Mow your lawn or pay a $1,500 fine (per day).
Homeowners pushed for the penalty to be imposed upon property owners in Evesham, Burlington County who don't keep up their homes. Residents have pressed their municipality to pass an ordinance that would require property owners to maintain their yards and the exterior of their homes. The township approved the measure in a 5-0 vote Tuesday night.
The downturn in the real estate market caused the South Jersey community to take action against eyesores in the neigborhood. Some poorly kept homes have become watering holes for rats and mice.
"To see... some $500,000 homes which are sitting in disrepair, how does that help the value and safety in the community?" asked Mayor Randy Brown. "We didn't have teeth. The state gave us teeth. So now we can bite their arm off."
Many of the homes that have maintainence issues are in foreclosure or short sale and owned by banks, says Brown. That's who he says the fine is targeting. It could stack up to $45,000 in 30 days.
The average homeowner who falls behind on their home repairs will not be susceptible to the hefty fine. They will instead receive several warnings, a $100 fine and summons to appear in court.
"I have no problem with them paying it," said Evesham resident Carmela DiPietro, who is concerned about her home's property value. "I'm happy something is finally getting done."
