Avalon Approves New Ordinance Restricting Resort Houses

AVALON – The Avalon Borough Council unanimously approved a new ordinance that will restrict both the location and activities of resort houses in the Borough. Council approved the ordinance with a 5-0 vote during its meeting March 12, 2014.
“This new ordinance makes it very clear that Avalon will not tolerate large homes being operated as a hotel-style business in residential neighborhoods”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “These businesses simply cannot operate in residential neighborhoods and be restricted to only the hotel and motel zone in the Borough. The character of our residential community will be preserved courtesy of this ordinance”.
Under terms of this ordinance, the advertising and promotion of larger “resort house” properties to accommodate large weddings, parties and events is prohibited. Overnight occupancy is restricted to no more than 24 guests. These homes must also provide one and a half parking spaces for each room that can be used for an overnight guest to better control parking in the street.
Under the ordinance, a resort house is provided the following definition: A residentially styled structure that is used, maintained, marketed, promoted and/or advertised as a destination location available for rent, lease or sub-lease for a gathering of invited guests for functions and special events, including, but not limited to, weddings, retreats, family reunions, parties and meetings. A Resort House is a commercial use appropriate only in areas zoned for hotel/motel use and never has been permitted as a legal use under existing ordinance standards. A Resort House is a commercial use and is not a traditional single-family residence and requires more off-street parking in order to accommodate the number of guests. Traditional seasonal rentals as defined in Chapter 22 or bed and breakfast establishments, licensed by the Borough and intended to accommodate not more than 18 persons shall not be considered to be Resort Houses.
Council has worked vigorously on creating a resort house ordinance for several months. In October, 2013 public meetings were held with residents and businesses owners to craft the strongest ordinance possible. Borough Council received input and comments from the public along with recommendations and advice from the Avalon Planning and Zoning Board and attorneys who specialize in zoning issues.
The ordinance also conforms and compliments that Avalon Master Plan which unequivocally contains hotel and motel uses to the R-M Zone. Traditional residential properties that do not accept more than 18 guests and bed and breakfasts are exempt from this ordinance as they are not considered resort houses.
The ordinance is available on www.avalonboro.net; it takes effect on April 1, 2014.