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Spring Lake Heights council adopts limits on short-term rentals
Summary
The Borough Council on Dec. 15 adopted Ordinance 2025-17 to regulate short-term residential rentals, cutting allowable rental weeks from 52 to eight and authorizing license revocation after repeated violations; supporters said it establishes enforceable rules while officials noted potential constitutional limits on overly restrictive measures.
The Borough Council of Spring Lake Heights voted Dec. 15 to adopt Ordinance 2025-17, a new set of regulations restricting short-term residential rentals in the borough.
Councilman John Casagrande, who summarized the ordinance, said the measure “reduces the rental time availably from 100% to 15%, from 52 weeks to 8 weeks,” and was drafted with legal defensibility in mind so it can be amended if necessary. The ordinance was adopted on a motion by Councilwoman Sara King, seconded by Mr. Casagrande; the roll-call vote recorded ayes from Casagrande, Degnan-Spang, Graetz, King and Willms. Mayor Christopher Campion did not vote.
The measure followed extensive public comment. Joseph Schmidt of Prospect Avenue told the council he was “deeply concerned” that allowing up to eight short-term rentals could lead to overflow from neighboring Spring Lake; several other residents echoed worries about weekend noise, turnover and how limits would be enforced. Peter Jenczelewska and others cautioned that limits should avoid unfairly punishing responsible homeowners.
Attorney Michael Collins told the council that the ordinance should be adopted to put regulations on the books and that the borough should provide the rules to rental platforms; he also warned the council to keep constitutional constraints in mind when crafting restrictions so the ordinance would be defensible in court.
Councilwoman King described enforcement mechanisms, saying that if a property “received more than three offenses and/or complaints, the short-term license will be revoked and rentals no longer permitted.” Council members said enforcement would rely on Code Enforcement and the Spring Lake Heights Police Department, and they encouraged residents to report suspected violations.
The ordinance’s supporters framed it as a starting point that balances homeowners’ rights with neighborhood stability; opponents urged stricter limits. Council members said they could amend the ordinance in the future if enforcement or outcomes warrant further restrictions.
The ordinance hearing and adoption took place during the council’s Dec. 15 regular meeting; the hearing record indicates the council intends to revisit and refine the rules as needed.
