[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Freehold 6-13-1966 (§ 13-2 of the Revised General Ordinances), as amended through Ord. No. O-95-36. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Uniform construction codes — See Ch. 115.
Fees — See Ch. 150.
Fire and smoke detectors — See Ch. 162, Art. III.
Property maintenance — See Ch. 245.
Nuisances — See Ch. 380.
In accordance with the provisions of statutes, the New Jersey State Housing Code as revised to date is hereby adopted as a standard governing supplied utilities and facilities and other physical things and conditions essential to making dwellings safe, sanitary and fit for human habitation, occupancy or use, and governing the condition of dwellings. A copy of the New Jersey State Housing Code is attached to and made a part of this chapter without the text being included herein.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The New Jersey State Housing Code is on file in the Clerk's office.
Three copies of the New Jersey State Housing Code have been placed on file in the office of the Clerk and will remain on file there for the use and examination of the public.
[Amended 12-27-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-48]
The administrative and enforcing authority for the provisions of this chapter shall be the Housing Official.
The Housing Official may make rules and regulations which interpret or amplify any provision of this chapter or for the purpose of making the provisions of this chapter more effective. No regulation, however, shall be inconsistent with or alter or amend any provision of this chapter, and no regulation shall impose any requirement which is in addition to or greater than the requirements that are expressly or by implication imposed by any provision of this chapter. Rules and regulations shall be subject to the same penalty as other violations of this chapter.
The Housing Official or his agents or employees shall make inspections to determine the condition of dwellings, units, rooming units and premises located within the Township.
The Housing Official or his agents may, upon affidavit, apply to the judge of the Municipal Court of the Township for a search warrant setting forth factually the actual conditions and circumstances that provide a reasonable basis for believing that a nuisance or violation of this chapter exists on the premises, and if the Municipal Judge is satisfied as to the matter set forth in the affidavit, he shall authorize the issuance of a search warrant permitting access to and inspection of that part of the premises on which the nuisance or violation may exist. A search warrant may also be obtained in connection with a general program of inspection.
Whenever the Housing Official determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a violation of any provision of this chapter or of any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, he shall give notice of the alleged violation to the person or persons responsible therefor as hereinafter provided. The notice shall:
A. 
Be put in writing;
B. 
Include a statement of the reasons why it is being issued;
C. 
Allow a reasonable time for the performance of any act it requires;
D. 
Be served upon the owner or his agent, or the occupant, as the case may require, provided that notice shall be deemed to be properly served upon such owner or agent, or upon such occupant, if a copy thereof is served upon him personally; or if a copy thereof is sent by certified mail to his last known address; or if a copy thereof is posted in a conspicuous place in or about the dwelling affected by the notice; or if he is served with such notice by any other method authorized or required under the laws of this state. The notice may contain an outline of remedial action which, if taken, will effect compliance with the provisions of this chapter and with rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
Any person affected by any notice which has been issued in connection with the enforcement of any provisions of this chapter, or of any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, may request and shall be granted a hearing on the matter before the Housing Official, provided that such person shall file in the office of the Housing Official a written petition requesting a hearing and setting forth a brief statement of the grounds therefor within 10 days after the day the notice is served. Upon receipt of the petition, the Housing Official shall set a time and place for the hearing and shall give the petitioner written notice thereof. At the hearing the petitioner shall be given an opportunity to be heard and to show why the notice should be modified or withdrawn. The hearing shall be commenced not later than 10 days after the day on which the petition is filed, provided that upon application of the petitioner, the Housing Official may postpone the date of the hearing for a reasonable time beyond the ten-day period, if in his judgment the petitioner has submitted a good and sufficient reason for the postponement. After the hearing the Housing Official shall sustain, modify, or withdraw the notice, depending upon his findings as to whether the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto have been complied with. If the Housing Official sustains or modifies the notice, it shall be deemed to be an order. Any notice served pursuant to this chapter shall automatically become an order if a written petition for hearing is not filed in the office of the Housing Official within 10 days after the notice is served. The proceedings at the hearings, including the findings and the decision of the Housing Official, shall be summarized, reduced to writing, and entered as a matter of public record in the office of the Township Clerk. The record shall also include a copy of every notice or order issued in connection with the matter. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Housing Official may seek relief therefrom in any court of competent jurisdiction, as provided by the laws of the state. Whenever the Housing Official finds that an emergency exists which requires immediate action to protect public health or safety, he may, without notice or hearing, issue an order reciting the existence of such an emergency and requiring that such action be taken as he deems necessary to meet the emergency. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, such order shall be effective immediately. Any person to whom such order is directed shall comply therewith immediately, but upon petition to the Housing Official shall be afforded a hearing as soon as possible. After such hearing, depending upon his findings as to whether the provisions of this chapter and of the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto have been complied with, the Housing Official shall continue such order in effect, or modify it, or revoke it.
