§ 3-2.20. Notices to abate; noncompliance procedures, collection of costs incurred by the Township., Chapter 3. POLICE REGULATIONS, Code of Ordinances, Deptford

Notice to remove. The Health Officer, Code Enforcement Officer or other enforcing officer of the Township is hereby authorized and empowered to notify the owner of any open or vacant private property within the Township, or agent of such owner, to properly dispose of litter located on such owner's property which is in violation of the provisions set forth herein. Such notice shall be either by personal service or certified mail addressed to the owner at his last known address.

Action upon noncompliance. In the event that paragraph a. above has been complied with by the Township and the violations have not been remedied within 10 days after receipt of the written notice as provided by paragraph a. above or within 15 days after the date of such notice in the event same is returned to the Township by the post office because of the inability to make delivery thereof, provided that same was properly addressed to the last known address of such owner or agent, the Township Official is hereby authorized and empowered to order the abatement and disposal of the litter by the Township.

Charges included in tax bill. When the Township has effected the removal of the litter or has paid for its removal, the actual cost thereof, plus accrued interest at a rate of 10% per annum from the date of the completion of the work, if not paid by such owner prior thereto, shall be charged to the owner of such property on the next regular tax bill forwarded to such owner by the Township, and this charge shall be due and payable by the owner at the time of the payment of such bill.

Recorded statement constitutes a lien. Where the full amount due the Township is not paid by such owner within 30 days after the disposal of such litter, as provided for in paragraphs a. and b. above, then in that event the designated Township Official shall cause to have filed in the Tax Collector's Office of the Township a sworn statement showing the cost and expense incurred for the work, the date the work was done and the location of the property on which the work was done. The filing of such sworn statement shall constitute a lien on the property and shall remain in full force and effect for the amount due in principal and interest, plus costs of court and attorneys fees if any, for the collection until final payment as been made. The costs and expenses shall be collected in the manner fixed by law for the collection of taxes. Sworn statements recorded in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be prima facie evidence that all legal formalities has been complied with and that the work has been done properly and satisfactorily and shall be full notice to every person concerned that the amount of this statement, plus interest and other costs, constitutes a charge against the property designated or described in this statement and that the same is due and collectable as provided by law.