WILDWOOD CREST – The borough is taking steps to limit the number of people who can occupy a rental unit, under an ordinance introduced by the Board of Commissioners Oct. 2.
The ordinance, which amends the borough’s code on rental properties, comes after residents speaking at previous meetings voiced concerns about large numbers of people staying at rental properties in their neighborhoods.
The stated intent of the ordinance is to “reduce the number of substantiated complaints against a landlord before the borough may institute proceedings to require a landlord of a premises to post a bond against consequences of future incidents on the property.”
The ordinance requires a minimum of 50 square feet of sleeping space for each occupant; however, children under age 2 are excluded. The ordinance does not permit the use of kitchens or non-habitable areas, including bathrooms, hallways and interior public areas, to be used as sleeping areas or to be used to calculate the area for occupancy limits.
The ordinance requires that the mercantile license and maximum number of occupants be prominently displayed, such as in a front window of the rental property. It further states it will be unlawful to advertise a rental for more occupants than permitted by the ordinance.
Landlords, when attempting to obtain a rental license, must provide the borough with a sketch of the premises showing the square footage of the rooms, which will then be used to determine the maximum occupancy.
Any violations that can be attributed to the tenants of the property, and have been substantiated through a conviction in court, will count toward proceedings against the property owner or landlord.
If two violations occur in a 24-month period, city officials ranging from the mayor to the zoning officer or fire official may institute proceedings to require the landlord to post a bond against the consequences of future incidents of the same character.
Wildwood Crest has an ordinance, though it is rarely used, by which it can also assess charges for a public response, such as by the police.
The ordinance will become effective 20 days after its adoption and publication.
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
