[Adopted 6-27-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-15]
The purpose of this article is to protect and promote the public
health through the control of the growth of invasive plant species.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
All native and nonnative vines and vegetation that grow out
of place and are competitive, persistent, and pernicious. These plants
may damage trees, vegetation, or structures. Examples include, but
are not limited to, bamboo (spreading or running type), ragweed, multiflora
rose, kudzu vine and poison ivy or oak.
All persons must control the growth of invasive plants. Failure
to control the spread of such vegetation beyond the boundaries of
a resident's property is a violation of this article.
All places and premises in the Township of Ocean shall be subject
to inspection by the enforcing officer. Such inspections shall be
performed by such person, persons or agency duly authorized and appointed
by the Township of Ocean. An inspection shall be made if that official
has reason to believe that any section of this article is being violated.
The enforcing officer shall be the Code Enforcement or such other
person as may be designated by the Township Committee.
A.
Whenever an invasive plant, as defined by this article, is found
on any plot of land, lot or any other premises or place, a violation
notice shall be given to the owner, in writing, to remove or abate
the violation within such time as shall be specified in such notice.
If the property owner fails to abate the violation, a municipal summons/complaint
may be issued charging the owner with violating the provisions of
this article.
B.
The cost of abatement shall be borne by the property owner.
C.
If the owner fails to comply with such notice within the time specified therein, the enforcing official may, in addition to issuing a summons/complaint as set forth above, remove or otherwise control the invasive plan species, and the Township may thereafter recover the cost of such removal from the property owner and place a lien on the property to recover the cost of invasive plant removal pursuant to § 280-7.
Any person, partnership, limited liability company, corporation
or other entity who shall violate any provision of this article shall,
upon conviction thereof, be subject to a minimum fine of not less
than $100 and not more than $1,500.