Howell, NJ Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Section 83-1 of the Howell Township Code declares buildings, walls or structures that are or may become dangerous to property, life or health, or constitute a nuisance, or are so old, dilapidated or out of repair as to be dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use, to be inimical to the welfare of the people of the Township. Under § 83-2 the Township Construction Official or a lawful designee holds the enforcement powers.

The process starts under § 83-4, when a public authority or at least five residents file a petition with the Construction Official, or the Township Council acts on its own motion. If a preliminary investigation shows a basis, the Construction Official serves the owner and parties in interest with a complaint and a notice of a hearing set not less than seven days nor more than 10 days after service. Owners can answer and testify, and court rules of evidence do not control.

Section 83-5 governs the order. After the hearing the Construction Official states findings of fact in writing and issues an order requiring the owner to repair, alter or improve the building within a reasonable time set in the order or, at the owner's option, to vacate and close it. If the building endangers persons nearby and the owner does not act in time, the order becomes one to remove or demolish. If the owner defaults, the Construction Official can have the work done, can post a placard on the main entrance reading "This building is declared unsafe for human occupancy. No individual is to occupy this building until the structure is rendered safe and secure," and can contract for demolition after advertisement and receipt of bids.

Costs, including legal filing, expert witness, search and advertising charges and the cost of repairs, closure or demolition less proceeds from salvage, become a municipal lien on the real property. An owner or party in interest has 60 days from the filing of the lien certificate to contest the amount in Superior Court. Under § 83-7, a person aggrieved by an order has 60 days after posting and service to bring an action for injunctive relief. Section 83-6 sets service by personal delivery or certified mail, or publication once each week for two successive weeks when an owner cannot be found, plus posting on the premises and recording with the County Recording Officer.