CAPE MAY – The city has joined other preservation-oriented towns across the county by introducing an ordinance to ban “demolition by neglect” of historic properties.

The phrase describes a process in which the often intentional failure of a property owner to maintain a historic property leads eventually to its severe deterioration and possible need for demolition.

It is a practice used in some historic areas as a means of avoiding preservation regulations. After demolition, a property can bypass preservation rules in favor of redevelopment.

The proposed Cape May ordinance, introduced Sept. 16, goes further than the city’s existing property maintenance codes and aims to protect the exteriors of historic sites designated as key or contributing properties from “deliberate or intentional neglect.”

The ordinance pulls together many of what City Attorney Christopher Gillin-Schwartz called “implicit codes” in order to make the task of code enforcement clear. He later referred to the ordinance as “sort of a backstop.”

Gillin-Schwartz emphasized that the ordinance is geared to compliance, not revenue generation through fines. It includes an appeal process for property owners.

Its emphasis on preservation allows the city, when necessary, to make repairs and execute a lien on the property for the costs.

The ordinance states: “No owner or person responsible for a historic landmark, key or contribution property in Cape May’s Historic District may allow it to remain damaged or fall into disrepair, or significant damage to its exterior and will harm the property’s historical value, cause harm to the historic district, or otherwise be inimical to the public safety of residents and general welfare of the city.”

The city’s Historic Preservation Commission recommended the ordinance.

A public hearing and possible final vote on adoption are scheduled for the City Council meeting at 5 p.m. Oct. 7 at City Hall.

Contact the reporter, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.