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City of Passaic, NJ
Passaic County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Code
New Laws (26) Index
[Amended 9-13-1984 by Ord. No. 803-84]
The exterior of the premises and all structures thereon shall be kept free of all nuisances or any hazards to the safety of occupants, pedestrians or other persons utilizing the premises or free of insanitary conditions, and any of the foregoing shall be promptly removed and abated by the owner or operator. It shall be the duty of the owner or operator to keep the premises free of nuisances or free of unsightly conditions or free of insanitary conditions or free of hazard, or any combination of the foregoing, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
A. 
Refuse. Brush, weeds, broken glass, stumps, roots, obnoxious growths, filth, garbage, trash, refuse and debris. For any violations of this Subsection A for failure to keep the premises free of brush, weeds or obnoxious growths, no court appearance shall be necessary if the person corrects the condition cited immediately upon the receipt of a summons and pays the fine before the date of the first court.
[Amended 9-24-2012 by Ord. No. 1915-12]
B. 
Natural growth. Dead and dying trees and limbs or other natural growth which, by reason of rotting or deteriorating conditions or storm damage, constitute a hazard to persons in the vicinity thereof. Trees shall be kept pruned and trimmed to prevent such conditions.
C. 
Overhangings. Loose and overhanging objects and accumulations of ice and snow which, by reason of location above ground level, constitute a danger of falling on persons in the vicinity thereof.
D. 
Ground surface hazards or insanitary conditions. Holes, excavations, breaks, projections, obstructions, icy conditions, uncleared snow and excretion of pets and other animals on paths, walks, driveways, parking lots and parking areas and other parts of the premises which are accessible to and used by persons on the premises. All such holes and excavations shall be filled and repaired, walks and steps replaced and other conditions removed where necessary to eliminate hazards or insanitary conditions with reasonable dispatch upon their discovery.
E. 
Recurring accumulation of stormwater. Adequate runoff drains shall be provided and maintained in accordance with existing applicable codes.
F. 
Foundation walls. Foundation walls shall be kept structurally sound, free from defects and damage and capable of bearing imposed loads safely.
G. 
Chimneys and all flue and vent attachments thereto. Chimneys and all flue and vent attachments thereto shall be maintained structurally sound, free from defects and so maintained as to capably perform at all times the functions for which they were designed. Chimneys, flues, gas vents or other draft-producing equipment shall provide sufficient draft to develop the rated output of the connected equipment and shall be structurally safe, durable, smoke-tight and capable of withstanding the action of flue gases.
H. 
Exterior porches, landing, balconies, stairs and fire escapes. Exterior porches, landings, balconies, stairs and fire escapes shall be provided with bannisters or railings properly designed and maintained to minimize the hazard of fallings, and the same shall be kept structurally sound, in good repair and free from defects.
I. 
Windows that are broken shall be replaced with new windows within 90 days of the window breaking.
[Added 2-24-2003 by Ord. No. 1564-03[
(1) 
A property owner suffering a financial hardship may apply for an extension of up to 60 days to replace the window.
(2) 
An application for an extension to replace windows shall be made to the Director of Property Improvements or the Construction Official.
The exterior of the premises, the exterior of dwelling structures and the condition of accessory structures shall be maintained so that the appearance of the premises and all buildings thereon shall reflect a level of maintenance in keeping with the residential standards of the neighborhood or such higher standards as may be adopted as part of a plan of urban renewal by the City of Passaic and such that the appearance of the premises and structures shall not constitute a blighting factor for adjoining property owners nor an element leading to the progressive deterioration and downgrading of the neighborhood with the accompanying diminution of property values, including the following:
A. 
Storage of commercial and industrial material. There shall not be stored or used at a location visible from the sidewalk, street or other public areas equipment and materials relating to commercial or industrial uses unless permitted under the Zoning Ordinance[1] for the premises.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 317, Zoning.
B. 
Landscaping. Premises shall be kept landscaped, and lawns, hedges and bushes shall be kept neatly trimmed and from becoming overgrown and unsightly so as not to constitute a blighting factor depreciating adjoining property or impairing the good character of the neighborhood.
[Amended 9-13-1984 by Ord. No. 803-84]
C. 
Signs.
(1) 
All signs permitted by reason of other regulations or a lawful nonconforming use shall be maintained in good repair, and printed matter, pictures or illustrations contained thereon shall be completely maintained or, when no longer in use, completely removed.
(2) 
The change of ownership of a store or the change of tenancy of a store or building will require that any and all nonconforming signs be brought into compliance with existing codes and ordinances.
D. 
Reconstruction of walls and sidings. All reconstruction of walls and sidings shall be of standard quality and appearance commensurate with the residential character of the properties in the same block and on both sides of the street on which the premises front, such that the materials used will not be of a kind that, by their appearance under prevailing appraisal practices and standards, will depreciate the values of neighboring and adjoining premises as aforesaid.
E. 
General maintenance. The exterior of every structure or accessory structure, including fences, shall be maintained in good repair, and all surfaces thereof shall be kept painted or whitewashed where necessary for purposes of preservation and appearance. The same shall be maintained free of broken glass, loose shingles, crumbling stone or brick, excessive peeling paint or other condition reflective of 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 influences.
F. 
Front yard parking. No person shall park, stop or stand any motor vehicle or permit or suffer the same to be done in any front yard area of premises occupied by a dwelling or hotel, except on driveways and parking areas constructed and installed in compliance with applicable City ordinances and not less than three feet from the interior front sidewalk line adjacent to said premises.
G. 
No person shall hang or air laundry in the front yard, as defined in § 317-10 of this Code, of any residential premises within the City of Passaic.
[Added 10-11-2011 by Ord. No. 1875-11]
The exterior of the premises and the condition of accessory structures shall be maintained so that the appearance of the premises and all buildings thereon shall reflect a level of maintenance in keeping with the standards of the neighborhood or such higher standards as may be adopted as part of a plan of urban renewal by the City of Passaic and such that the appearance of the premises and structures shall not constitute a blighting factor for adjoining property owners nor an element leading to the progressive deterioration and downgrading of the neighborhood with the accompanying diminution of property values including the following:
A. 
Signs and billboards. All permanent signs and billboards exposed to public view permitted by reason of other regulations as a lawful nonconforming use shall be maintained in good repair. Any signs which have excessively weathered or faded or those upon which the paint has excessively peeled or cracked shall, with their supporting members, be removed forthwith or put into a good state of repair. All nonoperative or broken electrical signs shall be repaired or shall, with their supporting members, be removed forthwith.
B. 
Windows. All windows exposed to public view shall be kept clean and free of marks or foreign substances when necessary in the course of changing displays. No storage of materials, stock or inventory shall be permitted in window display areas or other areas ordinarily exposed to public view, unless said areas are first screened from the public view by drapes, venetian blinds or other permanent rendering of the windows opaque to the public view. All screening or interiors shall be maintained in clean and attractive manner and in a good state of repair.
C. 
