[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council
of the Township of East Hanover 11-21-2005 by Ord. No. 33-2005. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Uniform construction codes — See Ch. 75.
Streets and sidewalks — See Ch. 132.
Garbage, refuse and dry fill (Board of Health) — See Ch. 189.
Littering (Board of Health) — See Ch. 195.
Sanitation (Board of Health) — See Ch. 201.
Solid waste (Board of Health) — See Ch. 207.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the
public health, safety, morals and welfare by establishing minimum
standards governing the maintenance, appearance, condition and occupancy
of dwelling units and nonresidential premises; to establish minimum
standards governing utilities, facilities and other physical conditions
essential to making the aforesaid facilities fit for human habitation,
occupancy and use; to fix certain responsibilities on owners and operators
and distinct separate responsibilities and duties upon occupants;
to establish procedures for inspection of residential and nonresidential
premises; to fix penalties for violation of the chapter. 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.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following
terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings
stated herein unless the use in the text of this chapter clearly demonstrates
a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context, words
used in the present tense include the future; words used in the plural
number include the singular number; and words used in the singular
number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory
and not merely directory.
A structure, the use of which is incidental to that of the
main building and which is attached thereto or located on the same
premises.
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
Enclosed space containing one or more bathtubs or showers,
or both, and which shall also include toilets, lavatories or fixtures
serving similar purposes.
The portion of the building that is partly underground which
has more than 1/2 of its height, measured from clear floor to ceiling,
above the average adjoining ground level. Where the natural contour
of the ground level immediately adjacent to the building is interrupted
by ditching, pits or trenching, then the average adjoining ground
level shall be the nearest natural contour line parallel to the walls
of the building without regard to the levels created by the ditching
pits or trenching.
A combination of materials to form a structure adapted to
permanent or continuous occupancy or use for public, institutional,
residence, business, industrial or storage purposes.
The adopted building code of the Township of East Hanover.
The officer or other designated authority charged with the
administration and enforcement of the BOCA Basic Building Code or
the Uniform Construction Code; the Construction Official or a duly
authorized representative.
Any device designed to detect and alert the presence of abnormal
carbon monoxide levels within a building, dwelling or structure.
The lowermost portion of the building partly or totally underground,
having 1/2 or more of its height measured from clear floor to ceiling
below the average adjoining ground level. Where the natural contour
of the ground level immediately adjacent to the building is interrupted
by ditching, pits or trenching, then the average adjoining ground
level shall be the nearest natural contour line parallel to the walls
of the building without regard to the levels created by the ditching,
pits or trenching.
A certificate required to be obtained by the owner of any residential real estate prior to the rental or lease or transfer of title of such property involving a new occupant, a new tenant or a new owner of said property. It shall be the owner's obligation to make application for a certificate of compliance from the Code Enforcement Officer and in that connection shall pay a fee as provided for in § 119A-40 hereof in order to obtain the certificate. The certificate certifies that all requirements of the appropriate codes and ordinances, or such adjustments thereof which have been approved by the appropriate Township authority, and all other applicable requirements have been complied with.
An alteration by change of use in a building heretofore existing,
such as from a one-family to a two-family dwelling or from a commercial
use to a residential use or any other change, whether from less intensive
to more intensive or from more intensive to less intensive.
The condition or appearance of a building or part thereof,
characterized by holes, breaks, rot, crumbling, cracking, peeling,
rusting or other evidence of physical decay/neglect, lack of maintenance
or excessive use.
Any structure designed for use by human occupants for sleeping
and living purposes, whether occupied or vacant, except that the foregoing
shall not apply to hotels.
Any room or group of rooms located within a dwelling forming
a single habitable unit, which includes facilities for living, sleeping,
cooking, eating, bathing and toilet purposes.
The duly appointed Enforcement Officer of the Township of
East Hanover.
Any premises or any part thereof or any building or any part
thereof which may be lawfully viewed by the public or any member thereof
from a sidewalk, street, alleyway, licensed open-air parking lot or
from any adjoining or neighboring premises.
Those portions of a building which are exposed to public
view and the open space of any premises outside of any building erected
thereon.
The control and elimination of insects, rodents and vermin
by exterminating their harborage places; by removing or making inaccessible
material that may serve as their food; by poisoning, spraying, fumigating,
trapping or by other approved means of pest elimination.
