[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Park Ridge 9-11-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-6[1]. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Housing Task Force — See Ch. 18.
Property maintenance — See Ch. 80.
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Ch. 81, Abandoned Refrigerators, adopted 7-8-1974 by Ord. No. 74-14, was repealed 5-12-1992 by Ord. No. 92-14.
Unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning, the following words or phrases when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings:
AGENT
The individual or individuals designated by the owner as the persons authorized by the owner to perform any duty imposed upon the owner by this chapter. The term does not necessarily mean a licensed real estate broker or salesman of the State of New Jersey as those terms are defined by N.J.S.A. 45:15-1 et seq. However, such term may include a licensed real estate broker or salesman of the State of New Jersey if such person designated by the owner as his agent is so licensed.
DWELLING UNIT
A single-family residence rented and not occupied by the owner, or a two-family residence where one of the units is not occupied by the owner, or a two-family residence where neither unit is occupied by the owner, or any multifamily residence including apartments in and above commercial buildings. Condominiums, townhouses, and garden apartment complexes are excluded. However, nothing in this chapter shall exclude any unit subject to the Uniformed Fire Code to be inspected by the Borough's Fire Prevention Offices in accordance with the Uniformed Fire Code.
[Amended 10-26-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-34]
LICENSE
The license issued by the Borough Clerk or designee attesting that the rental unit has been properly registered in accordance with this chapter.
LICENSEE
The person to whom the license is issued pursuant to this chapter. The term "licensee" includes within its definition the term "agent" where applicable.
OWNER
Any person or group of persons, firm, corporation, or officer thereof, partnership association, or trust, who owns, operates, exercises control over or are in charge of a rental facility.
PERSON
An individual, firm, corporation, partnership, association, trust or other legal entity, or any combination thereof.
RENTAL FACILITY
Every building, group of buildings or a portion thereof which is kept, used, maintained, advertised or held out to be a place where living accommodations are supplied, whether furnished or unfurnished, for pay or other consideration, to one or more individuals and is meant to include apartments and apartment complexes.
RENTAL UNIT
A dwelling unit as defined in § 81-1 of this chapter.
All residential dwelling units shall hereafter be registered with the Borough Clerk or designee of the Borough of Park Ridge or such other person as designated by the Borough Council on forms which shall be provided for that purpose and which shall be obtained from the Borough Clerk or designee. Such registration shall occur on an annual basis as provided herein.
A. 
Each dwelling unit shall be registered with the Borough on each change in occupancy. The license term shall commence on January 1 and shall be valid until December 31 of the following calendar year, at which time it shall expire and a new registration and license shall be required.
B. 
The initial registration shall occur within 45 days following the adoption of this chapter. Any lease which has been executed prior to the adoption of this chapter shall not be affected, but the rental unit must nevertheless be registered, inspected and licensed in accordance with this chapter.
C. 
No dwelling unit shall hereafter be rented unless the rental unit is registered and licensed in accordance with this chapter. However, only one registration for the unit is required each year.
Without in any way intending to infringe upon the requirements of N.J.S.A.46:8-28, all dwelling units shall be registered and licensed as provided herein. Every owner shall file with the Borough Clerk or designee of the Borough of Park Ridge or such other person as designated by the Borough Council a registration form for each unit contained within a building or structure, which shall include the following information:
A. 
The name and address of the record owner or owners of the premises and the record owner or owners of the rental business if not the same persons. In the case of a partnership, the names and addresses of all general partners shall be provided, together with the telephone numbers for each such individuals indicating where such individuals may be reached both during the day and evening hours. If the record owner is a corporation, the name and address of the registered agent and corporate officers of said corporation shall be provided, together with the telephone numbers for each of such individuals indicating where such individuals may be reached both during the day and evening hours;
B. 
If the address of any record owner is not located in Park Ridge or in Bergen County, the name and address of a person who is authorized to accept notices from a tenant, to issue receipts therefor and to accept service of process on behalf of the record owner;
C. 
The name and address of the agent of the premises, if any;
D. 
The name and address, including the dwelling unit number of the superintendent, janitor, custodian or other individual employed by the owner or agent to provide regular maintenance service, if any;
E. 