Storefronts. All storefronts shall be kept in good repair, painted where required and shall not constitute a safety hazard or nuisance. In the event repairs to a storefront become necessary, such repairs shall be made with the same or similar materials used in the construction of the storefront, in such a manner as to permanently repair that damaged area or areas. Any cornices visible above a storefront shall be kept painted, where required, and in good repair.
D. 
Removal of signs or advertising. Except for "for rent" signs, any temporary sign or other paper advertising material glued or otherwise attached to a window or windows or otherwise exposed to public view shall be removed at the expiration of the event or sale for which it is erected or within 60 days after erection, whichever shall occur sooner. Except during the course of repairs or alteration, no more than 33 1/3% of the square footage of any single window or single window display area shall be devoted to signs or other temporary advertising material attached to said window or windows or otherwise exposed to public view.
E. 
Awnings and marquees. Any 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 and shall not constitute a nuisance or a safety hazard. In the event such awnings or marquees are not properly maintained in accordance with the foregoing, they shall, together with their supporting members, be removed forthwith. In the event said awnings or marquees are made of cloth, plastic or of similar materials, said cloth or plastic, where exposed to public view, shall be maintained in good condition and shall not show evidence of excessive weathering, discoloration, ripping, tearing or other holes. Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize any encroachment on streets, sidewalks or other parts of the public domain.
Every dwelling and accessory structure and every part thereof shall be kept structurally sound and in a state of good repair to avoid safety, health or fire hazards, including:
A. 
Exterior walls, sidings and roofs. Exterior walls, sidings and roofs shall be kept structurally sound, in good repair and free from defects.
B. 
Painting and other protective coatings. All exposed surfaces susceptible to decay shall be kept, at all times, painted or otherwise provided with a protective coating sufficient to prevent deterioration or decay; this includes protection against termite damage.
C. 
Weather- and watertightness. Every dwelling shall be so maintained as to be weather- and watertight. Where, in the opinion of the Director of Housing Inspections, such weather- or watertightness can only be achieved through the addition of storm windows, it shall be within the power of said Director to require the same.
[Amended 3-5-1987 by Ord. No. 973-87; 6-9-2004 by Ord. No. 1620-04]
D. 
Exterior walls, roofs, etc. Exterior walls, roofs, windows, storm windows, window frames, doors, door frames, foundations and other parts of the structure shall be so maintained as to keep water from entering the structure and to prevent excessive drafts. For the purpose of this section, sash locks and sash cords shall be considered an integral part of a window. Damaged materials must be repaired or replaced promptly; places showing signs of rot, leakage, deterioration or corrosion are to be restored and protected against weathering or seepage.
[Amended 3-5-1987 by Ord. No. 973-87]
The exterior of every structure or accessory structure, including fences, signs and storefronts, shall be maintained in good repair, and all surfaces thereof shall be kept painted or whitewashed where necessary for purposes of preservation and appearance. All surfaces shall be maintained free of broken glass, loose shingles, crumbling stone or brick, excessive peeling paint or other conditions reflective of 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 influences.
All reconstruction of walls and sidings shall be of standard quality and appearance commensurate with the character of the properties in the same block and on both sides of the street on which the premises front.
Basements, cellars and crawl spaces are to be free of moisture resulting from seepage, and cross ventilation shall be required where necessary to prevent accumulation of moisture and dampness.
All parts of the premises shall be maintained so as to prevent infestation.
Properly fitting screens in good repair shall be supplied for each exterior door and window of each dwelling unit or rooming unit. Such screens shall have a mesh of not less than No. 16 gauge. Screens shall not be required in rooms deemed by the Housing Officer, pursuant to regulation, to be located at least from the fifth floor, sufficiently high to be free of mosquitos, flies and other undesirable insects or otherwise protected from serving as a means of access for infestation. In establishments subject to licensing and in all buildings where janitor service is required, pursuant to § 219-36, screens shall be installed and maintained by the owner or operator on all windows from May 1 to October 15 of each year.
[Amended 10-6-1988 by Ord. No. 1044-88]
No accumulation or obstruction from garbage, refuse, rubbish, trash or debris shall be permitted on or in common stairways, areaways, balconies, porches, hallways, basements, cellars, attics, garages or outbuildings, except that garbage stored in proper containers may be set out for removal pursuant to § 219-36.
Floors, interior walls and ceilings of every structure shall be structurally sound and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
Floors shall be considered to be structurally sound when capable of safely bearing imposed loads and shall be maintained at all times in a condition so as to be smooth, clean and free from cracks, breaks and other hazards.
A. 
Residential. Bathroom, water closet compartment and kitchen floors shall be surfaced with water-resistant material and shall be kept at all times in a dry, clean and sanitary condition, and shower room floors shall be kept clean and sanitary.
B. 
Nonresidential. Washroom and water closet compartment floors shall be surfaced with water-resistant material and shall be kept in a dry, clean and sanitary condition at all times.
C. 
Food preparation areas in retail stores and eating establishments shall have walls and floors of water-resistant and daily cleaned material.
[Amended 3-5-1987 by Ord. No. 973-87]
Floors of basements and cellars shall be paved with concrete not less than three inches thick and shall be maintained at all times in a condition so as to be smooth, clean and free from cracks, breaks and other hazard.
Supporting structural members are to be kept structurally sound, free of deterioration and capable of bearing imposed loads safely.
[Amended 9-13-1984 by Ord. No. 803-84; 3-20-1986 by Ord. No. 924-86]
Walls and ceilings shall be considered to be in good repair when clean and free from cracks, breaks, loose plaster or similar conditions. Walls shall be provided with paint, paper, sealing material or other protective covering so that said walls and ceilings shall be kept clean, free of visible foreign matter, sanitary and well maintained at all times. Doors, except doors which open to the outdoors, shall be considered to be parts of walls and shall be so maintained that they can be readily opened and closed, in addition to such other standards for walls as are set forth above. Additionally, no entrance door from a corridor to a dwelling unit shall consist, either in whole or in part, of glass or of wood panels having a thickness of less than 1/2 inch and not having sheet steel of less than 28-gauge securely attached on the inside of such door with bolts or screws and covering the entire area of such wood panels, and no door shall be installed to replace an existing door consisting, in whole or in part, of glass unless such replacement door is either of metal or is metal-covered or is of solid wood not less than 1 3/8 inches thick.
[Added 3-5-1987 by Ord. No. 973-87]
Installed cabinets, especially those commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, shall be considered part of the walls they abut and shall be maintained in good repair at all times. Metal cabinets shall be kept free of rust and pitting. All cabinets shall be maintained with the doors or drawers as installed. Where cabinet doors include glazing, such shall be maintained free of cracks, breaks or other deterioration.
[Added 3-5-1987 by Ord. No. 973-87]
Every room utilized for sleeping purposes and every room containing toilet facilities shall have a door for privacy, and such door shall be capable of being locked from the inside.
[Added 10-6-1988 by Ord. No. 1044-88]
A. 