The Fire Chief of the Township of East Hanover.
Anything or any act which increases or may cause an increase
of the hazard or menace of fire to a greater degree than that customarily
recognized as normal by persons in the public service of preventing,
suppressing or extinguishing fire; or which may obstruct, delay or
hinder or may become the cause of an obstruction, a delay, a hazard
or a hindrance to the prevention, suppression or extinguishment of
fire. (See also "nuisance.")
Putrescible animal and vegetable waste resulting from the
handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of food. (See also
"refuse" and "rubbish.")
The head of the family, spouse, the parents and children
(including adopted children) of either the head of the family or spouse.
There shall be a rebuttable presumption that three or more persons
occupying any dwelling unit are not related to one another so that
any two or more shall be members of an immediate family, and the burden
on proving such relationship shall be on the person or persons asserting
it.
The presence of insects, rodents, vermin or other pests on
the premises which constitute a health hazard.
Any room or part of a room used for cooking or the preparation
of food.
Any building or structure of one or more stories and any
land appurtenant thereto, and any portion thereof, in which three
or more units of dwelling space are occupied or intended to be occupied
by three or more persons who live independently of each other or in
which two units of dwelling space are occupied by two or more persons
who live independently of each other in cases where none of said persons
is the owner of the premises.
Any public nuisance known at common law or in
equity jurisprudence, or as provided by the statutes of the State
of New Jersey or the ordinances of the Township of East Hanover or
any other local or state code.
Any attractive nuisance which may prove detrimental
to the health or safety of children, whether in a building, on the
premises of a building, or upon an unoccupied lot. This includes,
but is not limited to, abandoned wells, shafts, basements, excavations,
abandoned iceboxes, refrigerators, motor vehicles, any structurally
unsound fences or structures, lumber, trash, fences, debris, or vegetation
such as poison ivy, oak or sumac, which may prove a hazard for inquisitive
minors.
Physical conditions dangerous to human life
or detrimental to health of persons on or near the premises where
the conditions exist.
Inadequate or insanitary sewage or plumbing
facilities in violation of this chapter or any other local or state
code.
Insanitary conditions or anything offensive
to the senses or dangerous to health, in violation of this chapter
or any other local or state code.
Fire hazards.
Any person who has charge, care or control of a dwelling
or premises, or part thereof, whether with or without the knowledge
and consent of the owner.
Any person who, alone or jointly or severally with others,
shall have legal or equitable title to any premises, with or without
accompanying actual possession thereof; or shall have charge, care
or control of any building or parcel, as owner or agent of the owner,
or as fiduciary, including but not limited to executor, executrix,
administrator, administratrix, trustee, receiver, or guardian of the
estate, or as a mortgagee in possession regardless of how such possession
was obtained. Any person who is a lessee subletting or reassigning
any part or all of any dwelling or dwelling unit shall be deemed to
be a co-owner with the lessor and shall have joint responsibility
over the portion of the premises sublet or assigned by said lessee.
A sidewalk composed of any authorized material, including,
without limitation, concrete, brick, stone or pavers.
All of the following supplies, facilities and equipment:
gas pipes, gas-burning equipment, water pipes, garbage disposal units,
waste pipes, water closets, sinks, installed dishwashers, lavatories,
bathtubs, shower baths, installed clothes-washing machines, catch
basins, vents and any other similar supplied fixtures, together with
all connections to water, sewer or gas lines, and water pipes and
lines utilized in conjunction with air-conditioning equipment.
A lot, plot or parcel of land, including the buildings or
structure thereon.
All putrescible and nonputrescible solid waste (except body
wastes), including but not limited to: garbage, rubbish, ashes, street
cleanings, dead animals, abandoned automobiles and solid market and
industrial wastes. (See also "garbage" and "rubbish.")
Nonputrescible solid waste consisting of both combustible
and noncombustible wastes, such as paper, wrappings, cigarettes, tin
cans, yard clippings, leaves, wood, glass, bedding, crockery and similar
materials. (See also "garbage" and "refuse.")
Any sanitary sewer owned, operated and maintained by the
Township of East Hanover and available for public use for the disposal
of sewage.
Waste from flush toilet, bathtub, sink, lavatory, dishwashing
or laundry machine or the water-carried waste from any other fixture
or equipment or machine.
