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Council introduces short‑term rental ordinance after residents raise disturbance concerns
Summary
The Spring Lake Heights Borough Council introduced Ordinance 2025-17 on Nov. 17 to regulate short‑term rentals, proposing a seven‑day minimum stay, a cap of eight rentals per year and fee increases. Residents urged stronger enforcement and faster police communication; a public hearing is set for Dec. 15, 2025.
The Spring Lake Heights Borough Council introduced an ordinance on Nov. 17 aimed at regulating short‑term rentals in the borough, after several residents described repeated disturbances at nearby properties.
Ordinance 2025‑17 would set a minimum rental length of seven days, cap rentals at no more than eight per year and raise application fees, Councilwoman Sara King said during the meeting. The legislation was introduced on a motion by Councilman Christopher Willms and seconded by Councilman William Graetz; the introduction passed unanimously among those present. A public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 15, 2025.
Residents who spoke during public comment said the proposed rules respond to neighborhood problems they attribute to frequent short‑term rentals. Joe Schmidt of 559 Prospect Avenue told the council he was concerned about the length and frequency of stays at a property near his home and asked for stronger enforcement. Mary Zahn of 554 Prospect Avenue asked how owners would be notified of changes; Borough Administrator John Barrett said information would be provided when owners apply for a certificate of inspection.
Kristen Gillies of 615 Essex Avenue asked that Police Department staff be kept informed about the ordinance and reported past problems she said involved the Shore Club; Mayor Christopher Campion and Administrator Barrett said Chief Gunnell will communicate directly with police personnel about enforcement procedures. Council members and staff stressed that residents should call the police when disturbances occur so there is an official record that can support enforcement actions and potential penalties under the ordinance.
Councilwoman King said the ordinance includes an enforcement structure in which a certain number of violations within a defined period can lead to a ban on short‑term rentals for the offending property. She also said inspections between renters will still be required. Mayor Campion proposed considering a change to the borough's noise ordinance to move the quiet‑hours cutoff from 11:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; council members asked King to draft updated language in the new year.
The introduction does not enact the ordinance; the Dec. 15 public hearing will be the next formal opportunity for residents to comment and for council to consider adoption.
