RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — Randolph Township Mayor Mark H. Forstenhausler issued a public statement addressing ongoing code enforcement matters involving a farm property on Calais Road.
According to the mayor, the property is subject to a Declaration of Covenant and Restrictions established in 2014 that limits how the land may be used.
Forstenhausler said the property must also comply with township zoning, construction, fire prevention and health regulations.
The mayor said township officials have worked with the property owner and the owner’s attorney for approximately two and a half years in an effort to resolve compliance issues through discussions and alternative proposals.
“That patience reflects the Township’s strong preference, in any matter of this kind, to achieve compliance through dialogue rather than enforcement,” Forstenhausler said.
According to the statement, township departments and inspectors from the Morris County Division of Public Health conducted a coordinated inspection of the property April 22 after prior notice was given to the owner.
The inspection allegedly identified violations involving unpermitted construction, occupancy without a certificate of occupancy, operation of retail food activity without required licenses, sanitary deficiencies and the lack of a compliant wastewater disposal system, the mayor said.
“I want to be candid with our residents: the question of restroom facilities is one component of a broader set of issues, and addressing that component alone would not resolve the matter or bring the property into compliance with the covenant or with applicable law,” Forstenhausler said.
The township is proceeding through the administrative enforcement process, according to the statement.
Officials also referred the matter to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture for review under their jurisdictions.
“Randolph values its open space and its agricultural heritage, and the Township has a long record of supporting both,” Forstenhausler said.
“At the same time, the Township has an obligation to apply its codes and ordinances consistently and fairly to every property within our borders. That principle, applied without favor, is what protects every resident, every business, and every property owner in this community.”
Forstenhausler said the township remains willing to work toward a resolution that would bring the property into compliance with applicable laws and restrictions.
Residents with questions were encouraged to contact the Township Manager’s Office, according to the statement.
