Monroe Township (Gloucester County), NJ Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing officer
- Construction Code Official, designated public officer
- Who can petition
- A public authority or at least five residents
- Hearing window
- Not less than 10 nor more than 30 days after service
- Appeal deadline
- 30 days after posting and service of the order
- Lien challenge
- 30 days from filing of the lien certificate
- Maximum penalty
- $1,000, 90 days in jail, or both, per day
Summary
In Monroe Township, Gloucester County, the Construction Code Official can order a building repaired, vacated or demolished after a hearing when it is unfit for human habitation. Costs become a municipal lien on the property, and owners have 30 days to appeal. Violations carry up to $1,000 per offense.
C. Service of order to repair or demolish. If the Construction Code Official shall determine after such notice and hearing that the building under consideration is unfit for human habitation or occupancy or use, he shall state in writing his findings of fact in support of such determination and shall issue and cause to be served upon the owner thereof and parties in interest an order as follows: (1) Requiring the repair, alteration or improvement of said building to be made by the owner within a reasonable time, which time shall be set forth in the order, or, at the option of the owner, to vacate or have said building vacated and closed within the time set forth in the order. (2) If the building is in such condition as to make it dangerous to the health and safety of persons on or near the premises and the owner fails to repair, alter or improve said building within the time specified in the order, then the owner shall be required to remove or demolish said building within a reasonable time as specified in said order of removal. D. Appeals. Any person aggrieved by an order issued by the Construction Code Official pursuant to this article may, within 30 days after the posting and service of such order, avail himself of such remedies as are set forth in P.L. 1942, c. 112, Section 6, as amended (N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.8).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 104, Article I (Unfit Buildings) is the Township Council's tool against dilapidated, dangerous or unsanitary structures. Section 104-1 declares that deterioration and lack of maintenance create blighting conditions and can start slums. Section 104-12 names the Construction Code Official as the public officer who directs all inspections, enforcement and hearings.
The process in § 104-13 starts when a public authority or at least five Township residents petition the Construction Code Official, or when the Official acts on his own motion. If a preliminary investigation shows a basis for the charges, the Official serves the owner and parties in interest with a complaint. A hearing follows not less than 10 days nor more than 30 days after service, and the owner may file an answer and testify.
After the hearing, the Official states findings in writing and issues an order. The order either requires repair, alteration or improvement within a reasonable time set in the order, or lets the owner vacate and close the building. If the building is dangerous to persons on or near the premises and the owner fails to act, the order requires removal or demolition. If the owner ignores that order, the Official can have the building demolished after advertisement and receipt of bids.
Section 104-16.2 lets the Official find a building unfit for defects that raise fire or accident hazards, lack of adequate ventilation, light or sanitary facilities, dilapidation, disrepair, structural defects or uncleanliness. Under § 104-14(C), where a fire-damaged or structurally unsafe building threatens immediate collapse, the Official can make it temporarily safe and seek summary judgment for demolition.
Orders and complaints are served personally or by registered mail, or by newspaper publication when an owner cannot be found. A copy is posted on the premises and recorded with the Gloucester County Clerk (§ 104-15).
Violations & Fines
Under § 104-16.5, anyone who violates Article I is punished on conviction by a fine of not more than $1,000, up to 90 days in the county jail, or both. Each violation and each day it continues is a separate offense. Separately, demolition and enforcement costs are a municipal lien on the real property (§ 104-14).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides whether a building in Monroe Township is unfit?
How long does an owner have to appeal an order?
Who pays when the Township demolishes a building?
Can the Township act faster when a building may collapse?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monroe Township (Gloucester County)
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