A paved walkway for pedestrian traffic, located along the
side of a public street, whether in a commercial or residential area.
That portion of a building included between the upper surface
of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except
that the topmost story shall be that portion of a building included
between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling or
roof above. If the finished ceiling level directly above a basement
or cellar is more than six feet above grade, such basement or cellar
shall be considered a "story."
The combination of any materials, whether fixed or portable,
forming a construction, including buildings.
The specific purpose for which land or a building is designed,
arranged, intended, occupied or maintained.
Deterioration, decay or damage caused by exposure to the
elements.
Every dwelling unit and nonresidential building
and the premises on which it is situated in the Township used or intended
to be used for dwelling, commercial, business or industrial occupancy
shall comply with the provisions of this chapter, whether or not such
building shall have been constructed, altered or repaired before or
after the enactment of this chapter and irrespective of any permits
or licenses which shall have been issued for the use or occupancy
of the building or for the installation or repair of equipment or
facilities prior to the effective date of this chapter. The chapter
establishes minimum standards for the initial and continued occupancy
and use of all such buildings and does not replace or modify standards
otherwise established for the construction, repair, alteration or
use of the building, equipment or facilities contained therein.
In any case where the provisions of this chapter
impose a higher standard than set forth in any other ordinances of
the Township or under the laws of the State of New Jersey, then the
standards as set forth herein shall prevail, but if the provisions
of this chapter impose a lower standard than any other ordinances
of the Township or of the laws of the State of New Jersey, then the
higher standard contained in any such other ordinance or law shall
prevail.
On and after the date of adoption of this chapter,
it shall be a violation to sell or lease any real property containing
a building unless the owner of the same has secured a certificate
of compliance.
A.Â
Application for a certificate of compliance shall
be made to the Department of Land Use and Planning upon forms provided
by the Township, including a zoning permit application, accompanied
by the appropriate fee.
B.Â
Upon filing of the application, there will be scheduled
an inspection of the premises to be sold or leased and the owner shall
be responsible for providing access thereto. (This inspection is in
addition to and not in lieu of the inspection to be conducted by the
Fire Prevention Bureau relative to smoke-sensitive and carbon monoxide
detectors. To the extent possible, the Department of land Use and
Planning will attempt to schedule its inspection at the same time
as that of the Fire Prevention Bureau.)
C.Â
Upon inspection of the premises by the Enforcement
Officer, the owner will be notified of violations, if any, that may
exist and will be given a reasonable time to correct such violations.
Where violations are found, the owner is required to correct the same
and to schedule a reinspection. (If more than one reinspection is
required, or if the owner does not make the premises available at
the agreed upon time for the reinspection, an additional fee will
be charged.)
D.Â
When the premises is found to be violation free and
upon presentation by the owner of documentation from the Fire Prevention
Bureau certifying the presence of smoke-sensitive and carbon monoxide
detectors, a certificate of compliance shall be issued.
E.Â
A certificate of compliance shall indicate that upon
the date of issue, the subject premises meets or exceeds all requirements
of the appropriate codes and ordinances or such adjustments thereof
which have been approved by the appropriate Township authority and
all other applicable requirements have been complied with. It does
not certify continuing compliance thereafter.
F.Â
A certificate of compliance is not required by the
Township of East Hanover for refinancing but the Township will, upon
application and payment of the proper fees, conduct the necessary
inspections and issue the same.
After the date of enactment hereof, all licenses
and permits shall be issued upon compliance with this chapter as well
as compliance with the ordinances under which such licenses and permits
are granted.
No license or permit or other certification
of compliance with this chapter shall constitute a defense against
any violation of any other ordinance of the Township applicable to
any structure or premises, nor shall any provision herein relieve
any owner, operator or occupant from complying with any such provision,
nor any official of the Township from enforcing any such other provision.
A.Â
It shall be a violation of the ordinances of the Township
of East Hanover for any owner or the agent of any owner to sell any
real property which contains uncorrected violations, of which the
owner has received due and proper notice, without the prior approval
of the Enforcement Officer.
B.Â
Approval to sell property which contains uncorrected
violations shall be granted by the Enforcement Officer only after
the purchaser enters an agreement with the Department of Land Use
and Planning establishing a date by which all violations shall be
corrected and posts a bond in the amount determined by the Enforcement
Officer to cover the cost of necessary work in the event of noncompliance.
