Vacant/Abandoned Property Registration

Vacant/Abandoned Property Registration Form

Who has to register?

Foreclosed or bank owned properties
Properties unsafe or unfit for occupancy
All types of properties (residential, commercial and industrial) if vacant or abandoned

How do you register?

Mail the completed registration and required fee to the following address or put in the dropbox outside of the Township Public Works building.

Piscataway Township Vacant Property Registration
Attn: Ms. Julie Britton
505 Sidney Road
Piscataway NJ 08854

Checks and money orders should be made payable to “Piscataway Township.” Cash is accepted but it is strongly recommended to not put cash in the postal mail but only provide if placed in our 24-hour dropbox.

How long is the vacant/abandoned property registration valid?

The vacant/abandoned property registration is a yearly registration and is required until the property has been reoccupied, sold or removed from the list.

How do I know if a property has been registered as vacant or abandoned or if the registration has expired?

Submit an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request with the Township Clerk’s office requesting the current status of registration and e-mail it to OPRArequests@PiscatawayNJ.org.

What if I have questions or concerns about vacant/abandoned property?

Contact the Township Property Maintenance office at (732) 562-2393 or PropertyMaintenance@PiscatawayNJ.org

What are the maintenance & security requirements of the vacant/abandoned property requirements?

The maintenance & security requirements may be found in PM-113.6 and PM-116.7 as shown below:

PM-113.6 Maintenance requirements

A. Properties subject to this article shall be kept free of weeds, overgrown brush, dead vegetation, trash, junk, debris, building materials, any accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers, notices, except those required by federal, state, or local law, discarded personal items, including, but not limited to, furniture, clothing, large and small appliances, or any other items that give the appearance that the property is abandoned or not being properly maintained. Weeds, overgrown brush or dead vegetation over the height limitations imposed by the Township of Piscataway's codes are prohibited.

B. The property shall be maintained free of graffiti or similar markings by removal or painting over with an exterior grade paint that matches the color of the exterior structure. Yards shall be landscaped and maintained pursuant to the standards set forth in the Code. Landscaping shall include, but not be limited to, grass, ground cover, bushes, shrubs, hedges or similar plantings, decorative rock or bark or artificial turf/sod designed specifically for residential, commercial or industrial installation, as applicable. Landscaping shall not include weeds, gravel, broken concrete, asphalt or similar material.

C. Maintenance shall include, but not be limited to, watering, irrigation, cutting and mowing of required landscape and removal of all trimmings and weeds.

D. Pools and spas shall be kept in working order so that pool and spa water remains free and clear of pollutants and debris. Pools and spas shall comply with the enclosure requirements of the Township of Piscataway Codes and the State of New Jersey Building Code.

E. Failure of the mortgagee and/or property owner of record to properly maintain the property is a violation of the code of ordinances of the Township of Piscataway and may result in the issuance of a citation by the Housing Certificate of Occupancy Office. Pursuant to a finding and determination by the CO/ CCO Supervisor they may take the necessary action to ensure compliance with its ordinances and place a lien(s) on the property and assign it as provided herein.

PM -113.7 Security requirements

A. Properties subject to this article shall be maintained in a secure manner so as not to be accessible to unauthorized persons.

B. A “secure manner" shall include, but not be limited to, the closure and locking of windows, doors, gates and other openings of such size that may allow a child or adult to access the interior of the property and/or structure. Broken windows shall be secured by re-glazing or boarding.

C. If a mortgage on the property is in default on the property and has become vacant or abandoned, a local property manager shall be designated by the mortgagee to perform the work necessary to bring the property into compliance with the code of ordinances and the local property manager must perform weekly inspections to verify compliance with the requirements of this section, and any other applicable laws or ordinances of the Township of Piscataway.

D. When the property becomes vacant or abandoned, it shall be posted with the name and twenty -four-hour contact telephone number of the local property manager. The posting shall be no less than 18 inches by 24 inches, and shall be of a font that is legible from a distance of 45 feet. The posting shall contain the following language: “THIS PROPERTY IS MANAGED BY (Name of Local Property Manager). TO REPORT PROBLEMS OR CONCERNS CALL (Telephone number of Local Property Manager)."

E. The posting shall be placed on the interior of a window facing the street to the front of the property so that it is visible from the street, or secured to the exterior of the building/structure facing the street to the front of the property so that it is visible from the street or if no such area exists, on a stake of sufficient size to support the posting in a location that is at all times visual from the street to the front of the property but not readily accessible to vandals. Exterior posting shall be constructed of and printed with weather - resistant materials.

F. The local property manager shall inspect the property on a biweekly basis to ensure that the property is in compliance with this section. Upon the request of the Township of Piscataway, or its authorized representative, the local property manager shall provide a copy of the inspection reports to the Housing Certificate of Occupancy Office.

G. Failure of the mortgagee and/or property owner of record to properly inspect and secure the property, and post and maintain the signage noted in this section, is a violation of this article and shall result in the issuance of a notice of violation by a CO/ CCO Supervisor. Pursuant to a finding and determination made by the Township of Piscataway or its designee, necessary action may be taken to ensure compliance with this section, and a lien(s) may be placed on the property and assigned as provided herein.