Code Inspector | Property Maintenance Officer |
Niagra Fire Station | Niagara Fire Station |
22 East Park Avenue | 22 East Park Avenue |
Merchantville, NJ 08109 | Merchantville, NJ 08109 |
(856) 488-0404 | (856) 488-0404 |
codeenforcement@merchantvillenj.gov | kpatti@merchantvillenj.gov |
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 8:30 – 4:30 | Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30 |
This office is responsible for enforcement of the property maintenance code and rental housing inspections. If you would like to meet with the Code Enforcement Inspector or the Properties Maintenance Officer/Vacant and Abandoned Properties Officer, please request an appointment, as they often have duties outside of the office.
The following are answers to frequently asked questions and requests for information:
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Property Maintenance Code is contained in Chapter 60B of the Merchantville Code. This code sets forth the minimum standards of maintenance.
Property Maintenance is an essential part of maintaining the appearance of the Borough of Merchantville. This code holds property owners responsible for the up keep of their properties. The Borough takes an aggressive approach toward addressing and correcting property maintenance violations. In addition to regulating the overall appearance of properties, the code addresses maintenance of grass, weeds, trees, shrubs, trash, debris, building exteriors, fences, sidewalks, and vehicle storage.
Owners whose property violates any provision of the code are notified to correct the violation(s) and comply with the regulations. Owners who do not abide by the laws are taken to court and if necessary, the Borough can make the necessary repairs and bill the owners.
HOW TO MAKE A COMPLAINT
If you have a complaint about a neighbor or any property owner in the Borough that is related to property maintenance, you may contact the Borough’s Code Enforcement Office: Property Maintenance Officer, Kevin Patti at 856-488-0404, Code Inspector, Tom Connelly via email at codeenforcement@merchantvillenj.gov
When a complaint is received, the Code Enforcement Officer or Deputy Code Officer will go to the property and do an inspection. If violations of the Property Maintenance Code are found, the owner will receive a warning to comply. The owner has 5-10 days to correct the problem.
If the property owner does not contact the Code Enforcement Department or abate the violation(s), a court summons is issued. It can take up to a month before the case goes before the court. After a summons is issued the Borough will take the necessary action to abate the violation and put a lien on the property for the costs of having the violation abated. This complete process can sometimes take up to two months from start to finish.
RENTAL RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL UNITS
All residential rental and commercial units are required to be registered and inspected. See Rental Inspection Form. Please contact Rental Registration Clerk at (856) 488-0404 or email codeenforcement@merchantvillenj.gov for more information.
SALE OF RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES
Before the sale of all residential properties, you are required to obtain a Resale Inspection, including smoke detector compliance. See Forms HERE. Please bring your completed application to the clerk’s office with you to pay the required fee. The Applicant will be contacted to schedule an inspection. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Code Enforcement and Rental Housing Inspection at (856) 488-0404.
VACANT PROPERTY REGISTRATION
The local vacant and abandoned property officer is Kevin Patti, the Property Maintenance Officer. Merchantville Borough has partnered with PROCHAMPS.com to administer its Foreclosure and Vacant (Not Subject to Foreclosure) Property Registration programs. In order to comply with the Foreclosure and Vacant Property Registration Ordinance(s), all Owners/Mortgagees/Trustees must register online via PROCHAMPS.com and pay a registration fee.
Register with PROCHAMPS.com
PROCHAMPS Customer Support contact information:
Email: support@prochamps.com Phone: (321) 421-6639
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Firewood Storage Ordinance
- Property Maintenance Ordinance Chapter 60 B
- Rental Ordinance Chapter 66
- Swimming Pool Ordinance Chapter 75 (property owners are also required to adhere to construction code)
- Tax Maps