Derelict properties will no longer be tolerated in Plainsboro if the township committee passes an ordinance that would give the township greater enforcement oversight over properties that are visibly neglected.
The committee will hold a public hearing on a property maintenance ordinance on Wednesday, Sept. 14. The proposed ordinance would establish minimum standards over exterior property conditions in a bid to prevent deterioration and preserve the quality of Plainsboro’s residential and commercial properties.
Enforcement duties would be handled by township police and construction code departments, as well as the zoning officer and health inspector.
“The ordinance is being written to protect the neighborhoods, to ensure properties don’t deteriorate,” Mayor Pete Cantu said. “We do see some properties fall in the categories of being neglected, and it’s important to address those issues. Some are related to properties that are in foreclosure and there are instances where residents do neglect their properties,” the mayor said.
Previously, the township could issue citations on the basis of health violations. This ordinance would expand the town’s enforcement toolbox.
The ordinance would mandate that the exterior of all premises, which includes the outside surface of buildings and the open land space outside of the structure, shall be kept free of trash, debris abandoned appliances, vermin and vehicles, including boats and trailers.
Also disallowed are structurally unsafe buildings, wells, shafts, towers, exterior cellar openings, basement hatchways and excavations. In addition, grass and weeds cannot exceed 12 inches in height.
Occupants would also be required to keep exterior premises free of nuisances, which the ordinance as written defines as any physical condition that “is potentially dangerous, detrimental or hazardous to the life, health or safety of persons on, near or passing within the proximity of the premises where the condition exists.”
Exposed surfaces “susceptible to decay” must be kept painted or provided with sufficient protective coating. In the event of a violation, the enforcement officer will first issue a notice that gives 10 days to remedy the violation, more if the violation is unwieldy enough to require more time. A summons would be issued if there is no compliance, and first-time offenders still in violation would be fined a maximum of $100. The maximum fine for a second offense is set for $500, for a third time $1,000.
Those in violation who are in economic hardship would be able to apply for a six-month extension from the township committee.
The ordinance also prohibits the accumulation of brush, grass, or debris within the township “in such a manner as to constitute a menace to public health, safety or general welfare or to create a fire hazard.” The town could remove the accumulated pile in the event of noncompliance and then, after committee approval, bill the owner of the property for the cost of removal.
