Galloway Township's Property Maintenance: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles property maintenance a little differently. In Galloway Township, New Jersey, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Vacant structures, premises and vacant land must be maintained clean, safe, secure and sanitary so as not to create blight or a public nuisance. Abandoned real property is declared a public nuisance and must be registered and secured against unauthorized entry.

Key details: Vacant land standard: Clean, safe, secure, sanitary. Abandoned property: Declared a public nuisance. Mortgagee registration: Within 10 days of inspection. Minimum fine: $1,500 per offense. Securing required: Lock windows, doors, gates.

Abandoned-property violations: fine of not less than $1,500, up to 90 days imprisonment and/or up to 90 days community service; each day is a separate offense.

Property Blight

Galloway Township requires all exterior property to be kept clean, safe and sanitary, free of any accumulation of rubbish, garbage or litter. Deteriorated, dilapidated or unmaintained properties are declared public nuisances and blighting conditions subject to Code Enforcement action.

Key details: Governing chapter: Ch. 267 Property Maintenance. Standard: Clean, safe, sanitary; no blight. Enforced by: Code Enforcement Office. Max fine: $2,000 per offense. Each day: Separate offense.

General Chapter 267 penalty: fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days imprisonment and/or up to 90 days community service; each day is a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

Galloway Township's property maintenance rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Galloway Township is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Galloway Township can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.