Should the required work not be done by the date specified, the Director
of Housing Inspections shall have the option to grant an extension
or to order the work to be done by a contractor or contractors to
be named by the Township and to be paid from the proceeds of the performance
bond.
D.Â
The sale of any real property in the Township of East
Hanover containing uncorrected violations without first obtaining
the approval of the Enforcement Officer shall not relieve the seller
or his agent of the obligation to have corrected such violations,
and failure to abate such violations shall subject the owner and/or
his agent to penalties for each violation as hereinafter enumerated,
as well as such penalties as are established for this specific section.
E.Â
Notwithstanding the foregoing, anyone who purchases
real property in the Township of East Hanover containing uncorrected
violations may, after due and proper notice of such violations, be
held equally responsible for the correction thereof.
F.Â
Violation of the provisions of this section shall
be subject to such penalty as is provided herein, and each day which
shall elapse from the closing of title to the correction of the violations
of which the owner or his agent were duly and properly notified shall
constitute a separate violation.
G.Â
It shall be a violation of the Code of the Township
of East Hanover for any owner or agent of any owner to sell any real
property if the owner or agent has not applied for a reinspection
and obtained a certificate of compliance as part of the requirements
of the Township ordinance.
Owners and operators shall have all the duties
and responsibilities as prescribed in this chapter and the regulations
promulgated pursuant thereto, and no owner or operator shall be relieved
from any such duty and responsibility nor be entitled to defend against
any charge of violation thereof by reason of the fact that the occupant
is also responsible therefor and in violation thereof.
Occupants shall have all the duties and responsibilities
as prescribed herein and all the regulations promulgated thereto,
and the occupant shall not be relieved from any such duty and responsibility
nor be entitled to defend against any charge of violation thereof
by reason of the fact that the owner or operator is also responsible
therefor and in violation thereof.
The respective obligations and responsibilities
of the owner and operator on one hand and the occupant on the other
shall not be altered or affected by any agreement or contract by and
between any of the aforesaid or between them and other parties.
The exterior of all 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.Â
Brush, weeds, broken glass, stumps, roots, obnoxious
growths, filth, garbage, trash, refuse and debris.
(1)Â
The accumulation of debris on or around construction
sites is prohibited. All debris at any construction site shall be
stored in a safe and secure manner and shall be stored so it cannot
be transported to any adjacent property, public or private, by means
of natural forces such as wind or rain.
(2)Â
Both the owner and the contractor shall be jointly
and severally liable for maintaining the public areas adjacent to
the construction site free of mud and dirt which originates from the
construction site or from runoff from activities on site such as the
washing of a concrete chute following a pour or the washing of any
other equipment on the site.
B.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.
(1)Â
Maintenance of sidewalks.
(a)Â
Every owner of land abutting upon or containing
a sidewalk and/or paved walkway shall be responsible for the proper
maintenance of the same and for the cost of the maintenance. The purpose
of the required maintenance is to prevent or eliminate broken, raised
or uneven pavement or any other conditions such as ice or snow, which
would potentially cause a safety hazard for pedestrians.
(b)Â
In cases where a sidewalk or paved walkway appears
to be raised or uneven due to the growth of tree roots which are from
a tree or trees in the Township right-of-way, the landowner must immediately
notify the Superintendent of Public Works and provide the name, address
and type of defect reported. If it is confirmed that the tree is in
the Township right-of-way, the Township will remove the roots. Any
reconstruction or repairs of the sidewalk will then be the obligation
of the adjoining owner at the owner's expense.
(c)Â
No property owner shall undertake any reconstruction
or repair of a sidewalk or paved walkway without having first obtained
a permit for same from the Department of Land Use and Planning.
(d)Â
No person shall construct or install a sidewalk
or paved walkway along a public street or property not currently improved
with such except as authorized or required by other law or ordinance.
(e)Â
Periodically during the course of the year,
the Township may inspect sidewalks or paved walkways. If it is determined
that a sidewalk or paved walkway is a hazard and in need of repair
or replacement, the landowner will be notified in writing of the condition
and be directed to make repairs, which must be made within 30 days
of receipt of such notice.
[1]Â
If repairs are not made within the allotted
time, the Township may, at its discretion, make the repairs either
through the Department of Public Works or by an outside contractor,
and the cost of the same shall be charged to the abutting property
owner, if, after notice of the cost of repairs and demand for payment
by the Township, the property owner fails to make such payment, the
Township shall place a lien upon the property of the abutting owner.
