Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Chapter 113 of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Code declares that buildings so old, dilapidated or out of repair as to be dangerous, unsafe or unsanitary are inimical to the health and safety of the people of the Township, and that a public necessity exists for their repair, closing or demolition. The Rehabilitation Director, appointed under § 4-2F, enforces the chapter with the powers of a public officer under N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.3 et seq.

The process starts when a public authority or at least five residents of the Township file a petition, or when the Director acts on his own motion. The Director makes a preliminary investigation. If it supports the charges, he serves the owner and parties in interest with a complaint. The complaint fixes a hearing not less than 10 days nor more than 30 days after service. The owner can file an answer, appear in person or by counsel, and give testimony. Court rules of evidence do not control the hearing.

Section 113-5 lists conditions that make a building unfit, including serious safety hazards from the need for major repairs to roof, walls, ceilings, floors or stairs, no potable running water, no connection to an adequate sewage disposal system, no flush toilet, no bathtub or shower, inadequate wiring, and inadequate or unsafe heating. That list does not limit the Director's finding under § 113-9.

If the Director finds the building unfit, he states his findings of fact in writing and serves an order. Under § 113-10 the owner must repair, alter or improve the building within a reasonable time that in no event exceeds 90 days from the order, or vacate and close it. If the building is dangerous and the owner does not repair in time, the order requires removal or demolition within a reasonable time set in the order.

When the owner ignores an order, the Director can have the building repaired, vacated and closed, or demolished after advertisement and bids. A closed building is placarded on the main entrance. Under § 113-16, a building damaged by fire or other cause so as to be dangerous is held to be unsafe, and the Director also fixes a notice of the dangerous character of the structure to a conspicuous place on the exterior. Complaints and orders are served personally or by registered mail, posted on the premises, and recorded with the County Clerk of Morris County. An aggrieved person can bring a court action under N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.8, as § 113-15 provides.