord. No. 83-33]

The landscaping of premises shall be maintained in an orderly state, with lawns and bushes trimmed and free from litter. Open area shall be graded to eliminate holes, depressions, gullies, mounds, accumulations of debris or other unsightly or unsafe conditions.

All landscaped areas, including trees, ground covers and other plant material, shall be properly maintained in accordance with the design intent of any approved site plan. All trees, ground covers and other plant material which are shown on an approved site plan shall be replaced if dead or in an unhealthy or damaged condition.

Signs and billboards. All duly authorized signs and billboards shall be maintained in good repair. Any sign or billboard which has faded or weathered excessively or the paint on which has excessively peeled or cracked shall, with its supporting members, be put into a state of good repair or removed. The responsibilities of an occupant under this subsection shall be limited to signs and billboards erected or used by such occupant.[1]

[1]

Editor's Note: See Ch. 277, Signs.

Window and window display areas. All windows exposed to public view shall be kept clean and free of marks and foreign substances. Except when necessary in the course of changing displays, no storage of materials, stock or inventory shall be permitted in window display areas ordinarily exposed to public view unless such areas are first screened by drapes, venetian blinds or other means. All screening of interiors shall be maintained in a clean and attractive manner and in a good state of repair.

Removal of signs or advertisements. Any temporary sign or other advertising material glued or otherwise attached to a window or otherwise exposed to public view shall be removed at the expiration of the event or sale for which it was erected or posted.

Repair and painting of exteriors of buildings. All storefronts and the exterior of every building, structure or appurtenance thereto shall be maintained in good repair, and all exterior surfaces thereof shall be kept painted or otherwise provided with a protective treatment where necessary for purposes of preservation and appearance, and maintained free from broken or cracked glass, loose shingles or siding or crumbling masonry, excessively peeling paint or other condition indicating deterioration or inadequate maintenance, to the end that the property itself may be preserved, safety and fire hazards eliminated and adjoining properties and the neighborhood protected from blighting influence.

Awnings and marquees. Any duly authorized awning or marquee and its accompanying structural members which extend over any street, sidewalk or other portion of the premises shall be maintained in good repair, installed at a sufficient height and so maintained as not to constitute a nuisance or a safety hazard. In the event any such awning or marquee is made of cloth, plastic or of similar materials, said materials, where exposed to public view, shall be maintained in good condition and shall not show evidence of excessive weathering, discoloration, ripping, tearing or other deterioration. Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize any encroachment of an awning, marquee or its accompanying structural members on streets, sidewalks or public ways.[2]

[2]

Editor's Note: See Ch. 297, Streets and Sidewalks, Art. V, Awnings, Canopies and Marquees.

Scaffolding. No temporary scaffold or other temporary equipment used for construction, repair, painting or maintenance shall be permitted to remain in place after completion of work or beyond a period of three months after erection or placement thereof without permission of the Superintendent of Building Inspections.

General sanitation and safety.

[Added 12-27-2001 by Ord. No. 01-54]

Every operator of a property immediately adjacent to a sidewalk which includes a tree pit shall be responsible for maintaining the appearance of the tree pit, including, but not limited to, removal of any and all litter that may accumulate therein.

In the event a tree pit is adjacent to more than one operator, then all of the operators adjacent to the tree pit shall be responsible to comply with this subsection.

Boarded commercial storefronts.

[Added 3-4-2014 by Ord. No. O-14-001]

Requirement to register.

(a)

No commercial first-floor store front shall be boarded without first registering with the Township's code enforcement office; and

(b)

Registration shall be deemed complete when the property owner or its agent shall provide the Township with the property location, owner's name and name and phone number of the person responsible for the property.

Requirement for permit.

(a)

Any person found to not have registered their boarded storefront shall be immediately required to obtain a permit.

(b)

A registered property may not remain boarded for more than 14 days without obtaining a permit from the Director of Planning.

(c)

The permit shall be issued upon the property owner demonstrating to the Director of Planning that a creative and attractive window covering shall be maintained on the property.

(d)

The permit shall be valid for 90 days and must be displayed on the premises.

(e)

The property owner may petition the Director of Planning for an extension prior to the expiration date. Extension shall only be granted for extraordinary circumstances.

Fee.

(a)

There shall be no permit fee if the property owner has registered the property in compliance with the registration section of this Subsection J.

(b)

The fee for a permit issued pursuant to this subsection for any property found not to have registered with the Township shall be $100.

§ 247-6 Roof maintenance.

All roofs shall be maintained in good repair, and where occupants use or have access to the roof of any building, such roof shall be free from conditions resulting in danger to life or limb by reason of lack of railings, inadequate parapets, loose materials or other dangerous conditions. The enforcing officer, when he or she finds the existence of the dangerous conditions, may, with the concurrence of the Fire Department, direct the owner or operator of the premises to lock or otherwise bar access to the roof until such dangerous conditions are eliminated.

§ 247-7 General sanitation and safety.

Floors and supporting structural members shall be maintained in a structurally sound condition, and there shall not be imposed thereon any load which shall constitute a hazard or exceed the safe limits for which said floor was designed.

Bathroom floors shall be surfaced with water-resistant material and shall be kept in a dry, clean and sanitary condition at all times.