The name, address and telephone number of an individual representative of the owner or agent who may be reached or contacted at any time in the event of an emergency affecting the premises or any unit of dwelling space therein, including such emergencies as the future of any essential service or system, and who has the authority to make emergency decisions concerning the building and any repair thereto or expenditure in connection therewith;
F. 
The name and address of every holder of a recorded mortgage on the premises;
G. 
If fuel oil is used to heat the building and the landlord furnishes the heat in the building, the name and address of the fuel oil dealer servicing the building and the grade of fuel oil used;
H. 
As to each dwelling unit, the exact number of sleeping rooms contained in the dwelling unit and the number of occupants. In order to satisfy the requirement of this provision, an owner shall submit a floor plan which shall become part of the application and which shall be attached to the registration form when filed. The floor plan shall show the space allocation for sleeping accommodations as required by this chapter. (Floor plan approximate dimensions can be sketched sealed drawing 1/4 inch equals one foot.) The floor plan shall be drawn on a scale of 1/4 inch equals one foot to represent the information herein. It does not need to be created by a licensed professional.
I. 
Any other information as may be prescribed by the Borough.
The Borough Clerk or designee shall index and file the registration forms. In doing so, the Borough Clerk or designee shall follow the mandates of N.J.S.A. 46:8-28.1, as amended and supplemented, so that the filing of the registration form will simultaneously satisfy the registration requirements of N.J.S.A. 46:8-28 to the extent that it applies to the property being registered and will also satisfy the registration requirements of this chapter.
Every person required to file a registration form pursuant to this chapter, shall file an amended registration form within 20 days after any change in the information required to be included thereon. No fee shall be required for the filing of an amendment except where the ownership of the premises is changed.
[Amended 10-6-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-34; 4-10-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-007]
Inspections shall be made at least once every twenty-four-month period at the discretion of the Housing Task Force and/or Housing Inspector. Additional inspections may be performed as recommended by any member of the Housing Task Force or by request of the property owner or tenant.
A. 
The inspection officers are hereby authorized to make inspections to determine the condition of the dwelling unit in order that they may promote the purposes of this chapter to safeguard the health, safety, welfare of the occupants of rental facilities and rental units of the general public. For the purposes of making such inspections, the inspecting officers are hereby authorized to enter, examine and survey rental facilities and rental units at all reasonable times and in accordance with law. The owner or occupant of every dwelling unit shall give the inspecting officer free access to the dwelling unit at all reasonable times for the purpose of such inspections, examinations and surveys.
B. 
Every occupant shall give the owner of the dwelling unit access to any part of such dwelling unit at all reasonable times for the purpose of making such repairs or alterations as are necessary to effect compliance with the provisions of this chapter or any lawful order issued pursuant thereto.
C. 
Complaints. Within 10 business days of receipt of a complaint alleging a reported violation of this chapter, an inspecting officer shall conduct an inspection as hereinbefore provided.
No person shall hereafter occupy any dwelling unit nor shall the owner permit occupancy of any dwelling unit within the Borough of Park Ridge which is not registered and licensed in accordance with this chapter.
Upon the filing of a completed registration form, and payment of the prescribed fee, and a satisfactory inspection, the owner shall be entitled to the issuance of a license commencing on the date of issuance and expiring on the same date of the next calendar year. A registration form shall be required for each rental unit, and a license shall issue to the owner for each rental unit, even if more than one dwelling unit is contained in the property.
[Amended 10-26-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-34; 4-10-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-007]
At the time of the filing of the registration form, and prior to the issuance of a license, the owner or agent of the owner must pay a fee in accordance with the following:
A. 
An annual registration and license fee of $100 per year per dwelling unit.
B. 
A re-inspection fee of $50 per unit when any reinspection is required.
C. 
If any fee is not paid within 30 days of its due date, a late fee surcharge in the amount equal to twice the registration fee or reinspection fee shall be charged.
Every owner shall provide each occupant or tenant occupying a dwelling unit with a copy of the registration form required by this chapter. This particular provision shall not apply to any hotel, motel, or guest house registered with the State of New Jersey pursuant to the Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Act as defined in N.J.S.A. 55:13A-3. This provision may be complied with by posting a copy of the registration certificate in a conspicuous place within the rental units.
