Seaside Park’s repainted water tank, May 2024. (Photo: Shorebeat)
Property owners who violate the borough’s rental policies or fail to obtain a mercantile license for their businesses will face higher fines, as the borough cracks down on scofflaws.
“There hasn’t been an extraordinary increase in violations, but there were some repeat offenders,” said Mayor John Peterson. “The research by the code department found that they were treating it as a cost of doing business, and not bothering to comply.”
The fine for violating the rental inspection and licensing ordinance in town is currently set at $200 for each separate offense. Under the revised ordinance, violators will face a minimum fine of $1,500, up to a maximum of $2,000 for each separate offense. The fines for violating the borough’s mercantile license ordinance are currently set by the general penalty code, which gives the municipal court judge significant latitude in sentencing once a violation is upheld in court. The fines for the mercantile violations will likewise rise to a minimum of $1,500 and a maximum of $2,000 for each offense.
The continuation of a violation for “each successive day” will now constitute a separate offense, and any person or persons “allowing or permitting the continuation of the violation” may be punished as well.
The ordinances were introduced unanimously by the borough council on first reading. They are subject to a public hearing and second vote on Sept. 4 before final adoption.
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