[2]Â
In addition to the actions set forth in Subsection D(1)(e)[1] above, the Township also reserves the right to file court complaints against the property owner for failure to comply with this subsection.
(f)Â
All complaints, calls, inquiries, etc. relative
to sidewalks shall be directed to the Superintendent of Public Works,
and the Superintendent shall make a list of such contacts, including
the time and date of the call, the nature of the complaint, location
of the complaint and the action taken.
(g)Â
The owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other
person in charge of any commercial building shall, within 30 minutes
of opening for business, sweep the sidewalks and an area 18 inches
out from the curb into the roadway, except where such business fronts
on a state highway; provided, however, that no person shall sweep
into or deposit in any gutter, street, catch basin or other public
place any accumulation of litter from any public or private sidewalk,
driveway or paved walkway. Every person who owns or occupies a property
shall keep the sidewalk in front of his/her premises free of litter.
All sweepings shall be collected and properly disposed of.
E.Â
Adequate runoff drains shall be provided and maintained
in accordance with existing applicable codes. No person shall, on
any property, alter any grades or structures, including but not limited
to curbing, where such alteration shall cause water which was previously
contained on the subject property to flow across adjacent property
lines. Alteration of structures shall include removal or providing
a means for water to flow over, under or through the same.
F.Â
Foundation walls shall be kept structurally sound,
free from defects and damage and capable of bearing imposed loads
safely.
G.Â
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.Â
Exterior porches, landings, balconies, stairs and
fire escapes. Exterior porches, landings, balconies, stairs and fire
escapes shall be provided with banisters or railings properly designed
and maintained to minimize the hazard of failings, and the same shall
be kept structurally sound, in good repair and free from defects.
I.Â
Windows that are broken shall be replaced with new
windows within 90 days of the window breaking.
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
by the Township of East Hanover 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.Â
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.
B.Â
All lawns, hedges and bushes shall be kept neatly
trimmed and kept from becoming overgrown and unsightly so as not to
constitute a blighting factor depreciating adjoining property or impairing
the good character of the neighborhood. For the purposes of this section,
lawns with growth in excess of six inches shall be considered not
to be neatly trimmed and thus in violation hereof.
C.Â
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.
D.Â
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.Â
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.Â
Parking.
[Amended 5-5-2009 by Ord.
No. 7-2009]
(1)Â
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, except on driveways and parking
areas constructed and installed in compliance with applicable Township
ordinances and not less than three feet from the interior front sidewalk
line adjacent to said premises. Parking in the front yard area shall
be limited to noncommercial automobiles, pickup trucks and vans used
on a daily basis by the residents of the dwelling on site.
(a)Â
For the purpose of administering this section,
a "commercial vehicle" shall be defined as one that has painted or
installed thereon a sign or logo or one that contains any visual evidence
of said vehicle being used for commercial purposes.
(b)Â
The maximum length of a van as permitted shall
be 20 feet.
(c)Â
The maximum length of the box in a pickup truck
as permitted shall be eight feet.
(2)Â
Parking in a side yard or rear yard shall be limited to any use permitted in Subsection F(1) above and/or one of the following:
(a)Â
Commercial vehicle not to exceed 20,000 pounds
gross vehicle weight.
(b)Â
Boat not to exceed 25 feet in length, exclusive
of the accompanying boat trailer.
(c)Â
Recreation vehicle, camper, camper-trailer or
mobile home none of which shall exceed 25 feet in length or 12 feet
in height.
(d)Â
Van in excess of 20 feet in length.
(3)Â
In all cases, stored vehicles must be in operating
condition. Minor maintenance may be performed but absolutely no mechanical
or body repair work may be done.
(4)Â
Any article stored in the side yard or rear yard of any residential zone shall not be permitted closer to the side lot line or rear lot line or both, as applicable, than a distance that is equal to the height of said article; provided, however, that said article need not be set back from the side line a distance greater than the side yard setback requirement for a principal building on the same lot. In every case where vehicles other than those permitted in Subsection F(1) are parked in a side yard or a rear yard, buffering as described in Subsection F(5) hereof shall be provided. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prohibit any use permitted in the side yard from being stored in a garage.
