West New York, NJ Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Chapter 139 of the West New York Town Code, adopted by the Board of Commissioners as Ord. No. 829 in 1958, is the town's unfit building ordinance. Section 139-1 names the Building Inspector as the public officer, and § 139-3 gives that officer power to investigate building conditions, administer oaths, examine witnesses and enter premises.

The test in § 139-4 is conditions dangerous or injurious to the health or safety of the building's occupants, the occupants of neighboring buildings or other residents. The listed conditions are defects increasing the hazards of fire, accident or other calamities, lack of adequate ventilation, light or sanitary facilities, dilapidation, disrepair, structural defects and uncleanliness, and the list does not limit the finding.

A case starts under § 139-5 when a public authority or at least five residents file a petition, or when the officer acts on his own motion. If the preliminary investigation shows a basis, a complaint is served on the owner and parties in interest with notice of a hearing held not less than 10 days nor more than 30 days after service. The owner can file an answer, appear and testify, and the courts' rules of evidence do not control.

After the hearing, § 139-6 requires written findings of fact and an order that the owner repair, alter or improve the building within the time set in the order or, at the owner's option, vacate and close it. If the building endangers persons on or near the premises and the deadline passes, the owner must remove or demolish it. Under § 139-7 the Town can post a placard on the main entrance declaring use or occupation prohibited and unlawful, and § 139-8 lets the officer demolish when a demolition order is ignored.

Section 139-9 turns the cost into a municipal lien on the real property. The statement of costs is filed with the Municipal Tax Assessor, a copy goes to the owner by registered mail, and proceeds from selling salvaged materials are credited against the demolition cost. An owner or party in interest has 60 days from the filing of the lien certificate to contest the amount in Superior Court.