Montague adopts new property maintenance rules and lead-based paint inspection requirement for rentals

Montague Township’s governing body adopted two ordinances on July 9 that revise the local property maintenance rules and add lead-based paint inspection requirements for some rental dwellings.

Mayor Zitone explained changes to Ordinance 2024-07, which clarifies a new definition of “front yard” as the open space across the full length of a front lot line up to a line paralleling that lot line and intersecting the front of the building at its nearest point. The ordinance also includes a grandfathering stipulation excluding pools that existed before the ordinance’s effective date and requires any trailer parked in a front yard to be situated on a pad of concrete, asphalt, compacted stone or gravel, or a comparable surface.

Separately, Ordinance 2024-11 establishes an article titled “Lead-Based Paint Hazard Inspection Requirements for Certain Rental Dwellings,” creating inspection obligations for rental properties identified in the ordinance.

Both ordinances were opened for public comment; no members of the public spoke on either item. The Committee approved Ordinance 2024-07 (motion by Mr. Innella; second Mr. Krumpfer) and Ordinance 2024-11 (motion by Mr. LeDonne; second Mr. Innella) by unanimous roll call votes.

Why it matters: The property maintenance amendments change how front-yard uses are regulated and impose specific siting and surface requirements for trailers, which could affect property owners who store recreational vehicles or other trailers on residential lots. The lead-based paint ordinance establishes inspection requirements intended to address rental-unit hazards and compliance in affected dwellings.

What’s next: Both ordinances were adopted at the July 9 meeting and will take effect according to the timetables set in each ordinance.