It is hereby found and declared that there exist,
in the Borough of Leonia, buildings and premises used for residential
and nonresidential purposes which are or may become substandard with
respect to structural integrity, equipment or maintenance, and, further,
that such conditions including but not limited to structural deterioration,
lack of maintenance of the exterior of the premises, infestation,
lack of essential heating, plumbing, storage or refrigeration equipment,
lack of maintenance or upkeep of essential utilities and facilities,
existence of fire hazards, inadequate provisions for light and air,
unsanitary conditions and overcrowding constitute a menace to the
health, safety, welfare and reasonable comfort of the citizens and
inhabitants of the Borough of Leonia.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the
public health, safety and welfare by establishing standards governing
the maintenance, condition and occupancy of premises situated in the
Borough used or intended to be used or designed to be used, in whole
or in part, for residential or nonresidential purposes, to establish
standards governing utilities, facilities and other physical components
and conditions essential to make such premises fit for human habitation,
occupancy and use, to fix certain responsibilities and duties upon
owners and operators and distinct and separate responsibilities upon
occupants, to prevent blighting conditions, to authorize and establish
procedures for the inspection of such premises, to correct violations
or to fix penalties for the violations of this chapter and to provide
for the right of access across adjoining premises to permit repairs.
This chapter is hereby declared to be remedial and essential for the
public interest and it is intended that this chapter be liberally
construed to effectuate the purposes as stated herein.
