Somers Point adopts annual boat-ramp permits, expands trailer-parking rules after public debate

The Somers Point City Council on voice votes adopted two ordinances and a companion resolution that change how boat launches and trailer parking near the ramps are regulated and set 2025 fees.

The measures — Ordinance No. 9 of 2025 and Ordinance No. 10 of 2025 plus Resolution No. 106 of 2025 — add the Route 52 launch to the city’s boat-ramp code, require annual permits for trailers parked near designated ramps, and create an annual permit-fee schedule. Resolution 106 sets 2025 fees at $75 for veterans and Somers Point residents, $150 for nonresidents and $500 for commercial operations (covers up to four annual commercial permits).

Why it matters: The ordinances change longstanding local practice by moving from a seasonal launching-fee period to a year-long permit system, and by adding trailer-permit requirements for specific streets near boat ramps. Council members and city staff said the changes aim to give code enforcement and police a clearer mechanism to address trailers left near ramps for extended periods, especially on busy summer weekends.

What the ordinances do: City solicitor Tom Smith told the council Ordinance 9 amends the code governing watercraft-launching fees (chapter 199, sections 199-7 and 199-8) to remove the prior seasonal limitation and to add the Route 52 ramp (referred to in the record as the “Route 52 Bridal” ramp) to the list of regulated launches. "We did away with that [seasonal limitation]," Smith said, "… so there'll be a year. It'll start on a date and end on a date. So all year when you buy a decal or permit for the boat ramps, that'll last for a 12 month period of time." Ordinance 10 amends chapter 250 (vehicles and traffic) section 250-43.1 to expand that provision from only boat trailers to "any other type of trailer" and to require an attached sticker evidencing a permit for trailers parked on certain streets.

Streets and permit placement: The council listed streets covered by the trailer-permit requirement as Broadway, Bay Avenue, the Route 52 ramp area, George Street, Annie Avenue and Summers Avenue. City staff said the permit decal will be placed on the driver’s-side rear fender (visible when parked).

Fees and administration: Resolution 106 establishes the 2025 fee schedule: $75 annual permit for veterans and Somers Point residents, $150 for nonresidents, and $500 for commercial entities (the commercial fee entitles an operator to up to four annual permits). The resolution also provides that anyone who has already purchased a 2025 gate fob or permit for the city’s gate system will receive a credit toward the new fee.

Public response and council clarifications: The public portion drew lengthy comment from boat owners, marinas and longtime residents. Bill Collins (814 Bay Avenue) asked for details about the spending in other bond ordinances on the agenda. Residents raised concerns about how the permit system will affect people who need to use ramps early in the morning or for single-day launches, and some worried about selective enforcement. Patricia Pearson (587 Marks Road) and other speakers asked for plain-English explanations of the new rules; Smith answered several procedural questions in the meeting. Smith and council members said the council can amend the fee schedule or refine enforcement practices later.

Business concerns: Curtis Dilkes of Smith Marine described how commercial marinas routinely receive boats, work on them in yard space and then return them to customers. He and other business representatives warned that routine, short-term parking of customer trailers is common and said enforcement should be complaint-driven so as not to disrupt marina operations.

Enforcement and next steps: City staff said enforcement will be complaint-driven and may involve both code enforcement and police; council members repeatedly said the city lacks dedicated personnel to proactively patrol trailers and will rely on residents’ complaints. Staff said stickers and signage should be available before the summer season, with a target to have permits available around May 1, 2025; the resolution is limited to the 2025 permit year and can be amended by future council action.

Outcome: Council adopted Ordinance 9, Ordinance 10 and Resolution 106 by voice votes with no recorded opposition in the meeting record. Several council members noted they could be recusing themselves on related votes (recusals were stated during the public discussion), and staff confirmed the measures can be adjusted administratively or by further ordinance in future meetings.

Looking ahead: Council members asked staff to publicize the permit purchase process and to consider making commercial permits visually distinct from residential stickers. Staff also said they are exploring short-term (daily) permit options but that none was in effect for 2025.