Lavallette Introduces Bench Limit Ordinance, Finalizes Boardwalk E-Bike Ban

Lavallette’s downtown business district. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Lavallette officials this week were busy putting policies into place before the busy summer season arrives, starting with long-discussed regulations on the placement of benches.

Bench Business

The borough council introduced an ordinance in place that regulates the number of benches that can be placed in front of businesses that front public roads and rights-of-way. The ordinance originated out of concern for pedestrian safety, as too many benches can push pedestrians off the sidewalk and into the roadway. There were also some concerns that benches too close to street corners could affect the sight lines of vehicles making turns.

---

Get Daily Island News Updates Your email address:* Please enter all required fields Correct invalid entries

The council settled on a measure that allows a maximum of three benches per property – including any municipal benches – to be set up outside any commercial or institutional property. Previously, benches and outdoor seating were only regulated at food establishments through a permitting system that began during the pandemic era. Technically, the three bench limit is for each 50-foot length of property, and no side street benches are allowed at all on side streets perpendicular to either the north or southbound lanes of Route 35. Bench lengths were limited to 6-feet. The ordinance also includes a specification that requires at least three feet between each bench.

The council debated increasing the number to four benches per 50-foot area – a policy favored by Councilman David Finter – however the majority ultimate decided on the three-bench limit.

E-Bike Boardwalk Ban

The council also passed and adopted an ordinance on which Shorebeat previous reported concerning “e-bikes” and scooters on the boardwalk. Thanks to new state laws, the borough was required to tighten its local ordinances on where such vehicles would be allowed, and decided that they should be prohibited on the boardwalk at all times, including during designated “bike hours.”

The new ordinance places a broad ban on “motorized vehicles” of any kind – gas, electric, or otherwise-powered – from being used on the boardwalk.

“Mainly because of the new e-Bike law, we had to prohibit them, and we just did it more broadly with all motorized vehicles,” said Councilwoman Joanne Filippone, when the ordinance was introduced. “It’s basic New Jersey state law, adapted for the boardwalk.”

Traditional “foot powered” pedal bikes are still allowed on the boardwalk during certain hours. Under a policy adopted several years ago, Lavallette allows bikes between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. during the bathing season, and at all times during the off-season.