In a multiple dwelling, all doors leading from a common hallway to cellars, basements, attics, cocklofts, closets or any other unit of space which is not a dwelling unit shall have a fire rating of at least one hour. Such doors may be of solid wood not less than 1 3/8 inches thick, be metal or metal clad or be a wood-panel door which shall have sheet steel of not less than 28-gauge securely attached to the inside of such door.
B. 
The ceiling above any boiler, burner, furnace or other device used to produce heat or hot water shall have a fire rating of not less than one hour. Such ceiling shall extend not less than 18 inches beyond the perimeter of the device below.
C. 
Where a ceiling is to be installed in a cellar or basement, such ceiling shall have a fire rating of not less than one hour. A complete fire-rated ceiling shall be required at any time a cellar or basement or a portion thereof is utilized as a habitable room.
The interior stairs of every structure used for human habitation shall be structurally sound and free from defects. Handrailings or banisters shall be provided for all stairs, balconies, fire escapes and stairwells, and the handrails or banisters shall be securely attached, maintained free from defects and shall be of sufficient height to guard against accidents and to be appropriate for use by persons of normal height utilizing the stairway. Stairs shall be adequately lighted in all places with control switches operable from each story to permit safe use at night for persons ascending or descending, except in an establishment subject to licensing or where janitorial service is provided and artificial lights for hallways and common areaways are supplied in accordance with state law from a master control switch. Handrailing shall be provided on stairs with more than three risers.
[Amended 10-6-1988 by Ord. No. 1044-88]
A. 
Where there are one or more occupants in a dwelling unit other than the one occupied by the owner, the owner shall supply a waterproof, noncorrosive, noncombustible thirty-gallon container with proper cover at the exterior of the premises for each dwelling unit for the removal of garbage and refuse in conformity with Chapter 157 of this Code. In the alternative, the owner may supply garbage bags as described in Chapter 157 but must also provide an area at the exterior of premises to store such bags securely and free from vermin and animals until the time of collection.
B. 
The owner must provide at least one noncorrosive, noncombustible thirty-gallon container per two dwelling units at the exterior of the premises for the purpose of storing recyclables as designated in Chapter 230 of this Code. These containers shall be used only for the storage of recyclables, and it shall be the owner's responsibility to see that they are so used and that they are placed for collection according to the schedules and regulations set forth by the city.
A. 
Residential. The owner or operator shall have the duty and responsibility of removing garbage wherever a janitor is required for the premises in accordance with § 219-36.
B. 
Nonresidential. The owner or operator shall have the duty and responsibility of removing garbage.
A. 
Residential. Storage bins, rooms and areas shall not be used for accumulated garbage or refuse; provided, however, that enclosed spaces or rooms in the interior of the dwelling, which are used exclusively as garbage collection points, equipped with garbage containers complying with § 219-32, from which room or space containers are removed by the janitor at least once daily, shall not be prohibited. Inflammable or combustible liquids or other materials may not be stored on the premises unless they are of a type approved for storage by the regulations of the Fire Department, and then only in such quantities and in such fireproof storage containers as may be prescribed by the regulations.
B. 
Nonresidential. Storage bins, rooms and areas shall not be used to accumulate garbage or refuse, inflammable or combustible liquids or other materials. No storage of any material will be allowed unless they are of a type approved for storage by the regulations of the Fire Department, and then only in such quantities and in such fireproof storage containers as may be prescribed by existing regulations.
In dwellings containing three or more dwelling units, storage areas or storage bins shall be of fireproof construction and contain fireproof walls and partitions of at least a one-hour rating and, in addition thereto, shall have self-closing fireproof doors; provided, however, that storage in existing framework, wood frame bins or nonfireproof storage areas shall be permitted, provided that the storage of combustible materials, containers for the same and the means of storage shall be in compliance with regulations promulgated by the Housing Officer with the approval of the Fire Chief designed to minimize the existence of fire hazards in dwellings. Excessive accumulations of combustible materials are prohibited and responsibility for removal thereof shall be with the owner and operator of the premises as well as the occupant to whom the said materials may belong. Where storage areas or storage bins are available to more than one tenant, the area shall be numbered or otherwise identified and a list of the names of the tenants utilizing each such area or bin shall be kept at all times available for examination by the Housing Officer in the office of the person in charge of the premises. The provisions governing § 219-36 shall be supplemented by regulations to be prepared jointly by the Housing Officer and Fire Chief, as well as appropriate enforcement procedures which will include notification to the superintendents and tenants of apartment buildings which may be affected thereby.
In every dwelling containing six or more dwelling units or rooming units, or combination thereof, the owner shall provide or designate a superintendent, janitor, caretaker or housekeeper who shall, at all times, maintain the premises in compliance with this code and keep the premises free from filth, garbage, refuse and rubbish and who shall be responsible for the daily collection of garbage and other refuse from the occupants on a regular schedule and at a reasonable time and place the same out for collection in accordance with the provisions of the applicable code; said person shall be regularly available on the premises to perform the foregoing duties.
A. 
In the event said superintendent, janitor, caretaker or housekeeper shall not reside in said premises, the owner or operator shall make his name, address and telephone number known to all tenants and shall register same with the Housing Officer and shall also make available and known to all tenants and Housing Officer the name of an alternative individual who shall be responsible during the absence of said superintendent, janitor, caretaker or housekeeper.
B. 
In any premises containing 35 or more dwelling units, rooming units or combination thereof, said superintendent, janitor, caretaker or housekeeper shall reside on the premises. In any premises containing 70 or more dwelling units, rooming units or combination thereof, the said superintendent, janitor, caretaker or housekeeper shall be a full-time employee. Where more than one building on adjoining premises or premises in near proximity to each other are in common ownership or under common management or maintenance supervision, the requirements contained herein shall apply separately to each building, unless the owner or manager thereof can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Housing Officer that proper operation of the premises and provision of all essential services and facilities as required under City codes can be provided by a resident superintendent, janitor, caretaker or housekeeper of one building who shall assume responsibility for the other building or buildings adjoining or in near proximity to his place of residence.
C. 
Said superintendent, janitor, caretaker or housekeeper shall have sufficient knowledge, competence and responsibility and shall have authority from the owner or operator to attend to or arrange for continual operation of all essential services and facilities required under this code. Where violations arise under this code and, by reason of same, the Housing Officer is doubtful of the qualifications, competence and sense of responsibility of any superintendent, janitor, caretaker or housekeeper he shall provide notice to the owner or operator and to the superintendent, janitor, caretaker or housekeeper and thereafter shall provide an oral and written examination or hearing to determine the qualifications, competence and sense of responsibility of said superintendent, janitor, caretaker or housekeeper. In the event the Housing Officer shall find such person is not capable or competent to regularly perform his duties by this code, said Housing Officer shall order the owner or operator to provide that a suitable person be placed in charge and be responsible for said premises.
D. 
The failure of any superintendent, janitor, caretaker, or housekeeper to comply with the provisions of this code, even in disobedience of instructions, shall not relieve the owner or operator from the duties and responsibilities imposed by this code.
A. 
Every facility using running water for domestic purposes within any building shall be connected to the public water supply system of the city. The water system shall be maintained in good and operable condition at all times, so that sufficient and positive pressure shall be available at all installed hot and cold water faucets.