The maximum number of occupants shall be posted in each dwelling unit. It shall be unlawful for any person, including the owner, agent, tenant or registered tenant to allow a greater number of persons than the posted maximum number of occupants to sleep in or occupy overnight the dwelling unit for any period. Any person violating this provision shall be subject to the penalty provisions of this chapter.
No dwelling unit may be registered and no license shall be issued for any property containing a dwelling unit unless all municipal taxes, water, electric and any other charges are paid on a current basis.
All dwelling units shall be maintained in accordance with Chapter 80, Property Maintenance.
No dwelling unit shall be operated or used in a manner which shall result in any unreasonable disturbance or disruption to the surrounding properties and property owners or of the public in general, such that it shall constitute a nuisance as defined in the ordinances of the Borough of Park Ridge or the laws of the State of New Jersey.
A. 
Compliance with other laws. The maintenance of all dwelling units and the conduct engaged in upon the premises by occupants and their guests shall at all times be in full compliance with all applicable ordinances and regulations of the Borough of Park Ridge and with all applicable state and federal laws.
B. 
Penalties. Any landlord, tenant or other person violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to the penalty provisions of this chapter.
A. 
Grounds. In addition to any other penalty prescribed herein, an owner may be subject to the revocation or suspension of the license issued hereunder upon the happening of one or more of the following:
(1) 
Conviction of a violation of this chapter in the Municipal Court or any other court of competent jurisdiction.
(2) 
Determination of a violation of this chapter at a hearing held pursuant to § 81-17B herein.
(3) 
Continuously renting the dwelling unit or units to a tenant or tenants who are convicted of a violation of Chapter 65A, Noise, of the Borough.
(4) 
Continuously permitting the dwelling unit to be occupied by more than the maximum number of occupants as defined in this chapter.
(5) 
Maintaining the dwelling unit or units or the property in which the rental unit is a part in a dangerous condition likely to result in injury to person or property.
B. 
Procedure; written complaint; notice and hearing:
(1) 
A complaint seeking the revocation or suspension of a license may be filed by any one or more of the following: Chief of Police, Construction Code Official, Fire Inspector, the Zoning Officer or any other person or office authorized to file such complaint, including the Housing Task Force or its designee. Such complaint shall be in writing and filed with the Borough Clerk or designee. The complaint shall be specific and shall be sufficient to apprise the licensee of the charges so as to permit the licensee to present a defense. The individual(s) filing the complaint may do so on the basis of information and belief and need not rely on personal information.
(2) 
Upon the filing of such written complaint, the Borough Clerk or designee shall immediately inform the Borough Council and a date for a hearing shall be scheduled which shall not be sooner than 10 or more than 30 days thereafter. The Borough Clerk or designee shall forward a copy of the complaint and a notice as to the date of the hearing to the licensee and the agent, if any, at the address indicated on the registration form. Service upon the agent shall be sufficient.
(3) 
The hearing required by this section shall be held before the Borough Council unless, in its discretion, the Borough Council determines that the matter should be heard by a hearing officer who shall be appointed by the Borough Council. If the matter is referred to a hearing officer, such officer shall transmit his findings of fact and conclusions of law to the Borough Council within 30 days of the conclusion of the hearing. The Borough Council shall then review the matter and may accept, reject, or modify the recommendations of the hearing officer based on the record before such hearing officer. In the event that the matter is not referred to a hearing officer, and is heard by the Borough Council, then the Borough Council shall render a decision within 30 days of the conclusion of the hearing. Following the hearing, a decision shall be rendered dismissing the complaint, revoking or suspending the license, or determining that the license shall not be renewed or reissued for one or more subsequent license years.
(4) 
A stenographic transcript shall be made of the hearing. All witnesses shall be sworn prior to testifying. The strict rules of evidence shall not apply, and the evidential rules and burden of proof shall be that which generally control administrative hearings.
C. 
