§ 186-4. Enforcement of provisions., Chapter 186. Housing Standards, Part II. General Legislation, Code of Ordinances, Netcong

Notice of violation.

(1)

Whenever the Zoning Officer determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a violation of any provisions of this chapter or of any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, he shall give notice of such alleged violation to the person or persons responsible therefor, as hereinafter provided.

(2)

Such notice shall:

(a)

Be put in writing.

(b)

Include a statement of the reasons why it is being issued.

(c)

Allow a reasonable time for the performance of any act it requires.

(d)

Be served upon the owner or his agent, or the occupant, as the case may require, provided that such notice shall be deemed to be properly served upon such owner or agent or upon such occupant if a copy thereof is served upon him personally, or if a copy thereof is sent by registered mail to his last known address, or if a copy thereof is posted in a conspicuous place in or about the dwelling affected by the notice, or if he is served with such notice by any other method authorized or required under the laws of this state.

(3)

Such notice may contain an outline of remedial action which, if taken, will effect compliance with the provisions of this chapter and with rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

Hearing and enforcement procedure.

(1)

Any person affected by any notice which has been issued in connection with the enforcement of any provision of this chapter or of any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto may request and shall be granted a hearing on the matter before the Mayor and Borough Council, provided that such person shall file in the office of the Zoning Officer a written petition requesting such hearing and setting forth a brief statement of the grounds therefor within 10 days after the day the notice was served.

(2)

Upon receipt of such petition, the Mayor and Borough Council shall set a time and place for such hearing and shall give the petitioner written notice thereof.

(3)

At such hearing, the petitioner shall be given an opportunity to be heard and to show why such notice should be modified or withdrawn.

(4)

The hearing shall be commenced not later than 10 days after the day on which the petition was filed, provided that upon application of the petitioner the Mayor and Borough Council may postpone the date of the hearing for a reasonable time beyond such ten-day period if in its judgment the petitioner has submitted a good and sufficient reason for such postponement.

(5)

After such hearing, the Mayor and Borough Council shall sustain, modify or withdraw the notice, depending upon its findings as to whether the provisions of this chapter and of the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto have been complied with. If the Mayor and Borough Council sustains or modifies such notice, it shall be deemed to be an order.

(6)

Any notice served pursuant to this chapter shall automatically become an order if a written petition for a hearing is not filed in the office of the Zoning Officer within 10 days after such notice is served.

(7)

The proceedings at such hearing, including the findings and decision of the Mayor and Borough Council, shall be summarized, reduced to writing and entered as a matter of public record in the office of the Zoning Officer and Clerk of the Borough of Netcong. Such record shall also include a copy of every notice or order issued in connection with the matter.

(8)

Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Mayor and Borough Council may seek relief therefrom in any court of competent jurisdiction, as provided by the laws of the state.

Emergencies.

(1)

Whenever the Zoning Officer (or his representative authorized by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Netcong) finds that an emergency exists which requires immediate action to protect the public health or safety, he may, without notice or hearing, issue an order reciting the existence of such an emergency and requiring that such action be taken as he deems necessary to meet the emergency. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, such order shall be effective immediately.

(2)

Any person to whom such order is directed shall comply therewith immediately, but upon petition to the Mayor and Borough Council, he or she shall be afforded a hearing as soon as possible.

(3)

After such hearing, depending upon its findings as to whether the provisions of this chapter and of the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto have been complied with, the Mayor and Borough Council shall continue such order in effect, or modify it or revoke it.