[Amended 12-27-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-48; 8-26-2008 by Ord. No. O-08-21]
Whenever a petition is filed with the Construction Official by a public authority as defined in N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.4, or by at least five residents of the Township charging that any dwelling is unfit for human habitation as defined in the Housing Code, or whenever it appears to the Construction Official on his own motion that any dwelling is unfit for human habitation, he shall, if his preliminary investigation discloses a basis for such charges, issue and cause to be served upon the owner of, and parties in interest in, such dwelling a complaint stating the charges in that respect and containing a notice that a hearing will be held before the Construction Official at a place therein fixed not less than seven days nor more than 30 days after the serving of the complaint; that the owner and parties in interest shall be given the right to file an answer to the complaint and to appear in person, or otherwise, and give testimony at the time and place fixed in the complaints; and that the rules of evidence prevailing in courts of law or equity shall not be controlling in hearings before the Construction Official.
A. 
If after notice and hearing, as provided above, the Construction Official determines that the dwelling under consideration is unfit for human habitation, as defined in the Housing Code, he shall state in writing his findings of fact in support of such determination and shall issue and cause to be served upon the owner thereof and parties in interest an order requiring:
[Amended 8-26-2008 by Ord. No. O-08-21]
(1) 
The repair, alteration or improvement of the building to be made by the owner, within a reasonable time, which shall be set forth in the order, or at the option of the owner, to vacate or to have the building vacated and closed within the time set forth in the order.
(2) 
If the building is in such a condition as to make it dangerous to the health and safety of persons on or near the premises, and the owner fails to repair, alter or improve the building within the time specified in the order, that the owner shall remove or demolish the building within a reasonable time as specified in the order of removal.
(3) 
If the owner fails to comply with an order to repair, alter or improve, or at the option of the owner to vacate and close the building, the Construction Official may cause such building to be repaired, altered or improved, or to be vacated and closed; that the Construction Official may cause to be posted on the main entrance of any building so closed, a placard with the following words: "This building is unfit for human habitation or occupancy or use; the use or occupation of this building is prohibited and unlawful."
(4) 
If the owner fails to comply with an order to remove or demolish the building, the Construction Official may cause such building to be removed or demolished or may contract for the removal or demolition thereof after advertisement and receipt of bids therefor.
(5) 
The amount of:
(a) 
The cost of the filing of legal papers, expert witnesses' fees, search fees and advertising charges incurred in the course of any proceeding taken under this chapter determined in favor of the Township.
(b) 
The cost of repairs, alterations or improvements, or vacating and closing, or removal or demolition, if any, or the amounts of the balance thereof remaining after deduction of the sum, if any, realized from the sale of materials derived from such building or from any contract for removal or demolition thereof, shall be a municipal lien against the real property upon which such cost was incurred.
B. 
If the building is removed or demolished by the Construction Official, he shall sell the materials of such building. There shall be credited against the cost of removal or demolition thereof the proceeds of any sale of such materials or any sum derived from any contract for the removal or demolition of the building. If there are no such credits, or if the sum total of such costs exceeds the total of such credits, a detailed statement of the aforesaid costs and the amount so due shall be filed with the Municipal Tax Assessor or other custodian of the records of tax liens and a copy thereof shall be forthwith forwarded to the owner by registered mail. If the total of the credits exceeds such costs, the balance remaining shall be deposited in the Superior Court by the Construction Official, shall be secured in such manner as may be directed by such Court and shall be disbursed according to the order or judgment of the Court to the persons found to be entitled thereto by final order or judgment of such Court, provided that nothing in this chapter shall be construed to impair or limit in any way the power of the Township to define and declare nuisances and to cause their removal or abatement, by summary proceedings or otherwise. Any owner or party in interest may, within 30 days from the date of the filing of the lien certificate, proceed in a summary manner in the Superior Court to contest the reasonableness of the amount or the accuracy of the costs set forth in the municipal lien certificate.
[Amended 12-27-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-48; 8-26-2008 by Ord. No. O-08-21]
C. 
Nothing in this section shall be construed to impair or limit in any way the power of the municipality to define and declare nuisances and to cause their removal or abatement, by summary proceedings or otherwise, nor is anything in this act intended to limit the authority of the enforcing agency or construction official under the State Uniform Construction Code Act, P.L. 1975, c. 217 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq.) or any rules or regulations adopted thereunder.
[Added 12-27-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-48]
[Amended 8-26-2008 by Ord. No. O-08-21]
Complaints or orders issued by the Construction Official pursuant to this chapter shall be served upon persons either personally or by registered mail, but if the whereabouts of such persons is unknown and the same cannot be ascertained by the Construction Official in the exercise of reasonable diligence, and the Construction Official shall make an affidavit to that effect, then the serving of the complaint or order upon such persons may be made by publishing the same once each week for two successive weeks in a newspaper having circulation in the Township. A copy of such complaint or order shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises affected by the complaint or order, and a copy of such complaint or order shall be duly recorded or lodged for record with the Monmouth County recording officer.
