Pursuant to the provisions of P. L. 2014, c. 35, a creditor filing a summons and complaint to foreclose a lien on a residential property that is vacant and abandoned, whether the filing of the summons and complaint is made before or after the determination that the property is vacant and abandoned, shall be responsible for the care, maintenance, security and upkeep of the exterior of the residential property. This obligation applies whether the determination that the property is vacant and abandoned is made by the public officer pursuant to the provisions of P.L. 2014, c. 35 and/or the Code of the Township of Voorhees, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 2A:50-73 or otherwise.

(Ord. 254-14, passed 10-14-14)

   An out-of-state creditor shall include the full name and contact information of the in-state representative or agent in the notice required to be provided to the Municipal Clerk pursuant to paragraph one of N.J.S.A. 46:10B-51. An out-of-state creditor found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have violated this provision shall be subject to a fine of $2,500 for each day of the violation commencing on the day after the ten day period set forth in paragraph one of N.J.S.A. 46:10B-51 with respect to notifying the Municipal Clerk that an action to foreclose on the property as been filed.

(Ord. 254-14, passed 10-14-14)

   Notice of violations of property maintenance, building or other property codes for any property declared vacant and abandoned pursuant to this chapter shall be given to a foreclosing creditor pursuant to the procedures as required by P.L. 2014, c. 35.

(Ord. 254-14, passed 10-14-14)

   (A)   The township’s Director of Community and Economic Development is hereby directed to identify abandoned properties within the municipality, place said properties on an abandoned property list established as provided in Section 36 of P.L. 1996, c. 62 (C.55:19-55), as amended by Section 28 of P.L. 2003, c. 210, and provide such notices and carry out such other tasks as are required to effectuate an abandoned property list as provided by law.

   (B)   The abandoned property list shall apply to the township as a whole.

   (C)   The Director of Community and Economic Development is hereby designated as the public officer for the purpose of carrying out the responsibilities established by this section, and shall have all the responsibilities and powers provided by law.

   (D)   The Director of Community and Economic Development shall exercise the authority granted the municipality pursuant to Section 13 of P.L. 2003, c. 210, to designate qualified rehabilitation entities to act as the designee of the municipality with respect to the provisions of that section.

   (E)   The public officer shall provide a report to the Mayor and governing body every six months, with respect to the number and location of properties on the abandoned property list, the status of those properties, and any actions taken by the municipality or by any qualified rehabilitation entity designated pursuant to the authority granted the public officer with respect to any property on the list or any other abandoned property within the township.

(Ord. 318-18, passed 2-12-18)

   Any person, firm, corporation or entity, including a creditor, required to care, maintain, secure and keep up a property under this chapter cited in a notice issued pursuant hereto for violating any provision of this chapter, shall upon conviction, be punishable and subject to a fine of $1,500 for each day of the violation.