Somers Point council approves 7-night minimum for short-term rentals after extended public hearing

Somers Point City Council voted 4-3 to adopt Ordinance 13 of 2025, which revises the municipal code’s minimum duration for short‑term rentals from a three‑night minimum to seven nights. The ordinance was amended on the floor to delay its effective date; the exact effective date language as stated on the record was ambiguous and discussed during the meeting.

The vote followed an extended public comment period during which roughly three dozen residents, short‑term rental hosts and business owners spoke for and against the change. Supporters of the 7‑night minimum framed the measure as protecting neighborhood character and limiting frequent guest turnover, while hosts and tourism supporters warned of sharp losses in occupancy tax revenue and economic activity.

“This ordinance goes beyond reasonable regulation. It effectively shuts the door on a large portion of visitors and homeowners,” said Joe Brezzetti of the Somers Point Hosts and Residents Coalition during public comment, urging council to table the ordinance or work with the local hosts’ group. Multiple hosts said data they reviewed show that roughly 80% of bookings are for fewer than seven nights; coalition members said the change would eliminate the majority of current stays and slash local occupancy tax receipts they estimated at about $600,000 annually.

Multiple…