Cherry Hill, NJ Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Article VI of the Property Maintenance Code, Section 15-22, defines and addresses unsafe structures. Subsection (a) defines an unsafe structure as one dangerous to life, health, property or safety because it lacks fire safeguards, contains unsafe equipment, or is damaged, decayed, dilapidated, structurally unsafe or of unstable construction such that partial or complete collapse is likely. Subsection (c) defines a structure unfit for human occupancy as one that is unsafe, unlawful, or so lacking in maintenance that it is unsanitary, vermin or rat infested, contains filth, or lacks required ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities.

Subsection (e) separately defines an unlawful nuisance as a structure or premises in such disrepair as to be an attractive nuisance or to detract from neighborhood property values, expressly including unpainted or peeling-paint exteriors, broken windows, and hanging or unsecured gutters or soffits. 2 authorizes posting a placard of condemnation and ordering the structure closed; if the owner fails to close it, the Township can do so and lien the cost against the property. 5 makes occupying or operating placarded premises or equipment a violation.

A. 6 all Township costs including legal, expert and demolition fees become a municipal lien on the property. Section 15-23 additionally lets the Inspector order demolition of structures too dilapidated to repair or vacant for construction more than two years.