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Rockleigh introduces zoning penalties ordinance after council discussion on enforcement
Summary
Council introduced Ordinance 2026‑7 to add Section 34‑31.1 establishing per‑day fines of $500/$1,000/$1,500 for zoning violations; attorney clarified it applies across the zoning chapter and councilmembers discussed issuing warnings for minor offenses.
At the June 1 meeting the Mayor and Council of Rockleigh introduced Ordinance 2026‑7 on first reading to add Section 34‑31.1 to Chapter 34 (Zoning), establishing fines for violations. The ordinance sets penalties at $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second offense, and $1,500 for a third or subsequent offense, with amounts applied per day that a violation continues.
Borough Attorney Robert T. Regan confirmed the ordinance is intended to cover fines throughout the zoning chapter. During discussion Councilwoman Bresnak said she believed the penalty schedule may be harsh for minor infractions and urged flexibility such as issuing warnings before summonses are issued. Mr. Regan and staff confirmed the Construction Code Official may issue warnings and the ordinance could be revised in the future; Council agreed to proceed with publication and return the ordinance for a second reading and public hearing.
Next steps: the ordinance was introduced and approved for publication and scheduling of the required second reading; staff were directed to prepare notices and return the ordinance for adoption at a future meeting after public notice.
