Paterson, NJ Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Notice period
- 30 days to repair or remove
- Enforcing officer
- Construction Official
- Unpaid cost
- Becomes a municipal lien
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine / 90 days
Summary
Paterson lets the Construction Official order repair, removal or demolition of any dangerous or fire-hazard building, then bills the owner and liens the property if the 30-day notice is ignored.
No building, wall or structure or any part thereof which is or may become dangerous to life or health or which creates a fire hazard or might tend to extend a conflagration shall be permitted to remain in such condition in the City.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 157, Article I, no building, wall or structure that is or may become dangerous to life or health, or that creates or extends a fire hazard, may remain in that condition in the city. The Construction Official gives the owner written notice describing the defect and the required repair, removal or demolition; if the owner does nothing within 30 days, the city carries out the work itself and charges the cost, plus interest, against the property as a municipal lien collected like unpaid taxes. Immediately unsafe structures can be secured or taken down without waiting out the notice period.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a Construction Official's notice lets the city repair, remove or demolish the structure and lien the property for the cost; violators also face a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days' imprisonment or community service, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides a Paterson building is dangerous?
What happens if the owner does nothing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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