(5)Â
Where the side yard or rear yard is to be used for storage as set forth in Subsection F(4) above, buffering shall be provided to screen the stored article from the view of any adjacent residential property. Screening shall be a minimum of six feet in height. A legally installed and properly maintained fence may provide the necessary screening. The use of shrubs or trees, alone or in conjunction with a fence, is permitted to achieve the screening standard. Maintenance of the fence, shrubs and trees shall be the sole responsibility of the owner of the property where placed or planted, and no unsightly or offensive conditions may be maintained on the property.
[Amended 12-11-2017 by Ord. No. 23-2017]
(6)Â
No person shall park, stand or store in any
yard any equipment such as, without limitation, salt-spreaders, plows,
trailers (whether open or enclosed), backhoes or any other construction
equipment, scaffolding, ladders, or anything of a similar nature,
nor shall any person store materials, including, without limitation,
salt, sand, stone or other construction materials, buckets, drums
or barrels of any sort, automotive or machinery parts or any other
thing or material not commonly considered incidental to a residential
use; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall prohibit
the storage of any of the foregoing within a garage or other legally
erected and maintained outbuilding on the premises.
(7)Â
No person shall park, stand or stop a motor
vehicle on any lawn of any residential property, nor shall any owner
or occupant permit, suffer or allow any person to park, stand or stop
a motor vehicle on any lawn of a residential property.
(8)Â
No person shall park, stand or stop any inoperable
or unregistered vehicle upon any street or vacant lot or on any lawn
of any residential property, nor shall any owner or occupant permit,
suffer or allow any person to park, stand or stop any inoperable or
unregistered vehicle upon any street or vacant lot or on any lawn
of any residential property.
(9)Â
Any person aggrieved by any of the provisions of this section
may appeal for relief from the Township Council in the manner hereinafter
set forth. In any such appeal, the burden of proof shall rest solely
upon the appellant to justify the variation from the standard and
to overcome objections, if any. Each appeal shall be treated as an
individual case dependent upon the facts therein, and prior rulings
shall not be precedential.
(a)Â
A person wishing to appeal for a variation from the provisions
of this section shall submit a letter to the Mayor and Council setting
forth the details of the variation sought. Such letter shall be delivered
to the Township Clerk who shall set a hearing date not fewer than
20 nor more than 60 days from the date of receipt of the request and
distribute it to the Mayor and Council.
(b)Â
Upon notice of the hearing date, the appellant shall cause notice
to be given to all abutting property owners and to such owners who
shall have a view of the subject property. The notice shall detail
the variation to be sought and provide the date, time and place of
the hearing. Such notice shall be mailed via certified mail, return
receipt requested, not fewer than 10 days prior to the hearing date.
Proof of such mailing shall be provided to the Township Clerk prior
to the hearing date.
(c)Â
By filing the appeal letter, the appellant agrees to be responsible
for any expenses which the Township may incur in the processing of
the appeal. Such costs may include, without limitation, legal, engineering
and planning consultants. No affirmative decision of the Council shall
take effect until such costs are paid to the Township, and failure
to do so within 30 days of the rendering of the affirmative decision
will vacate such decision and may subject the appellant to punitive
action.
(d)Â
Where conditions are attached to an affirmative decision (i.e.,
screening or buffering), such conditions shall be met within 60 days
of the rendering of the decision, unless the Council shall establish
some other time period. In either case, failure to conform to the
conditions within the designated time shall vacate the decision and
may subject the appellant to punitive action.
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 by the Township of East Hanover
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.Â
All permanent signs exposed to public view permitted
by reason of other regulations as a permitted use or 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. The change of ownership of a commercial building
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.
B.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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 10 days after erection, whichever shall occur sooner. Except
during the course of repairs or alteration, no more than 10% 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.Â
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.Â
Exterior walls, sidings and roofs shall be kept structurally
sound, in good repair and free from defects.
B.Â
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.Â
Every dwelling shall be so maintained as to be weather-
and watertight. Where, in the opinion of the Enforcement Officer,
such weather- or watertightness can only be achieved through the addition
of storm windows, it shall be within the power of said Officer to
require the same.
D.Â
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.
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.
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
Food preparation areas in retail stores and eating
establishments shall have walls and floors of water-resistant and
daily cleaned material.
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.
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.
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.
