Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rental Properties topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wildwood Crest tightens rental‑occupancy rules; residents ask how Airbnbs will be enforced
Summary
The Borough adopted Ordinance 1454 on April 30 to tighten occupancy calculations for rental units, add an occupancy sticker and set a May 28 effective date. Residents pressed officials on enforcement and weekend parking impacts from short‑term rentals.
The Borough of Wildwood Crest on April 30 adopted Ordinance 1454, amending Chapter 56A to tighten occupancy limits for rental units, add a square‑footage occupancy calculation and require a visible occupancy sticker for properties that rent overnight.
The ordinance was placed on second and final reading by title and adopted by roll call (Mr. Schiff, Mr. Franco and Mayor Don Cabrera voting yes). Municipal staff noted the ordinance amends the existing mercantile/license procedures and establishes an occupancy calculation linked to unit square footage; the amendment goes into effect May 28 and license renewals are tied to the May 1 renewal cycle.
Why it matters: Residents said they welcomed stricter rules but pressed officials for clarity about enforcement and short‑term‑rental impacts on parking and neighborhood quality. At the public microphone Donald Murphy, who said he lives next to a problematic rental property, asked pointedly about traffic and parking, asking, "Where the hell are all these cars going?" and warning that weekend occupancy could mean many additional vehicles on narrow streets.
What officials said: Municipal staff explained there is a new square‑footage calculation and that a sticker would be issued to identify permitted occupancy. Officials advised residents to report violations to the borough; depending on the issue, responses may involve code enforcement, the police department or fire safety. The borough also said existing certificate holders should retain their prior stickers; the new ordinance becomes effective May 28.
Context and next steps: The commission moved the ordinance through public hearing and adoption in a single meeting after in‑person and conference‑line public‑comment periods produced questions but no sustained opposition. Those seeking further clarification were directed to the borough clerk and to the staff member identified as "Vicki," who handles mercantile/licensing questions. The ordinance text and enforcement procedures will be publicly posted and the borough advised that residents may call police after hours for immediate concerns.
Votes at adoption: Ordinance 1454 was adopted by roll call — Mr. Schiff: yes; Mr. Franco: yes; Don Cabrera (Mayor): yes.
The borough clerk said staff will field follow‑up questions and provide guidance on how to report suspected violations.
