NORTH BRUNSWICK – With the arrival of spring, the North Brunswick Department of Community Development is reminding residents about local property maintenance regulations and encourages “spring cleaning” of all outdoor areas.
Code enforcement officers will be inspecting properties throughout the township for compliance, according to a statement provided by the department.
Of particular note is a “top five” list of the most common violations the department enforces throughout the year: Uncut grass that is not regularly maintained; fence sections which have fallen or are damaged; cars with flat tires, disabled or otherwise in a state of disrepair; overgrown brush and tree limbs that are low or hanging and creating a danger; and outside storage in the front and side yards including tires, auto parts, construction materials, landscaping equipment and furniture.
“We all play a role in community building and maintaining the quality of our neighborhoods so that North Brunswick remains a highly desirable place to live and work,” Director of Community Development Michael Hritz said in the statement. “We rely on each and every property owner to do their part in working with us to assure that simple and common property maintenance standards are embraced and honored.”
Residents are also reminded the addition of fences, sheds, pools and other accessory structures on residential properties requires a zoning permit and in many cases a building permit as well.
“We support residents enhancing the quality of their home and yards, but as a matter of record and to maintain peace with their neighbors, residents should always seek a permit before engaging in any property improvement,” Hritz said in the statement.
Of particular concern are new types of temporary above-ground pools that are being marketed at home centers and discount shopping stores. These metal frame pools may be seasonal and easily installed but they require permits nonetheless, according to the statement.
“The Uniform Construction Code regulates any pool that may contain more than 24 inches of water,” construction official Tom Paun said in the statement. “These pools are popular and fairly inexpensive but they still pose a risk and require fences, permits and inspections.”
Installation of fences and other structures without permits can create undue stress for homeowners, according to the statement.
“It’s important for residents to at least make a simple call, email, or visit to our office before purchasing and installing something they later find out doesn’t comply,” zoning officer Mike Proietti said in the statement. “We take no joy in requiring residents to dismantle or remove something that they’ve done to improve their yard, but without proper permits they are assuming that risk as well as a possible fine.”
An average zoning permit costs $30, which is attributable to most fences and small sheds. Larger sheds and pools also require a building permit according to state statute and vary depending on the size and scope of the work being done, according to the statement.
The department has produced instruction sheets for fence, shed and pool installations that are available in the department office on the second floor of the municipal building, 710 Hermann Road, and on the township website at northbrunswicknj.gov.
For more information, call 732-247-0922, ext. 440.