Boro forgoes adopting new property code
BY JANE MEGGITT
Staff Writer

ROOSEVELT - When Councilman Dan Hoffman moved to introduce an ordinance to adopt a property maintenance code in the borough, he was met with silence from fellow members of the governing body.

Since no one seconded the motion at the July 9 meeting, the governing body tabled the ordinance regarding the 2003 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC).

When residents asked about the ordinance, Borough Administrator William Schmeling said the code concerns how property is maintained. He said he was recently contacted by a resident complaining that a neighbor's grass was too high.

The code's introduction states that "internationally, code officials recognize the need for a modern, up-to-date property maintenance code governing the maintenance of existing buildings."

The introduction continues, "The IPMC, in this 2003 edition, is designed to meet this need through model code regulations that contain clear and specific property maintenance requirements with required property improvement provisions."

The code is compatible with all the international codes published in the International Code Council (ICC), according to its introduction.

Certain parts of the IPMC code are blank and are filled in by the governing entity before adoption.

With regard to why the council tabled the ordinance to adopt the code, Schmeling said that questions arose regarding its enforcement.

A section regarding weeds states that all premises and exterior property would have to be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 8 inches in height. The section further states that all noxious weeds would be prohibited.

The code defines weeds as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs, but does not include cultivated flowers and gardens.

Another section states that insect screens would have to be used from May 15 to Sept. 15 in every door, window and other ventilation opening of habitable rooms and food preparation, processing, manufacturing, packaging, serving and storing areas. This section also states that every swinging door would have to have a self-closing device in good working condition.

The code also states that owners of rental buildings would have to maintain a temperature no less than 68 degrees in all habitable rooms and bathrooms from Oct. 15 to April 15.

Councilman Jeff Ellentuck said the length of grass is a "hot button" in Roosevelt.

"I've heard about this for the last 50 years," Ellentuck said. "Do you think I'm going to move this thing?"

He said that he has had residents call to ask him if they could make neighbors mow their lawn if their grass exceeds 8 inches in height.

Ellentuck said, "Do you want discussions with someone about what constitutes a weed?"

Resident Michael Ticktin said that the grass-length issue is already addressed by the Public Health Nuisance Code of New Jersey, which prohibits grass that is longer than 18 inches.