Council introduces liquor-fee increases and a 90-day minimum rental rule; hearings set June 24

The Long Branch City Council introduced two ordinances June 10 that the council set for public hearings on June 24.

Ordinance 014-26 would amend Chapter 103 (Alcoholic Beverage) to increase annual liquor-license fees permitted by the cited state statute and to add a separate theater license for nonprofit organizations that operate public entertainments for admission. The clerk summarized the change and the ordinance was introduced on first reading and scheduled for a June 24 public hearing.

Ordinance 015-26 proposes to amend the city code governing certificates of occupancy for one- to four-family dwellings by requiring a minimum rental period of 90 days for those units and retains an existing limit on the number of certificates issued per year for single-family houses. During public comment residents asked whether typical summer rentals would be affected. In response, Miss Reno (who explained the ordinance during the meeting) said the rule applies specifically to one- to four-family houses and does not apply to larger multi-family buildings; the intent, as stated in the exchange, is to reduce short-term rentals in neighborhoods composed of one- to four-family units.

Residents expressed concern that a 90-day minimum could restrict common seasonal summer rentals; councilors invited continued public comment at the June 24 hearing and encouraged residents to follow up during council office hours or with staff for specifics.