A.Â
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.
B.Â
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.
Every facility using running water for domestic
purposes within any building shall be connected to the public water
supply system of the Township; provided, however, that any premises
which at the time of adoption of this chapter was being supplied potable
water from an approved well may continue to be so served so long as
there is no change in the ownership of the property.
Every habitable room of each dwelling unit shall
contain no fewer than two separate wall or floor-type convenience
outlets of two sockets each. Every water closet compartment, bathroom,
laundry room or furnace room shall contain at least one supplied ceiling
or wall-type electric light fixture and at least one floor or wall-type
convenience outlet of two sockets. Light fixtures installed in water
closet compartments, bathrooms or laundry rooms shall be controlled
by insulated wall switches on the wall most remote from the plumbing
fixtures. Any wall outlet or fixture shall be properly installed,
maintained in good and safe working order and shall be connected to
the source of electric power in a safe manner.
Every bathroom and water closet compartment
shall be adequately ventilated with openable window or skylight opening
directly to the outside or by mechanical ventilation equipped with
proper openings for incoming and outgoing air to provide comparable
ventilation.
The use of kitchens, bathrooms, toilet rooms
or a cellar for sleeping purposes is hereby prohibited.
Basements may be used for human habitation,
provided that:
A.Â
There is sufficient light and ventilation 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 hereto.
B.Â
There is a second means of egress.
C.Â
All furnaces and 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.Â
The dwelling unit and all walls and doors thereof
are free of visible moisture and seepage at all times.
E.Â
Passageways leading to exits must be at least seven
feet in height.
The Enforcement Officer of the Township of East
Hanover is hereby designated to conduct or cause to be conducted all
inspections, regulations enforcement and hearings on violations of
the provisions of this chapter, unless expressly stated to the contrary.
He may appoint or designate such other public officials or employees
of the Township to perform duties as may be necessary to the enforcement
of this chapter, including the making of inspections and holding of
hearings.
The Enforcement Officer or his designee, may,
upon affidavit, apply to the Judge of the Municipal Court of the Township
of East Hanover 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 Judge of the Municipal Court is satisfied as to the matter
set forth in the said 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 exists. Warrant
for access may be issued by the Judge of the Municipal Court upon
affidavit of the Housing Officer establishing grounds therefor.
A.Â
Except as hereinafter provided, where a violation
of this chapter or the regulations hereunder is found to exist, a
written notice from the Enforcement Officer shall be served on the
person or persons responsible for correction thereof.
B.Â
No prior notice shall be required where a violation
of this chapter shall potentially constitute an immediate or imminent
danger to the safety, health or general welfare of the occupants of
a particular dwelling unit, neighboring dwelling units in the same
building or an adjacent building.
The notice shall contain the violations committed,
what must be done to correct the same and a reasonable time period
to correct or abate the violation or violations. For the purpose of
this section, "reasonable time" shall mean the time actually required
to correct the violation, and it shall not be a defense in any administrative
or Municipal Court proceeding that an owner or operator was unable
to obtain the services of a contractor or tradesman unless such owner
or operator has requested an extension with a date certain for the
completion of the required work.
Notice may be served personally or by certified
mail addressed to the last known address of the person to be served.
Where it is ascertained that the owner does not reside on the premises,
the last known address shall be the address of the owner as shown
on the records of the Tax Assessor of the Township of East Hanover.
Where service is by mail, date of service shall be the day following
mailing of the notice if the addressee resides in East Hanover and
three days after said mailing if the owner lives elsewhere; provided,
however, that if the day of service falls upon a Sunday or other day
when mail would not normally be delivered, the date of service shall
be deemed to be the next regular delivery day.
The Enforcement Officer, with justification,
may extend the time for correction or abatement of the violations
for an additional period of time only if the request is made in writing
prior to the original compliance date. A request for an extension
must state a reason for such request and provide a date certain for
the completion of all work. The Enforcement Officer may grant the
request as presented, grant a lesser time period for correction or
abatement, or deny the request if he deems the same to be unreasonable
or unjustified.
Fees for permits required under this chapter
shall be as follows:
Any person who is found to be in violation of
the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a fine of not less
than $100 and not to exceed $1,250, or imprisonment for not more than
90 days, or both. A separate offense shall be deemed to be committed
for each violation and on each day on which a violation occurs or
is continued.
