Keansburg introduces short-term rental permit rules, sets Nov. 13 public hearing

The Borough of Keansburg on Oct. 16 introduced Ordinance #1736 to regulate short-term rentals (STRs) and set a public hearing for Nov. 13, 2024.

The proposed Chapter 3-13A defines STRs as residential use for 30 days or fewer and establishes an annual short-term rental permit and rental Certificate of Occupancy. Permits require proof of ownership, a seven-day/24-hour local contact (responsible party), a zoning compliance certificate, and inspections. The ordinance requires $500,000 in liability insurance for permitted STR properties and places limits on occupancy (one person per 50 square feet of bedroom space) and parking (one vehicle per four occupants). It also prohibits STRs in certain facility types (nursing homes, boarding houses, assisted living, shelters) and in condominium/townhome developments that prohibit STRs in their governing documents.

Application requirements include owner identification, principal-residence certification where applicable, parking disclosure, and publication of the permit number in listings. The ordinance forbids rental to anyone younger than 21 as the primary occupant, subjects violations to fines up to $2,000 per day, and sets Jan. 1, 2025 as its effective date. The council introduced the ordinance and scheduled a public hearing for Nov. 13, 2024.

Economic development staff Cliff Moore told the council that two public meetings on STRs were held and that the ordinance was linked to that outreach. During the public comment portion, a resident asked for more details on the ordinance and the council said the text would be posted to the borough website before the next meeting.

Because the measure was introduced rather than adopted, it will return for public comment and a vote at the Nov. 13 council meeting.