Defenses. It shall be a defense to any proceeding for the revocation, suspension or other disciplinary action involving a rental license to demonstrate that the owner has taken appropriate action and has made a good-faith effort to abate the conditions or circumstances giving rise to the revocation proceeding, including, but not limited to the institution of legal action against the tenants, occupants or quests for recovery of the premises; eviction of the tenants or otherwise.
No person shall allow any dwelling unit to be occupied which does not comply with the following requirements:
A. 
Every dwelling unit shall contain a kitchen sink in good working condition and properly connected to a water and sewer system approved by the Borough.
B. 
Every dwelling unit shall contain a room which affords privacy to a person within said room, and which is equipped with a flush water closet and a lavatory, basin and a bathtub or shower in good working condition and properly connected to a water and sewer system approved by the Borough.
C. 
Every kitchen sink, lavatory, basin and bathtub or shower required under the provisions of Subsections A and B of this section shall be properly connected with both hot- and cold-water lines.
D. 
Every dwelling unit shall be supplied with adequate rubbish and garbage storage facilities and adequate disposal facilities. Garbage or other organic waste shall be stored in watertight receptacles of metal or other approved material. Such receptacles shall be provided with tight-fitting covers. At least one approved-type garbage receptacle shall be provided for each dwelling unit.
E. 
Every water closet, lavatory and bathtub or shower for each dwelling unit shall be accessible from within the building without passing through any part of any other dwelling unit.
F. 
Every dwelling shall have supplied water-heating facilities which are properly installed.
G. 
Every dwelling unit shall have safe unobstructed means of egress.
No person shall allow any dwelling unit to be occupied which does not comply with the following requirements:
A. 
Every habitable room shall have at least one window or skylight facing directly to the outdoors.
B. 
Every habitable room shall have sufficient separate wall-type electric convenience outlets.
C. 
Every portion of each staircase, hall, cellar, basement, landing, furnace room, utility room, and all similar nonhabitable space located in a dwelling shall have either natural or artificial light available at all times. Every portion of any interior or exterior passageway or stairway common to two or more families in a dwelling shall be illuminated. In dwellings comprising two dwelling units, such illumination shall not be required at all times if separate switches, convenient and readily accessible to each dwelling unit, are provided for the control of such artificial light by the occupants thereof.
D. 
Every basement or cellar window used or intended to be used for ventilation, and every other opening to a basement which might provide an entry for rodents, shall be supplied with a screen or such other device as will effectively prevent their entrance.
E. 
Every space heater, except electrical, shall be properly vented to a chimney or duct leading to the outdoors. Unvented portable space heaters are prohibited unless they are UL rated.
No person shall allow a dwelling unit to be occupied which does not comply with the following requirements:
A. 
Every dwelling unit shall contain at least 150 square feet of floor space for each occupant thereof up to a maximum of two occupants, and at least 100 additional square feet of floor space for every additional occupant thereof, the floor space to be calculated on the basis of total habitable area.
B. 
In every dwelling unit of two or more rooms, at least one room occupied for sleeping purposes by two occupants shall contain at least 70 square feet of floor space; and any other room occupied for sleeping purposes shall contain at least 70 square feet of floor space for one occupant and at least 50 additional square feet of floor space for each additional occupant thereof.
C. 
No dwelling or dwelling unit containing two or more sleeping rooms shall have such room arrangements that access to a bathroom or water closet compartment intended for use by occupants of more than one sleeping room can be had only by going through another sleeping room; nor shall room arrangements be such that access to a sleeping room can be had only by going through another sleeping room or a bathroom or water closet compartment.
D. 
At least one-half of the floor area of every habitable room shall have a ceiling height of at least seven feet. The floor area of that part of any room where the ceiling is less than five feet shall not be considered as part of the floor area in computing the total floor area of the room for the purpose of determining the maximum permissible occupancy thereof.
E. 
No basement area shall be used as a sleeping room unless that area fully complies with all the requirements of this chapter.
No person shall allow a dwelling unit to be occupied, which does not comply with the following requirements:
A. 
Every foundation, floor, wall, ceiling and roof shall be reasonably weathertight, watertight and rodentproof, capable of affording privacy, and shall be kept in good repair.
