Property preservation ensures residential or commercial properties are appropriately maintained. Property owners have a great responsibility to ensure that they keep their property in compliance with local code, whether the property is occupied or vacant. This includes but is not limited to garbage disposal, building repairs, lawn maintenance, egress, and other items.
How does local code enforcement work?
Local code enforcement departments are tasked with ensuring the health and safety of a community’s buildings and structures (commercial and residential). Code enforcement departments rely on standards that are codified to help prevent the deterioration of buildings and the risk those buildings pose to residents/occupants. Code enforcement adherence is also essential in the fight against blight and depressed home values in communities. Properties that show signs of neglect and abandonment have an impact on the community as a whole.
What are the most common code violations?
Both property managers and investors need to protect the valuable assets they have in these properties by understanding and complying with all state laws. Construction clean-up and consistent property maintenance can help ensure you comply with all state and local ordinances.
Below are some of the most common code violations we see at Exquisite Property Services:
- Overgrown grass: The idea of the well-manicured lawn is a recent development in American culture around the late 19th and early 20th The increase in industrialization and suburban landscapes saw the growing European trend of creating lawns as an economic symbol. While decorative and elaborate landscaping can be expensive and time-consuming, other options ensure a reasonably maintained lawn that preserves the community’s beauty and resources.
- Garbage and debris: Trash and waste are among the most common violations that degrade a community’s quality. Make sure you know your town’s disposal rules. Do not sit out the trash without knowing your scheduled pick-up. Equally important is to know what items you can sit out. For instance, many communities cannot sit out appliances and furniture with regular household trash (for good reasons). When improper disposal occurs, the community as a whole is impacted by the unwanted waste that lingers on the street.
- Inoperable vehicles stored/parked: Inoperable cars are more than just an eye sore in any community. These vehicles can also create more significant hazards. They can leak oils and attract rodents, which is an additional annoyance for a community. Ensure that inoperable vehicles are properly garaged, repaired, or disposed of.
- Interior property maintenance: When ignored, minor problems can very quickly become significant problems. It is vital to repair drywall damage, replace broken windows, fix leaky faucets, and other minor repair issues to prevent expanded damage. A small leak can eventually turn into a busted pipe. A small hole in the drywall can lead to further paint peeling and provide easy access to mice and other rodents. Get estimates when you first notice a problem to eliminate blotted repair costs.
Code violations regarding property preservation can be costly.
Properly maintaining your property can save you the cost of violations and hefty repair bills. The City of Newark Housing and Zoning Regulations specifies previsions and code compliance. Section 18:6-2 Defines the General Conditions of Premises:
[Ord. 6 S+FG, 12-6-1989; Ord. 6 S+FA, 2-21-1990 § 15:4-1.1]
It shall be the owner’s responsibility to comply with the provisions of these regulations.
[Ord. 6 S+FA, 2-21-1990 § 15:4-2.1]
Every dwelling and every part thereof shall be in a state of sound repair and a clean and sanitary condition.
[Ord. 6 S+FG, 12-6-1989; Ord. 6 S+FA, 2-21-1990 § 15:4-3.1]
The premises under the owner’s control shall be free from conditions that constitute a hazard to health or safety.
[Ord. 6 S+FG, 12-6-1989; Ord. 6 S+FA, 2-21-1990 § 15:4-4.1]
Sidewalls, window frames, doors, and other woodwork, ceilings of every habitable room, bathrooms, water-closet compartments, pantries, laundries, foyers, halls, corridors, closets, and compartments within a dwelling shall be sufficiently painted, plastered, and papered so that the same shall have a clean and washable surface.
[Ord. 6 S+FG, 12-6-1989; Ord. 6 S+FA, 2-21-1990 § 15:4-6.1]
- Exterior. The exterior areas of the premises and accessory structures shall be free from filth, ashes, rubbish, refuse, junk, slop, wood, paper, or other materials.
- Interior. All common areaways, stairways, halls, attics, cellars or basements, or other parts of the dwelling shall be free from filth, ashes, rubbish, refuse, junk, slop, wood, paper, or other materials.
- Drainage. All premises shall be drained to prevent any water accumulation thereon.
We can help with property preservation
Exquisite Property Services believes that building a solid and healthy community begins with taking pride in each property. In addition, quality cleaning, cleaning up, and preservation enhance the value of all properties within a community. We deliver interior and exterior property cleaning for homes, businesses, and government properties. As a result, customers lower their property care costs and protect the environment. We are determined to make each customer experience, well, simply exquisite!
Are you ready to build up your community?
Contact us to schedule a time to discuss your property and ensure you are compliant with all state and local ordinances.