B. 
All plumbing fixtures shall be connected to the sanitary sewer through lines which are free of leaks, corrosion or deterioration and provide unobstructed passage from the plumbing facilities within the dwelling to the sanitary sewer.
A. 
Every kitchen sink, bathroom sink and basin, tub or shower as required under this code shall be connected to both the hot and cold water lines. There shall be sufficient and adequate equipment maintained in good working condition to supply water at a minimum temperature of 120° F. and a maximum of 160° F. at all times to each hot water outlet.
B. 
Hot and cold running water shall be provided in all occupied structures in a number adequate to meet the needs of the particular use or tenant. The Department of Labor's standards and the City of Passaic's Plumbing Code provisions shall apply to all existing structures.
C. 
Hot-water heaters shall be modified so that the blow-off or safety device is extended to produce its discharge downward, and the end of the extended blowoff line shall be not more than nine inches above the floor.
[Added 10-6-1988 by Ord. No. 1044-88]
Every bathroom required herein shall be provided with a flush toilet connected to the cold water line and a shower or tub and a wash basin connected to hot and cold running water as set forth in § 219-38. Bathrooms shall also be provided with adequate light and ventilation as more particularly set forth in § 219-58.
[Amended 9-13-1984 by Ord. No. 803-84]
Every facility required under § 219-37, 219-38 and 219-39 hereunder and any other facility subject to regulation in any fashion by the Plumbing Subcode Official shall be maintained in a sanitary condition, free of defect and in operating condition at all times. Where the said facility or plumbing fixtures shall be clogged, overflowing or otherwise necessitate repairs, such repairs shall be performed forthwith.
Every dwelling unit shall contain a bathroom which shall be located entirely within that unit and which shall be completely enclosed, containing the facilities as set forth in § 219-77, in a room which affords privacy to the occupants thereof.
There shall be a bathroom meeting the same requirements as set forth in § 219-39, which shall be directly accessible to a common hallway or areaway which is either on the same floor as or is one floor above or below all rooming units it is designed to serve and which hallway is directly accessible to the occupants of all such rooming units without passing through any other dwelling unit or rooming unit.
A. 
All buildings that are occupied and in use by an owner and/or tenant or employee shall have adequate toilet facilities as prescribed by the local Plumbing Code and Department of Labor provisions.
B. 
Wherever determined practical by the Passaic Building Department and/or the Passaic Redevelopment Agency in renewal areas, separate and individual toilet facilities shall be provided for mercantile uses. No alterations or changes in occupancy of a mercantile use shall be allowed without first complying with this provision. Adequate light and ventilation shall also be provided in all toilet compartments. No nonresidential occupancy shall be allowed to share toilet facilities with any other occupants in the structure.
[Amended 3-5-1987 by Ord. No. 973-87; 3-22-2022 by Ord. No. 2339-22; 4-12-2022 by Ord. No. 2342-22]
A. 
Every dwelling unit shall contain a heating system of sufficient capacity to maintain a minimum inside temperature of 70° F. in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and water closet compartments, measurable 36 inches above the floor at the center of any such room or compartment, when the outside temperature is 0° F.
B. 
The heating system as herein defined shall be inspected annually by the building owner, a responsible agent, and/or a licensed professional, who will certify to the conditions and operability of the system. Such inspection shall be for the following purposes:
(1) 
To ensure that the system is being maintained in accordance with the standards applicable to the facility as of the time of installation;
(2) 
To locate and remove hazards or conditions that may, if not corrected, foreseeably develop into hazards or become violations of these regulations;
(3) 
To confirm the ability of the system to fulfill the heating requirements provided hereunder.
C. 
Every five years, the heating system herein defined shall be inspected by a licensed professional, who will certify to the conditions and operability of the system for the purposes enumerated in Subsection B(1) through (3).
D. 
"Heating system" shall be defined as heating outlets, radiators, risers, returns, and electric or gas space heaters. All heating systems should have such controls as are necessary to permit the occupant of the dwelling unit to regulate the supply of heat to the dwelling unit. Pipes carrying steam or hot water which pass through any dwelling unit to provide heat to any other dwelling unit expressly do not constitute heating systems within the meaning of this section.
E. 
Time for filing. The completed certification shall be filed by the landlord with the Department of Inspection and Code Enforcement no later than November 15 of any year.
F. 
The filing fee for this certification shall be $20 per building structure. If an inspection is required, the fee for such inspection shall be as set forth in § 219-175 of this Code.
[Amended 3-5-1987 by Ord. No. 973-87]
Every habitable room of each dwelling unit shall contain no fewer than two separate floor or wall-type convenience outlets of two sockets each. Every water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room, furnace room and public hall shall contain at least one supplied ceiling or wall-type electric light fixture and at least one floor or wall-type convenience outlet. Light fixtures installed in water closet compartments, bathrooms or laundry rooms shall not contain pull-chain or other switching devices but shall be controlled by insulated wall switches on the wall most remote from plumbing fixtures. Any wall outlet or fixture installed shall be properly installed, shall be maintained in a good and safe working condition and shall be connected to the source of electric power in a safe manner.
Fuel for operation of the heating equipment shall be stored outside the premises, unless stored in the interior pursuant to regulations of the Fire Department as to storage of inflammable materials, set forth under § 219-35.
No heating units shall be converted in any dwelling, or part thereof, between October 1 and May 1 where there are occupants, other than the owner or operator, dependent on heat from the unit without written consent of all such occupants, but nothing herein shall be construed as preventing emergency alterations or repairs.
[Amended 8-9-1984 by Ord. No. 795-84]
A. 
Heating equipment shall be installed in a manner which will avoid dangerous concentration of fumes and gases. Heating equipment shall not be forced to operate beyond the safe capacity for which it is designed. Where necessary, exposed heating risers, heating ducts and hot water lines shall be covered with an insulating material or guard. The heating facilities and all parts thereof shall be kept in good operating condition, free of defects, corrosion and deterioration at all times.
B. 
Space heaters shall be so installed, located and maintained so as to exhaust the products of combustion to the outside air; to prevent a fire hazard by being sufficiently removed or insulated from surrounding material; to be permanently affixed so that the heater cannot be moved by occupants; and not to constitute a hazard to persons using the premises in close proximity to the heater by reason of chance contact or by reason of lack of fresh air supply.
C. 
Space heaters shall be installed in such a manner that all habitable rooms will be heated to the required temperature, with no room more than 5° F. higher in temperature than the other rooms. If the temperature varies over 5° F., other heaters must be installed to give uniform heating of all habitable rooms.
D. 
Electric and gas space heaters shall be permitted, provided that they meet standards established by Underwriters' Laboratories and are approved by the Fire Subcode Official of the City of Passaic.
E. 
The use of portable kerosene heaters or other similar fuel-burning appliances for heating is prohibited. A "portable kerosene heater" is a nonflue-connected, self-contained, self-supporting heater with an integral reservoir designed to be carried from one location to another.