B. 
Every window, exterior door and basement hatchway shall be reasonably weathertight, watertight and rodentproof and shall be kept in sound working condition and good repair.
C. 
Every inside and outside stair, porch and appurtenance thereto shall be so constructed as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the load that normal use may cause to be placed thereon and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair.
D. 
Every plumbing fixture and water and waste pipe shall be properly installed and maintained in good sanitary working condition, free from defects, leaks and obstructions.
E. 
Every water closet compartment floor surface and bathroom floor surface shall be constructed and maintained so as to be reasonably impervious to water and so as to permit such floor to be easily kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
F. 
Every supplied facility, piece of equipment or utility which is required under this chapter shall be so constructed or installed that it will function safely and effectively and shall be maintained in satisfactory working condition.
G. 
No owner, operator or occupant shall cause any service, facility, equipment or utility which is required under this chapter to be removed from or shut off from, or discontinued for, any occupied dwelling let or occupied by him, except for such temporary interruptions as may be necessary while actual repairs or alterations are in process or during temporary emergencies when discontinuance of service is approved by the public officer.
H. 
No owner shall occupy or let to any other occupant any vacant dwelling unit unless it is clean, sanitary and fit for human occupancy.
I. 
Every porch, balcony, roof and/or similar place higher than 40 inches above the ground used for egress or for use by occupants shall be provided with adequate railings or parapets. Such protective railings or parapets shall be properly balustraded and shall be not less than three feet in height.
J. 
Every building, dwelling and dwelling unit and all other areas of the premises shall be clean and free from garbage or rubbish or other hazards to safety. Lawns, hedges and bushes shall be kept trimmed and shall not be permitted to become overgrown and unsightly. Brush, weeds, uncut grass and/or obnoxious growths shall not exceed six inches in height.
K. 
Fences shall be kept in good repair.
Responsibilities of the owner are:
A. 
To keep every dwelling unit and every part thereof, including the roof, walls, floors, provided fixtures and equipment for heating water, including chimneys and smoke pipes, doors, windows, foundations and rubbish containers, in a state of sound repair and in a clean and sanitary condition.
B. 
To maintain such dwelling so there will not be excessive heat loss caused by lack of or improper maintenance of the doors, windows, walls, roofs or other parts of the building.
C. 
To refrain from shutting off or causing to have discontinued or disconnected provided utilities for any occupied dwelling, except where such interruption of utility service is necessary while in the actual process of making repairs or during temporary emergencies for which repairs are being arranged.
D. 
To keep the basement or cellar dry and ventilated. The floors of such basement or cellar shall be paved with brick, cement, tile, or some other impervious material. The side walls and ceilings of every basement and cellar shall be kept free from dampness. The basement or other cellar shall be kept clean and free from an accumulation of filth, ashes, garbage, rubbish, refuse, junk, soil matter, wood, paper and other material of a combustible or putrefactive nature. The use of any cellar for sleeping purposes is prohibited.
E. 
To keep side walls and ceilings of such dwelling, dwelling unit and every habitable room, hall, closet and compartment clean and well and sufficiently plastered, painted or papered, so that the same may have clean, smooth and washable surfaces.
F. 
To keep the flooring of the halls, stairs and landing clean and free from filth, ashes, garbage, rubbish, refuse, junk, soil, water, drainage water, slop, wood, paper and other material of a putrefactive or combustible nature and free from fire and accident hazards.
G. 
To keep the exterior of the premises and all structures thereon free of any nuisances or any hazards to the safety of occupants, pedestrians or other persons utilizing the premises or free of unsanitary 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 unsanitary conditions or free of hazard or any combination of the foregoing, which include but are not limited to the following:
(1) 
Refuse: brush, weeds, broken glass, stumps, roots, obnoxious growths, filth, garbage, trash, refuse and debris.
(2) 
Natural growth: dead and dying trees and limbs or other natural growth which, by reason of rotting or deteriorating conditions or storm damage, constitutes a hazard to persons in the vicinity thereof. Trees shall be kept pruned and trimmed to prevent such conditions.
H. 