[Added 12-27-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-48]
Any action taken using revenues derived from the local property tax shall be taken only after advertisement for, and receipt of, bids therefor, pursuant to the provisions of the Local Public Contracts Law, P.L. 1971, c. 198 (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.), unless the action is necessary to prevent imminent danger to life, limb or property.
[Amended 8-26-2008 by Ord. No. O-08-21]
The Construction Official is hereby authorized and empowered to exercise such powers as may be necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this chapter, including the following, in addition to others herein granted.
A. 
To investigate the dwelling conditions in the Township in order to determine which dwellings therein are unfit for human habitation.
B. 
To administer oaths, affirmations, examine witnesses and receive evidence.
C. 
To enter upon premises for the purpose of making examination, provided that such entries shall be made in such manner as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the persons in possession.
D. 
To appoint and fix the duties of such officers, agents and employees as he deems necessary to carry out the purpose of this chapter.
E. 
To delegate any of his functions and powers under this chapter to such officers and agents as he may designate.
[Amended 12-27-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-48]
No person shall occupy as owner or occupant, or rent to another for occupancy, any dwelling or dwelling unit for the purpose of living therein which does not conform to the provisions of Chapter 245, Property Maintenance, as established and amended hereby and as may be amended from time to time hereafter, as the standard to be used in determining whether a dwelling is safe, sanitary and fit for human habitation.
A. 
No agent of an owner, real estate broker, firm, company, partnership, corporation or person shall rent, re-rent, lease, re-lease, sell, resell or suffer to allow any person or persons to live in or occupy as a tenant or otherwise any multiple dwelling unit, manufactured/mobile home and/or single-family residence or dwelling where there shall be a change of occupancy, unless a certificate of occupancy certifying that said manufactured/mobile dwelling unit or apartment and/or single-family residence or dwelling is fit for human habitation and that said multiple dwelling unit or apartment and/or single-family residence or dwelling is in compliance with all other ordinances of the Township shall first be obtained from the Code Administrator. Such a certificate of occupancy shall be granted or denied within 10 days from the date of the application for same. The Code Administrator shall cause to be prepared appropriate application forms for such certificate of occupancy which form shall be available to the applicant at the office of the Code Administrator.
[Amended 12-22-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-36]
(1) 
Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:92-12.2(a), no certificate of occupancy for initial occupancy of a low- or moderate-income unit created pursuant to the Fair Housing Act shall be issued unless there is a written determination by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency as the authority responsible for administering affordability controls within the Township that the unit is to be controlled by a deed restriction and mortgage lien as adopted by the Council on Affordable Housing.
(2) 
Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:92-12.2(c), no continued certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any occupancy of a low- or moderate-income unit created pursuant to the Fair Housing Act unless there is a written determination by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency as the authority responsible for administering affordability controls within the Township that the unit is to be controlled by a deed restriction and mortgage lien as adopted by the Council on Affordable Housing.
(3) 
Charges to cover the cost of administration in connection with said application, as provided in Chapter 150, Fees, shall be paid to the Code Administrator at the time the application is filed and shall not be refundable.
B. 
Multiple dwelling unit for the purpose of this chapter is the same as defined in Chapter 245, Property Maintenance, Article III, this Code with the exception that manufactured/mobile home lot (space) is not included.
[Amended 12-22-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-36]
C. 
As a condition of fitness for human habitation in any of the residences or dwellings referred to in Subsection A above, the Township Committee does hereby deem that it shall be necessary that each such residence or dwelling have installed therein and in operating order no less than one smoke alarm in each area used for sleeping purposes which shall be of a type and placed in such a location as approved by the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
D. 
A certificate of occupancy issued hereunder for the rental of a property shall be valid for a period not to exceed 60 calendar days from the date of issuance or until there occurs a change in occupancy, whichever occurs first. A certificate of occupancy issued hereunder for the resale of a property shall be valid for a period not to exceed 120 calendar days from the date of issuance or until there occurs a change of occupancy, whichever first occurs.
[Amended 6-24-2014 by Ord. No. O-14-8]
The owner of any building located within the limits of the Township who desires to demolish the same shall first obtain a permit for that purpose from the Housing Official and shall pay a fee as provided in Chapter 150, Fees, for each building or structure to be demolished. The fee shall be paid prior to the issuance of any such permit. A permit shall be required, but no fee payable, for demolishing any structure less than 150 square feet in area. [1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Sec.13-2.16, Fire and smoke detectors, which immediately followed this section, was deleted 12-27-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-48.