F. 
Sidearm water heaters are illegal and not permitted as a source of hot water supply.
G. 
All boilers shall have a blow-off or safety device modified so that any discharge from such is expelled downward, and the end of the extended blow-off line shall be not more than nine inches above the floor.
[Added 10-6-1988 by Ord. No. 1044-88]
[Amended 6-4-1981 by Ord. No. 633-81; 8-28-1986 by Ord. No. 940-86; 2-28-1991 by Ord. No. 1130-91; 3-22-2022 by Ord. No. 2339-22]
A. 
Every dwelling unit, rooming unit, bathroom and water closet, when the owner provides the heat, shall be maintained at 68° F. between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and at 65° F. between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. every day between September 15 of any year and May 15 of the next succeeding year. During this stated calendar period, every dwelling unit, rooming unit, bathroom and water closet compartment shall be supplied with sufficient heat to maintain therein a minimum temperature of 68° F. between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and a minimum temperature of 65° F. between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
B. 
In any instance where necessary repairs to the heating system exceed 12 hours, the owner who provides the heat shall inform the Department of Inspection and Code Enforcement of its inability to satisfy the minimum temperature obligations of this provision not later than 24 hours after being made aware of the problem. "Necessary repairs" under this section are any repairs to the heating system that must be performed during the stated calendar period to fulfill the minimum temperature obligations of this provision.
C. 
It shall be the duty of the landlord or his agent to supply to each tenant a copy of this article and any amendments thereto at the time the premises are rented; except that in the case of tenants in place at the time this amendment is adopted, the landlord or his agent shall have 15 days from the effective date to serve on each tenant a copy of this article.
[Added 6-1-1989 by Ord. No. 1068-89]
The failure of any system, whether due to owner's negligence or not, shall not relieve said owner of the obligation set forth in § 219-49. It is the owner's duty and obligation, in case of system failure, to provide alternate means of supplying the required heat in any instance where necessary repairs to the heating system exceed 12 hours.
[Added 6-1-1989 by Ord. No. 1068-89]
A. 
In adopting this amendment, the City Council wishes to make it incontravertably clear that it considers continuous provision of adequate heat of paramount importance and that even due diligence to prevent or repair breakdowns does not exempt rental property owners and operators from whatever alternative effort and expense is necessary to maintain such continuous heat.
B. 
The City Council further states its intentions that this section of the code stand on its own and that proof that heat did not meet the required levels is, ipso facto, proof that a violation of § 219-49 has occurred, notwithstanding the cause of such lack of heat nor any effort of building owner or operator to abate such violation.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 219-50, Duration of entire day, was repealed 8-28-1986 by Ord. No. 940-86.
Any owner or operator who has an express contractual arrangement with an occupant, under which the occupant undertakes to supply his own heat through facilities under the occupant's exclusive control, shall be excluded from the requirements to supply heat hereunder.
Notwithstanding a contract by the occupant to supply his own heat as provided herein, where the heating unit is installed by or owned by the owner or operator, then the duty to maintain said heating unit in operable and functioning condition shall remain the duty of the owner or operator.
The presence of heating outlets, radiators, risers and returns in any hall or dwelling unit or rooming unit shall constitute a presumption that the owner is to supply heat as required hereunder, and in the absence of clear and convincing proof to the contrary, this presumption shall control.
As set forth in § 219-48, occupants who undertake to supply heat to dwelling units or rooming units other than their own shall be responsible as owners hereunder to the occupants of such dwelling units or rooming units.
A. 
Every habitable room, excepting kitchens, shall have at least one window or skylight facing directly to the outdoors. The minimum aggregate window or skylight area available to unobstructed light shall not be less than 10% of the floor area of such rooms or 12 square feet, whichever is greater. The window or skylight shall either open to 45% of the required area or be supplied with a mechanical ventilation system of sufficient capacity, provided with proper openings for incoming or outgoing air, to assure comparable ventilation. Openings for ventilation as required herein shall include windows, skylights, louvres, monitors or other openings, provided that all such openings are easily operable by the occupants.
[Amended 8-28-1986 by Ord. No. 940-86]
B. 
For the purpose of ensuring that adequate light and ventilation are available, no existing windows or doors shall be closed off or made inoperable without written approval from the Building Department.
C. 
Kitchens which shall not have at least one window or skylight as described in Subsection A above shall be supplied with mechanical ventilation as described in Subsection A above.
[Added 8-28-1986 by Ord. No. 940-86]
Every bathroom and water closet compartment shall be adequately ventilated with openable area as described in § 219-55, totaling 1 1/2 square feet or by comparable mechanical ventilation.
Electrical power, through safely insulated conduits conforming to the Passaic Electrical Code, shall be supplied to the following:
A. 
Residential. All dwelling units and rooming units used or available for human habitation.
B. 
Nonresidential. Nonresidential buildings regularly utilized for business, industrial, commercial or institutional work and activities.
Every habitable room shall be equipped with a permanently installed electrical outlet or outlets sufficient to provide lighting and power and permit the installation of or use of electric lights sufficient to meet the reasonable lighting requirements for normal use of the room and other electrical equipment normally expected to be used in said room.
A. 
Every bathroom and water closet compartment shall be provided with permanently installed artificial lighting fixtures with a switch and wall plate so located and maintained that there is no danger of short-circuiting from water from other bathroom facilities or splashing of water.
B. 
Nonresidential. Every washroom and water closet compartment shall be provided with permanently installed artificial lighting fixtures with a switch and wall plate so located and maintained that there is no danger of short-circuiting from water from other washroom facilities or from splashing of water.
A. 
Residential. Lighting of hallways, stairways, landings and other spaces used by occupants in common as a normal means of passage shall be sufficient to provide at least five footcandles (five watts) per square foot measured in the darkest portion. Light switches for stairs and hallways shall be readily accessible to occupants using the same and so located as to comply with § 219-55. Every cellar, basement, work space and other part of the structure used occasionally and incidentally by the occupants shall be provided with artificial lighting available at all times so that there shall be at least three footcandles (three watts) per square foot measured in the darkest portion trafficked by occupants.
B. 
Nonresidential. Nonresidential buildings required to have electric service under § 219-58 shall also be provided with artificial contact in Subsection A hereof. All such fixtures shall be operable from a switch located near the point of ingress to the interior of the space lighted. All portions of the premises which are regularly utilized for work and activities shall be illuminated by at least five footcandles (five watts) per square foot measured in the darkest portions thereof, and all other portions regularly traversed by occupants of the premises shall be illuminated by at least three footcandles per square foot (three watts) measured in the darkest portions thereof.
Except as hereinafter stated, all wiring or cables shall be properly affixed or attached to the structure. Insulation shall be provided for all wiring and cables and kept in good repair. No loose cords or loose extension lines in excess of six feet in length shall be permitted and no ceiling or wall fixture shall be used for supplying power to equipment other than for which they are designed.
All required lighting fixtures shall be supplied at all times with functioning light bulbs of sufficient wattage to supply the luminal requirements of this code.
A. 
