The purpose of this chapter is to protect property and promote
public health through the control and growth of invasive plant species.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES
All native and nonnative vines and vegetation that grow out
of place and are competitive, persistent and pernicious; those plants
may damage trees, vegetation, sidewalks or structures. Examples include,
but are not limited to, bamboo, as well as invasive plant species
developed by the New Jersey Species Strike Team and the New Jersey
Forestry Association. The terms "bamboo" and "invasive plant species"
shall include, but not be limited to, the following plant genera (commonly
known as spreading or running type): Arundinaria, Bambusa, Chimonobambusa,
Dendrocalamus, Fargesia, Phyllostachys, Pleioblastus, Sasa, Sasaella,
Semiarundinaria, ragweed, Multiflora Rose, kudzu vine and poison oak
or ivy.
All new plantings of invasive plant species as defined herein
are strictly prohibited.
All invasive plant species which are growing on land within
the Township of Mantua which are preexisting at the time of the passage
of this chapter, shall be contained within the property boundaries
of the property on which such species were previously planted or allowed
to grow. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines on his or her
own or on complaint from any abutting or nearby property owner that
any portion of such invasive plant species has been allowed to grow
upon, extend roots across, over, or under, or extend branches, stalks
or leaves over any public way or property or any private property
not owned by the property owner from whose property the invasive plant
species originated, the Code Enforcement Officer may compel remediation
of such condition consistent with the terms of this chapter.
Any person determined by any court of competent jurisdiction
to have violated this chapter shall be subject to pay a fine of not
less than $100 nor more than $2,000 for each offense and up to 90
days in jail. Each day that the violation exists after the date for
remediation as set forth in the notice shall constitute a separate
offense for which an additional fine may be levied.