To maintain and keep chimneys, smokestacks, smokepipes, flues and provided heating equipment of such dwelling free from defect and in such condition as to prevent coal or illuminating gas, soot, smoke or noxious fumes or odors from entering such dwelling, dwelling unit or habitable rooms, or any dwelling or dwelling unit adjacent thereto.
I. 
To keep the roof, gutters, leaders, side walls, windows and window frames of such dwelling, and every part thereof, structurally sound and free from leakage of rainwater. All drainage therefrom shall be conveyed so as to prevent the dripping of such water upon the ground or onto property adjacent thereto.
J. 
To make and maintain the dwelling reasonably verminproof and rodentproof and to exterminate same.
K. 
To keep and maintain structurally sound and free from any defects the exterior of the dwelling and the masonry walls, clapboards, sheathing, shingles, exterior studs, main cornices, foundation wall, wood sills, corner posts, wood plates, supporting rafters, roofing boards and coverings; the stoops and porches, flooring, railing and stair treads; the risers, posts, handrails, balustrades and newels; window sash frames, sills, stools and apron; the doors and door frames; the fire escape, flooring, railings, ladders, passageways, weights, chains, basket and stairs; and the joists and crossbeams of any dwellings and parts thereof of frame construction and parts subject to erosion and deterioration. Foundation walls shall be kept structurally sound and free from any defects.
L. 
Every dwelling unit shall contain at least 150 square feet of floor space for each occupant thereof up to a maximum of two occupants and at least 100 additional square feet of floor space for every additional occupant thereof, the floor space to be calculated on the basis of total habitable area.
M. 
To provide in every room in every dwelling a window or skylight, opening directly to the outer air. Every dwelling, habitable room and hall shall be equipped with a safe artificial light service, and all electrical wiring, outlets and fixtures thereof shall be installed and maintained.
N. 
To keep the exterior of the premises, the exterior or dwelling structures and the condition of accessory structures 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 other standards as may be adopted by the Borough 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:
(1) 
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 Chapter 101, Zoning.
(2) 
Landscaping. Premises shall be kept landscaped, and lawn, 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.
O. 
To keep any front yard area of premises occupied by a dwelling free from the parking, stopping of standing of any motor vehicle, except on driveways and parking area constructed and installed in compliance with applicable Borough ordinance and not less than three feet from the interior front sidewalk line adjacent to said premises.
P. 
To provide and maintain adequate runoff drains in accordance with existing applicable codes.
Q. 
To prevent, repair and eliminate ground surface hazards or unsanitary conditions, holes, excavations, breaks, projections, obstructions, icy conditions, uncleared snow and the 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 unsanitary conditions with reasonable dispatch upon their discovery.
It shall be the duty and responsibility of the occupant:
A. 
To keep the dwelling unit, and the portion of the dwelling and premises over which he has exclusive control, in a clean and sanitary condition.
B. 
To place all garbage and refuse in proper legal containers supplied by himself or provided by the owner for such purposes.
C. 
To refrain from willfully or maliciously damaging or permitting any member of his family to damage any part or portion of the dwelling.
D. 
To refrain from using any fuel which, by its combustion, may cause smoke and the rapid discoloration of side walls and ceilings of the dwelling.
E. 
To refrain from chopping wood or other material in any dwelling.
F. 
To maintain in a clean and sanitary condition plumbing fixtures used by himself or his family. No occupant shall knowingly, willfully or maliciously deposit or permit any member of his household to deposit any material in any fixture which would result in stoppage of or damage to the fixture.
G. 
To refrain from using for sleeping purposes for one occupant any room containing less than 70 square feet of floor space and every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one occupant if it contains less than 50 square feet of floor space for each occupant thereof.
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction in the Municipal Court of the Borough of Park Ridge or such other court having jurisdiction, be liable to a fine. For the first offense, a minimum fine of no less than $250 or imprisonment for a term not to exceed 30 days, or both. The fine for the second offense shall be a minimum of $500 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 30 days, or both. The fine for a third and subsequent offenses shall be a minimum of $750 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 30 days, or both. Each day that a violation occurs shall be deemed a separate and distinct violation subject to the penalty provisions of this chapter.