Residential. Maximum fuse sizes consistent with safety shall be posted conspicuously on the inside cover of all fuse boxes, and no fuse shall be installed therein in excess of the stated maximum, except that owners shall not be responsible for a violation in fuse installation without their knowledge where the correct maximum is stated and the fuse box is located within a dwelling unit or rooming unit in the exclusive possession of occupants other than the owner.
B. 
Nonresidential. Maximum fuse sizes consistent with safety shall be posted conspicuously on the inside cover of all fuse boxes, and no fuse shall be installed therein in excess of the stated maximum, except that owners shall not be responsible for violation in fuse installations without their knowledge where the correct maximum is stated and the fuse box is located within any part of the premises which is in the exclusive possession of occupants other than the owner.
Overloading of circuits is prohibited. Where the Housing Officer finds, after notice and hearing, that by reason of the appliances and fixtures there is continual overloading of an electrical line creating a hazard, the owner shall be required to install a line of sufficient capacity to absorb the load to which the line is subjected or otherwise eliminate the conditions causing the overload. For purposes of this section, the Housing Officer may consider the peak seasonal load to which the line is subjected.
No owner, operator or occupant shall cause any service, facility, equipment or utility, which is required to be supplied by the provisions of this code, to be removed from or discontinued for an occupied dwelling unit or rooming unit, except for necessary repairs, alterations or emergencies or for such other reason as may be permitted pursuant to those sections of the City ordinances applicable to such service, facility, equipment or utility.
[Amended 8-9-1984 by Ord. No. 795-84; 8-28-1986 by Ord. No. 940-86]
Every dwelling unit shall have at least one room which shall have not less than 120 square feet of superficial floor area. Every room which is used for both cooking and living or living and sleeping shall have not less than 150 square feet of superficial floor area. Every room used for sleeping purposes shall have not less than 90 square feet of superficial floor area, and every room occupied or intended to be occupied by more than one occupant shall conform to the provisions of § 219-68 hereunder.
Every dwelling unit shall contain a minimum superficial floor area of 150 square feet for the initial occupant; 250 square feet for two occupants; 350 square feet for three occupants; and 100 square feet for each occupant thereafter, except that for the purpose of this section, children under one year of age shall not be counted as occupants. In accordance with the definition of "floor area, superficial," the minimum height overall of the area to be included in this calculation shall be 7 1/3 feet from floor to ceiling.
[Amended 8-9-1984 by Ord. No. 795-84; 8-28-1986 by Ord. No. 940-86]
In every dwelling unit other than a rooming unit, every room occupied or intended to be occupied for sleeping purpose by one occupant shall have a minimum superficial floor area of 90 square feet; every room occupied or intended to be occupied for sleeping purposes by two persons shall have a minimum superficial floor area of 120 square feet; every room occupied or intended to be occupied for sleeping purposes by more than two persons shall have a superficial floor area of at least 185 square feet for three persons, plus an additional 65 square feet for each additional occupant; provided, however, that children under the age of 12 months shall not be considered as occupants for the purposes of this section.
[Added 7-9-1987 by Ord. No. 988-87]
It shall be the responsibility of every landlord or his/her agent to inform all tenants of the maximum occupancy permitted in any dwelling unit and to maintain proof that such notification was made to existing tenants on or after the effective date of this chapter and to all future tenants at the time they shall contract or agree to rent such unit. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that failure to provide proof of such notification constitutes an admission that such notice was not given and that responsibility for overcrowding rests exclusively with the landlord.
[Amended 8-9-1984 by Ord. No. 795-84]
In establishments subject to licensing, rooms utilized for sleeping purposes shall have a minimum superficial floor area of 90 square feet for the first occupant and 70 square feet for each additional occupant.
[Amended 8-9-1984 by Ord. No. 795-84]
A. 
The use of a cellar for sleeping purposes is hereby prohibited.
B. 
The use of kitchens, bathrooms or toilet rooms for sleeping purposes is hereby prohibited.
Basements may be used for human habitation, provided that:
A. 
There is sufficient light and ventilation as more particularly required by §§ 219-55 through 219-59 and that natural light and ventilation are not restricted by reason of walls or other obstructions located within six feet of any window required pursuant to this section.
B. 
There is a second means of egress conforming to the requirements of § 219-83.
C. 
All furnaces or other heating facilities are so located, insulated and separated from living areas by fireproof partitions or walls necessary, pursuant to regulations of the Fire Chief, so that the same do not constitute an undue hazard to the safety and health of the occupants.
D. 
The dwelling units and all walls and floors thereof are free of visible moisture and seepage at all times.
E. 
Hallways and passageways leading to exits must be at least seven feet in height.
A single-family dwelling shall be occupied by persons composing an immediate family and no more than two other persons.
A dwelling unit, other than that constituting a single-family dwelling, shall be occupied by one or more persons related by blood or marriage or a group of not more than four persons, not necessarily related by blood or marriage, together as a single housekeeping unit.
Independent rooming units shall be rented for occupancy or occupied by adults and emancipated minors only.
Occupancy of dwelling units or rooming units having only one habitable room shall be limited to two persons.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed as permitting occupancy in violation of any other occupancy standard, all occupancy standards being cumulative and not in the alternative.
[Amended 8-9-1984 by Ord. No. 795-84]
A. 
Every dwelling unit shall have a bathroom containing a toilet, washbasin, a combination of both and a bathtub or shower, and all such shall, at all times, be maintained in sanitary condition and good working order. Where there are more than eight occupants within a dwelling unit, there shall be two bathrooms as prescribed herein.
B. 
Every dwelling unit shall be equipped with private kitchen facilities, which shall include a kitchen sink of nonabsorbent, impervious material and a drainboard of appropriate materials, connected to and having at all times available a supply of hot and cold water under sufficient pressure adequate to enable them to function properly and said sink shall be connected to a sanitary disposal or system; have means of natural ventilation or mechanical ventilation sufficient to promptly remove cooking odors to the exterior of the premises without first circulating them within the interior habitable space of the unit; have a place for storage of food free from infestation; and have a cooking facility which, if electrical, is connected with safety to an electrical system of sufficient capacity or, if gas, connected by permanent fixtures and tubing to avoid leakage of gas. All feeder lines providing gas to a stove, oven or other device shall be equipped with a shutoff valve. The use of gasoline stoves or similar fuel-burning appliances using highly flammable liquids and the use of portable kerosene stoves or other similar fuel-burning portable appliances for cooking is prohibited. The use of hot plates or similar electrical devices for cooking is prohibited. All permitted equipment and facilities described herein shall at all times be maintained in sanitary condition and good working order.
[Amended 10-6-1988 by Ord. No. 1044-88]
C. 
Every dwelling unit shall have properly operating electrical and water service and, if applicable, natural gas service, and it shall be a violation of this chapter to occupy or permit occupancy of any dwelling unit to which electrical service or water service or natural gas service has been suspended, whether for nonpayment of service charges or for any other cause, except as provided in § 219-65.