In buildings containing not more than four occupancy units, it shall be the responsibility of each of the occupants, and in buildings containing more than four occupancy units, it shall be the responsibility of the owner and operator, to furnish such receptacles as are needed for the proper storage of garbage and rubbish until removal of all garbage and rubbish and to provide for the regular and periodic removal of all garbage and rubbish from the premises.

Storage bins, rooms and areas shall not be used for the storage of accumulated garbage and rubbish unless:

Such rubbish is stored in watertight containers of metal or other material approved by the enforcing officer.

Such storage bins, rooms and areas are of smooth, easily cleanable construction and are kept in a sanitary condition.

Such areas, if located outside a building and visible from any public walk, street or public parking area, are shielded by a method approved by the enforcing officer and constructed in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Building Code of the Township of Montclair.[1]

[1]

Editor's Note: See Ch. 121, Construction Codes, Uniform.

Except in compliance with regulations of the Department of Community Services relating to collection procedures, rubbish and garbage shall be placed or kept on the property within the building located thereon or not nearer to the street line than the building line or nearer to the street line than the face of the building, whichever distance from the street line is the greater.

[Amended 6-15-2004 by Ord. No. 04-34]

Flammable or combustible liquids or other materials shall not be stored on the premises unless they are of a type approved for storage by the Fire Department and then only in such quantities as may be prescribed by applicable Fire Department directives or regulations.[2]

[2]

Editor's Note: See Ch. 153, Fire Prevention.

Every occupant of an occupancy unit shall be responsible for the extermination of any insects, rodents or other pests therein or on the premises. In addition to the foregoing provision of this subsection, whenever infestation is caused by failure of the owner or operator to maintain any such building in a reasonably pestproof condition, extermination shall be the responsibility of the owner and operator.

§ 247-8 Electric service.

Every building shall be provided with electric service, where required, in accordance with the applicable codes from time to time adopted by the Township.

Every bathroom shall be provided with permanently installed and operating artificial lighting fixtures with switches and wall plates so located and maintained that there is no danger of electric shock from a simultaneous contact with a water supply fixture.

Maximum fuse or circuit breaker sizes as specified by the National Electrical Code, as amended from time to time, shall be posted conspicuously on the inside cover of all fuse or circuit breaker boxes, and no fuse or circuit breaker shall be installed therein in excess of the stated maximum. Owners and operators shall not be held responsible for violations in fuse and circuit breaker sizes where the correct maximum size is stated and the fuse or circuit breaker box is located within any part of the building which is in the exclusive possession of an occupant or occupants other than the owner.

§ 247-9 Responsibilities of occupants.

Upon discovery by an occupant of any condition on the premises which constitutes a violation of this chapter, the occupant shall report the same to the Zoning and Housing Officer.

All parts of the premises under the control of an occupant shall be kept in a clean, sanitary and safe condition by the occupant, and the occupant shall refrain from performing any acts which would render other parts of the premises unclean, unsafe or unsanitary or which would prevent the owner or operator from performing any duty required hereunder.

§ 247-10 Administration and enforcement.

Enforcement officer. The Zoning and Housing Officer is hereby designated and appointed to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The Zoning and Housing Officer may authorize members of his or her Department to make inspections, prepare and serve notices and orders and to take all action necessary to secure compliance with the provisions of this chapter. The Zoning and Housing Officer shall seek and receive the cooperation of all other Township departments having concurrent jurisdiction over the matters covered by this chapter.

Inspection of premises. All premises within the Township of Montclair covered by this chapter shall be subject to inspection from time to time by the Zoning and Housing Officer to determine the condition thereof in order that he or she may perform his or her duty of safeguarding the health and safety of the persons occupying and using the same and of the general public. For the purpose of making such inspections, the enforcing officer is hereby authorized to enter, examine and survey at all reasonable times all such premises; provided, however, that such entries are made in such manner as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the persons in possession. The owner, operator and persons occupying the same shall give the enforcing officer free access to the same at all reasonable times for the purpose of such inspection. Every person occupying such premises shall give the owner and operator thereof access to that portion of the premises occupied by or in the possession of such person at all reasonable times for the purpose of making such repairs, alterations or corrections as are necessary to effect compliance with the provisions of this chapter or with any lawful rules or regulations adopted or any lawful order issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

Where violations of the provisions of this chapter are brought to the attention of the enforcing officer, such officer or his or her duly authorized representative shall prepare a notice in writing setting forth all violations and shall order that the same be eliminated within 30 days. Such notice and order shall be delivered to the occupant or owner or operator, or any or all of them, as the case may be, personally or by leaving the same with any person in charge of the premises. In the event that no such person is found upon the premises, service of notice and order shall be made by affixing a copy thereof in a conspicuous place on the door to the entrance of the premises and by mailing, by certified mail, a copy thereof to the owner, operator or occupant at his or her last known post office address.

[Amended 7-7-1981 by Ord. No. 81-33]

Vacation of premises in emergency.

Where the enforcing officer makes a preliminary finding that conditions on the premises constitute an immediate and substantial threat to the safety or health of occupants of or persons in proximity to the premises, he or she may order and direct that the premises be vacated immediately and that signs or notices be posted prohibiting occupancy thereof.