§ 231-3. Title; scope; intent.

A. 

Title. This chapter shall be known as the "Property Maintenance Code of the Borough of Wharton," hereinafter referred to as "this chapter."

B. 

Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all existing residential and nonresidential structures and all existing premises and constitute minimum requirements and standards for premises, structures, equipment and facilities for light, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, protection from the elements, life safety, safety from fire and other hazards, and for safe and sanitary maintenance; the responsibility of owners, operators and occupants; the occupancy of existing structures and premises; and for administration, enforcement and penalties.

C. 

Intent. This chapter shall be construed to secure its expressed intent, which is to ensure public health, safety and welfare insofar as they are affected by the continued occupancy and maintenance of structures and premises. Existing structures and premises that do not comply with these provisions shall be altered or repaired to provide a minimum level of health and safety as required herein. Repairs, alterations, additions to and change of occupancy in existing buildings shall comply with the International Existing Building Code.

D. 

Compliance required. Every residential and nonresidential building, structure and lot and the premises or part of the premises on which it is situated in the Borough of Wharton previously or presently used or intended to be used for dwelling, commercial business, recreational, service, transportation, institutional, religious, charitable, quasi-public, professional, warehousing, or industrial occupancy and uses accessory thereto shall comply with the provisions of this chapter, whether or not any such building or structure or use of the premises shall have been constructed, altered or repaired before or after the enactment of this chapter and irrespective of any permits or license which may have been issued for the use or occupancy of such building or for the installation or repair of equipment or facilities prior to the effective date of this chapter. Vacant lots, lands and premises are also required to comply with the provisions of this chapter.

E. 

Higher standards to prevail. In any case where the provisions of this chapter impose a higher standard than those set forth in any other ordinance or regulation of the Borough of Wharton or impose a higher standard than those set forth in the laws of the State of New Jersey or any of its agencies, then the higher standard shall prevail.

F. 

Compliance with other ordinances. Compliance with this chapter shall not constitute a defense against any violation of any other ordinance of the Borough of Wharton applicable to any structure or premises, nor shall any one act of compliance constitute a defense against any subsequent or other violation of this chapter.