[Amended 8-28-1986 by Ord. No. 940-86]
[Amended 10-6-1988 by Ord. No. 1044-88]
There shall be a second means of egress for all dwelling units located in basements or above the first-story level of any structure, except in single- and two-family dwellings, except that where an illegal dwelling unit exists in the cellar or above the first-story level of a one- or two-family dwelling, it shall be a violation of this section not to provide a second means of egress therefor.
[Amended 3-5-1987 by Ord. No. 973-87]
The second means of egress from any basement dwelling unit may be by a second door located independently from the first means of egress and leading directly to the outside of the premises or, in the alternative, a window which shall serve as a means of egress in accordance with §§ 219-81 and 219-83.
Independent rooming units shall, except in a single-family or two-family dwelling, have a door opening directly into a common hallway or areaway. Any independent rooming unit located in the basement or at ground level of a dwelling shall be provided with a second means of egress with the same requirements as provided in § 219-83. Where there is an independent rooming unit located above the first story, a common hallway or areaway shall have two means of egress remote from each other.
Where a window forms a part of the path of egress from a dwelling unit or rooming unit or from a common hallway or areaway to a fire escape, the said window shall be located no more than three feet above the floor area and shall provide a minimum opening of at least three feet in width and four feet in height. The said window shall be easy to open for all occupants and shall lead directly to the fire escape or to the immediately adjacent outside ground area with a maximum drop of three feet thereto. Screens, storm windows and other barriers to the outside shall be readily opened or removed so as not to form any obstruction to occupants seeking egress in cases of emergency.
[Added 10-6-1988 by Ord. No. 1044-88]
Permanently installed bars, grates, screens or any other device which is not easily opened or removed from the interior of any dwelling unit may not be installed on any window of a dwelling unit.
Any door in the path of egress shall be at least 30 inches in width with a minimum height of six feet eight inches, which door shall open in the direction of exit travel and shall be accessible and free from obstructions from common hallways or areaways.
A. 
Where two or more exits are required, each exit shall be as remote as practicable from the other exit or exits. All the exits shall be of such number and so located that the distance of travel from the door of each rooming unit or dwelling unit on each floor shall not exceed 50 feet; except that in buildings of fireproof construction or buildings equipped with automatic sprinkler systems throughout, the maximum distance of travel from the door of any unit to the nearest exit shall not exceed 100 feet, provided that two of the exits shall be at least 50 feet apart.
B. 
No existing exits shall be blocked off or obstructed in any way without first receiving written approval of the Building Department.
[Added 8-9-1984 by Ord. No. 795-84]
In every building over four stories, every door opening into any grade, passageway, corridor or stair shall be self-closing and shall be kept closed when not in actual use, and every glazed opening or glazed panel in such a door, where such glazed opening or glazed panel is otherwise permissible, shall be glazed with approved one-fourth-inch-thick wire glass.
[Added 8-9-1984 by Ord. No. 795-84]
In every building, every transom opening upon any corridor shall be glazed with approved one-fourth-inch-thick wire glass firmly secured in a closed position by means of a fire-rated metal frame; and every interior sash or opening, other than a door, in the walls or partitions of any such corridor and any window in any such corridor not opening to the outer air, other than an approved transom, shall be removed and the openings closed up and fire retarded.
[Added 8-9-1984 by Ord. No. 795-84;[1] amended 2-6-1986 by Ord. No. 906-86]
A. 
Every multiple dwelling shall be required to install smoke detectors and/or smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in conformance with Section 5:10-25.3 of the New Jersey Administrative Code or such other additional regulations as the state may promulgate.
[Amended 6-9-2004 by Ord. No. 1620-04]
B. 
Additionally, it shall be a violation of this code to allow or have a nonworking or incomplete smoke detector. In the case of smoke detectors in common areas of a building, the owner, landlord or agent, jointly or severally, shall be solely responsible for maintaining all smoke-detection systems or devices in good working order at all times. In the case of single-station units installed in dwelling units, the owner, landlord or agent, jointly or severally, shall be responsible for maintaining all smoke-detection devices in good working order at all times when notice shall have been provided pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:10-25.3(d) or when notified by the tenant that he/she is unable to correct or repair a malfunction in a smoke detection unit or when notified by the City of Passaic of a malfunctioning or nonfunctioning smoke detection unit.
C. 
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this code, a reasonable time to repair or replace a single-station smoke-detection unit shall be deemed to be 24 hours; a reasonable time to repair a multiple-station, electrically wired smoke-detection system shall be deemed to be 72 hours.
D. 
A tenant who fails to conduct regular tests of all detector units in his dwelling unit or who fails to notify the building owner, landlord or agent in conformity with N.J.A.C. 5:10-25.3(f) shall be guilty of a violation of this code and shall be subject to the penalties therefor.
E. 
A tenant who willfully or maliciously damages, disables, removes or otherwise renders useless any smoke-detection system or device, whether in his/her own dwelling unit or in another dwelling unit or in the common areas of any building, shall be subject to a minimum fine of $100 for the first offense.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided that: "Copies of the pertinent sections of the New Jersey Administrative Code referred to herein are annexed hereto and made a part hereof by reference. Three copies of such sections are on file in the Office of the City Clerk for public examination during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday."
[Added 8-9-1984 by Ord. No 795-84[1]]
Every multiple dwelling shall be made secure in conformance with the standards of Section 5:10-19.2 of the New Jersey Administrative Code or such other or additional regulations as the state may promulgate.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided that: "Copies of the pertinent sections of the New Jersey Administrative Code referred to herein are annexed hereto and made a part hereof by reference. Three copies of such sections are on file in the Office of the City Clerk for public examination during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday."
[Added 8-9-1984 by Ord. No. 795-84[1]]
No cooking shall be permitted in any unit of dwelling space unless there is provision for the minimum cooking and sanitary facilities as detailed in Section 5:10-20.1 of the New Jersey Administrative Code or such other or additional regulations as the state may promulgate. All cooking equipment that shall be installed shall be maintained in good working order and in safe and sanitary condition.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided that: "Copies of the pertinent sections of the New Jersey Administrative Code referred to herein are annexed hereto and made a part hereof by reference. Three copies of such sections are on file in the Office of the City Clerk for public examination during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday."
[Added 8-9-1984 by Ord. No. 795-84]
A. 
The owner shall provide and maintain mail receptacles for all occupants conforming to all federal postal laws and regulations.
B. 
In multiple dwellings, there shall be identification by name and unit of dwelling space for each designated occupant, maintained by the person in charge of the premises or posted at or near the main entrance of the premises or in the lobby, lounge or mail room area. Nothing herein shall be construed as requiring a directory for transient guests, provided that there is a responsible person on the premises, designated by the owner, known to postal authorities, who shall, on behalf of the owner, receive and distribute or make available for pickup mail for transient guests.
[Added 8-9-1984 by Ord. No 795-84]
A. 
Every unit of dwelling space in multiple dwellings shall have some permanent and legible identification by letter, number or other symbol at or near the front entrance thereof.
B. 
