Township of Montague

In accordance with the provisions of the New Jersey Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act (P.L. 2003, c.210, N.J.S. 55:19-78 to 105), Montague Township has adopted Ordinance 2017-09 and Amended by Ordinance 2022-13, Regarding The Registration and Maintenance of Vacant and Abandoned Residential Properties. A full copy of which may be requested from the Zoning Officer.

The Owner or Forecloser of any vacant or abandoned property shall file a registration statement for each such property:
- within 30 days of becoming the Owner or Forecloser of the property,
- or after the property becomes vacant or abandoned,
- or within 10 days of notice from Montague Township.

Registration shall remain valid until the end of the calendar year. The Owner or Forecloser is required to renew the registration no later than January 31st annually, for as long as the property remains vacant, and shall pay a registration or renewal fee as follows:

• Initial registration fee - $500
• 1st annual renewal fee - $1,500
• 2nd annual renewal fee - $3,000
• 3rd annual and each subsequent annual renewal fee - $5,000

* Exception to the above fee schedule: If a property meets the definition of vacant or abandoned at any time after a summons and complaint is filed in an action to foreclose the property, then the Forecloser shall pay an annual registration fee of $2,000 for as long as the property remains vacant or abandoned.  And if the property must be registered as vacant or abandoned as a result of the filing of the summons and complaint in a foreclosure action (i.e. if the property is vacant or abandoned at the time the summons and complaint is filed, but was not already registered as such), then this annual fee shall be $2,500.

The renewal fee for any year shall be pro-rated, and a partial refund provided to the Owner or
Forecloser upon occupancy of the previously vacant/abandoned property