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Beach Haven council narrows dune walkover eligibility, adds ‘consecutive’ requirement
Summary
The borough approved Ordinance 2025-7C after debate to require off-season removal of private dune walkovers and to limit permanent permits to property owners who held a permit between 2018–2024 on consecutive years; Mayor said the measure will be fast-tracked and affected property owners will be notified.
The Beach Haven Borough Council voted to approve Ordinance 2025-7C, tightening rules for private dune walkovers by requiring removal in the off-season, mandating native vegetation planting and adding a stipulation that prior permits between 2018 and 2024 must have been held consecutively to qualify for a permanent application.
Council members discussed whether the ordinance should allow gaps in prior permit years. One council member argued that continuity was necessary to prevent abuse; another raised concerns about storms or other reasons owners might miss a year. The council settled on inserting the word “consecutive” into the condition of approval and then adopted the ordinance by roll call (Miss Anderson voted no; Mrs. Ball Miller, Mr. McCaffrey, Miss Snider and Mayor Lambert voted yes).
Mayor Lambert told the public the ordinance will be fast-tracked for final adoption later in the month so the rules can take effect quickly. He said staff will proactively notify property owners on the borough’s permit list about the new requirements, the application process and the updated fee schedule.
The ordinance limits new permanent walkover permits to properties with verified prior permits issued between 2018 and 2024 (now required to be consecutive). Council members emphasized the policy’s intention is to protect dunes and native vegetation while rewarding property owners who have maintained dune plantings and complied with permit rules.
Next steps: the council indicated it will schedule final adoption at the end of the month and send letters to those on the borough’s list of prior permit holders.