Floor signs designating the number of the floor shall be posted permanently and maintained permanently near to and visible from the entrance to the elevators and stairwells serving each floor.
C. 
The street number of the premises shall be posted prominently at the front entrance to the premises and be visible day and night from the public right-of-way adjoining the main front entrances of the premises.
[Added 8-9-1984 by Ord. No. 795-84]
All elevators shall be maintained as to meet the standards established and set forth in ANSI A17.1. The elevator doors, flooring, safety devices and operating mechanisms shall be maintained in good working order and free of hazards.
[Added 8-9-1984 by Ord. No. 795-84]
All elevators and elevator equipment and accessory devices shall be provided with preventive maintenance and inspections as required in ANSI A17.1.
[Added 8-9-1984 by Ord. No. 795-84]
Elevator service shall not be suspended except where unavoidable or where necessary to provide servicing or repairs, and then only for the minimum period of time necessary to effectuate such service or repairs. When the owner has knowledge in advance of such suspension, he shall post a notice of the same, advising all occupants of the time and duration of any such suspension and the reason therefore.
[Added 8-9-1984 by Ord. No. 795-84]
A. 
Emergency interlock release switch. Emergency interlock release switches in elevator cars, where provided, shall be of the key-operated continuous-pressure type, and all other types not in use shall be removed or replaced with approved key-operated, continuous-pressure-type switches.
B. 
Belt- and chain-driven machines. Single-belted and chain-driven machines shall be permitted only on freight elevators and only when equipped with electrically released spring-applied brakes and with terminal stopping devices as required in ANSI A17.1.
C. 
Drum-winding machines. Drum-winding machines shall be equipped with electrical machine limits as set forth in ANSI A17.1.
D. 
Addition, replacement or relocation of car-gate switches. Car-gate electric contacts, where such devices are not provided or found to be tied or blocked so as to render them inoperative, shall be added, replaced or relocated as required. Installation or replacement of car-gate electric contacts shall conform with the requirements of ANSI A17.1.
E. 
Passenger elevator hoistway-door interlocks. All existing passenger elevators not presently equipped with hoistway doors having door interlocks shall be provided with hoist-way landing doors equipped with approved-type hoistway door interlocks conforming to the requirements of ANSI A17.1. Approved-type interlock switches may be installed in connection with existing hoistway-door closers, provided that the combination door closers and interlocks conform to all the requirements for approved hoistway door interlocks. The use of elevator parking devices and hoistway door unlocking devices for opening hoistway doors from the landing side shall conform with the requirements of ANSI A17.1.
(1) 
Exceptions. Interlocks or electric contacts shall not be used on hydraulic elevator landing doors or gates, except when such elevators are provided with electric control and operating devices.
F. 
Emergency signal. Automatic operation elevators or any elevator operated at any time without a designated operator shall be provided with an audible emergency signal.
G. 
Mirrors. In all multiple dwellings in which there are one or more self-service elevators, there shall be affixed and maintained in each elevator a mirror which will enable persons, prior to entering into such elevator, to view the inside thereof to determine whether any person is in such elevator.
[Added 8-9-1984 by Ord. No. 795-84]
A. 
Every garage or other accessory structure utilized by occupants after dark shall be equipped with artificial lighting, which shall be maintained and operated so as to render all parts of the garage that are unlocked and accessible visible to occupants and also illuminate all areas commonly used by occupants sufficiently to enable persons of normal vision to traverse from such areas safely to the point of egress from the garage.
B. 
In garages or structures not kept locked, lighting as required herein shall be kept on continually from 1/2 hour before sunset to 1/2 hour after sunrise, unless the lighting is connected to a dusk-to-dawn photoelectric cell device.
C. 
In garages or structures which are locked at all entrances, lighting may be provided which is operated manually by individual occupants in lieu of continual night lighting, and in such cases, the lighting fixtures shall be operable from a switch located near the point of ingress into the interior of the space to be lighted.
D. 
Illumination of common areas shall be situated so as not to shine into adjacent dwelling units.
E. 
Exterior parking areas, pedestrian walkways or other portions of the premises subject to regular and recurrent use by occupants at night shall be illuminated continually from 1/2 hour before sunset to 1/2 hour after sunrise, unless the lighting is connected to a dusk-to-dawn photoelectric device, to enable safe passage of persons of normal vision.
[Added 10-4-1984 by Ord. No. 808-84]
In buildings where all dwelling units have been unoccupied for a period of 30 days or more or where all dwelling units have become unoccupied because of fire, flood or other natural calamity or where all dwelling units have been ordered vacated because the building has been declared unfit for habitation or as a hazard to life, limb or the general welfare of the occupants or the general public, it shall be the duty of the owner or operator to close all windows, doors and other openings in the manner described in Sections I(a) through I(d) inclusive of Ordinance No. 432-77,[1] except that this provision shall not apply to any building which is unoccupied because of a current alteration being performed under application and plan approved by the construction official having jurisdiction.
[1]
Editor's Note: Ord. No. 432-77 is included herein as Ch. 95, Vacant Buildings. See in particular § 95-2A through D.
[Added 10-3-1985 by Ord. No. 882-85]
A. 
The owner of every one-family dwelling and the owner of every two-family dwelling, one unit of which is occupied by the owner, shall cause each dwelling unit to have a minimum of one electric or battery-operated smoke detector device so situated to provide maximum protection to each sleeping area. Any such device shall bear a seal, be tested and listed by an approved rating organization and shall comply in design to all applicable state, federal and industrial standards. In the case of electric devices, a permit for the same shall be obtained from the Electrical Subcode Official prior to installation.
B. 
It shall be the obligation of the tenant in any rented premises covered by this section to monitor the unit or units within his/her premises and to replace batteries as necessary to ensure the unit is in working condition. In cases of malfunction, the tenant shall inform the landlord of such, and the landlord shall be required to provide a replacement unit therefor.
C. 
The owner of each dwelling unit covered by this section shall cause the same to be brought into compliance with the terms and provisions hereof by January 1, 1986; provided, however, that no dwelling units(s) shall be sold nor the occupancy thereof changed at any time after the effective date of this chapter until such dwelling unit(s) shall be brought into compliance with the terms and provisions of this section; no structural change or repair of a value in excess of $500 shall be made to a dwelling unit, unless and until such unit is brought into compliance with the terms and provisions of this section; no certificate of occupancy shall be issued for a dwelling unit, unless and until the applicant therefor shall have first complied with all the terms and conditions of this section.
D. 
Prior to the sale of any dwelling unit located in the City of Passaic, which shall come under the terms of this section, the owner and seller thereof shall certify in writing to the Director of Housing Inspections full and complete compliance of said property with the terms and provisions of this section. The making and submission of a willful false certification by the owner and seller of a dwelling unit shall be a violation of the terms and conditions of this chapter.
[Amended 6-9-2004 by Ord. No. 1620-04]
E. 
The tax search official of the City of Passaic shall provide to each person requesting a tax search from his office a statement calling attention to the provisions of this section, and the Construction Official shall provide the same to any person requesting an application for a certificate of occupancy.