Targeting overcrowding

From the North Brunswick Sentinel:

N.B. ordinance targets overcrowding in homes

Due to a growing problem of severe overcrowding and unsafe living conditions in town, the Township Council has put forth an amended ordinance in regards to code enforcement standards and how to actually enforce them.

Initially discussed at the workshop meeting on Oct. 30 and presented for first reading this past Monday, the document will follow a model instituted by New Brunswick. Township Attorney Ron Gordon is also looking into a measure adopted about nine months ago by another town he represents.

“Our ultimate goal is not to have too many people living inappropriately in a single space,” Mayor Francis “Mac” Womack said.

According to the ordinance, which covers all forms of housing, a single housekeeping unit would be defined as a family not necessarily related by blood who have a single economic entity characterized by stability and permanency in a single-family dwelling unit, according to Gordon.
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A violation notice would put the homeowner or landlord on notice immediately, with a minimum fine of $1,000. The fine can be renewed on a daily basis in an effort to be a deterrent to maintaining unsafe conditions. However, the council hopes to include an amnesty period so that residents unaware of any problems will not suddenly be faced with multiple fines.