This chapter shall be known as the "Property
Maintenance Code of the City of Passaic," and may be referred to in
this chapter in the short form as "this code."
The purpose of this code is to protect the public
health, safety, morals and welfare by establishing minimum standards
governing the maintenance, appearance, condition and occupancy of
dwelling units and nonresidential premises; to establish minimum standards
governing utilities, facilities and other physical components and
conditions essential to making 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 require the licensing and regulation
of rooming houses; to authorize and establish procedures for the inspection
of residential and nonresidential premises; to fix penalties for the
violations of this code; to provide for the right of access across
adjoining premises to permit repairs; and to provide for the repair,
demolition or vacation of premises unfit for human habitation or occupancy
or use. This code is hereby declared to be remedial and essential
for the public interest, and it is intended that this code be liberally
construed to effectuate the purposes as stated herein.