This page serves as a centralized repository of ordinances and public records adopted by the Borough of Ship Bottom. Many of these documents are published on the Borough website but can be difficult to locate or review in context.
To improve transparency and accessibility, ordinances are organized by topic below. Each entry includes a brief summary and a link to the original, official document.
Entries below are organized by topic to help readers quickly find relevant information. Ordinances are categorized based on their primary legal mechanism—such as regulation, zoning, taxation, or enforcement—rather than solely on who they affect. Summaries are provided to explain the purpose and scope of each ordinance, while links to the original documents are included for full context. Budget and bond ordinances describe financial authorizations and funding mechanisms and do not, by themselves, create new regulatory requirements for residents or property owners.
Short-Term Rentals
Ordinance 2025-09C — Short-Term Rental Licensing, Restrictions and Enforcement
Status: Repealed
Adopted: Not adopted
Effective: December 19, 2025
Category: Short-Term Rentals
Summary:
Ordinance 2025-09C establishes the Borough’s proposed framework for regulating short-term rentals (STRs) in Ship Bottom. It outlines requirements for licensing/renewal, inspection and compliance, operational rules for STR properties, and enforcement mechanisms (including penalties and potential license consequences). The ordinance also addresses administrative processes and fees associated with STR licensing and compliance.
Why It Matters:
If adopted and enforced, this ordinance can change who can rent, under what conditions, and what it costs to operate a compliant STR in Ship Bottom—creating new requirements and potential penalties that directly affect homeowners, renters, and nearby neighbors.
Official Document:
👉 View Ordinance 2025-09C (PDF)
Ordinance YYYY-XX — Ordinance Title Goes Here
Status: Proposed, Adopted, Effective, Amended, Repealed
Adopted: [Month Day, Year]
Effective: [Month Day, Year]
Category: [Category Name]
Summary:
This ordinance [briefly explain what the ordinance does in plain language]. The summary should focus on scope, requirements, and who it applies to, without commentary.
Why It Matters:
This ordinance affects [who it applies to] and establishes or modifies rules related to [topic].
Official Document:
👉 View the original ordinance (PDF)
Land Use & Zoning
Ordinance 2025-05 — Outdoor Dining Regulations & Premises Expansion Permits
Status: Effective
Adopted: May 29, 2025
Effective: After final adoption and publication
Category: Land Use & Zoning
Summary:
This ordinance creates a new Chapter 16.93 of the Borough Code to establish permanent regulations governing outdoor dining in Ship Bottom, consistent with State law. It requires restaurants and certain alcoholic beverage license holders to obtain an annual premises expansion permit to serve food or beverages outdoors, subject to application review and approval by the Borough. The ordinance sets application requirements, insurance and indemnification obligations, operational standards, parking limitations, sidewalk and right-of-way rules, and enforcement procedures. Permits must be renewed annually, expire on December 31 each year, and are subject to revocation or suspension for noncompliance, with an annual permit fee of $50.
Why It Matters:
This ordinance establishes a permanent local framework for outdoor dining by defining where and how outdoor service may occur, the conditions under which permits are issued, and the responsibilities of participating businesses. Regulations affecting land use, parking, sidewalks, and public rights-of-way can influence business operations, pedestrian access, neighborhood impacts, and overall commercial activity within the Borough.
Official Document:
👉 View the original ordinance (PDF)
Ordinance YYYY-XX — Ordinance Title Goes Here
Status: Proposed, Adopted, Effective, Amended, Repealed
Adopted: [Month Day, Year]
Effective: [Month Day, Year]
Category: [Category Name]
Summary:
This ordinance [briefly explain what the ordinance does in plain language]. The summary should focus on scope, requirements, and who it applies to, without commentary.
Why It Matters:
This ordinance affects [who it applies to] and establishes or modifies rules related to [topic].
Official Document:
👉 View the original ordinance (PDF)
Property Maintenance & Code Enforcement
Ordinance YYYY-XX — Ordinance Title Goes Here
Status: Proposed, Adopted, Effective, Amended, Repealed
Adopted: [Month Day, Year]
Effective: [Month Day, Year]
Category: [Category Name]
Summary:
This ordinance [briefly explain what the ordinance does in plain language]. The summary should focus on scope, requirements, and who it applies to, without commentary.
Why It Matters:
This ordinance affects [who it applies to] and establishes or modifies rules related to [topic].
Official Document:
👉 View the original ordinance (PDF)
Taxes, Fees & Licensing
Ordinance 2025-01 — Municipal Budget Cap Increase & Cap Bank Authorization
Status: Effective
Adopted: January 28, 2025
Effective: January 28, 2025
Category: Taxes, Fees & Licensing
Summary:
This ordinance authorizes the Borough of Ship Bottom to exceed the standard municipal budget appropriation limit for the 2025 budget year. It permits an increase of up to 3.5% over the prior year’s final appropriations, instead of the standard 2.5%, and establishes a “cap bank” that allows unused budget capacity to be carried forward to future years.
Why It Matters:
This ordinance authorizes the Borough to increase municipal spending above the standard state budget cap and to carry unused spending capacity into future years. Decisions related to overall municipal spending can influence taxes, fees, and the scope of local services, affecting residents, property owners, and businesses throughout Ship Bottom.
Official Document:
👉 View the original ordinance (PDF)
Ordinance 2025-10C — Hotel, Motel, and Transient Accommodation Tax
Status: Not Adopted
Adopted: No (Voted down 5–1 on December 30, 2025)
Effective: Not applicable (ordinance was not adopted)
Category: Taxes, Fees & Licensing
Ordinance 2025-10C – Hotel, Motel, and Transient Accommodation Tax
Summary:
This ordinance amends Chapter 5.64 of the Ship Bottom Borough Code to establish a 3% transient accommodation occupancy tax. The tax applies to charges for rent for occupancy of hotel and motel rooms and transient accommodations, including those obtained through a transient space marketplace (online booking platforms). The tax is paid by the purchaser (guest) and is in addition to other applicable taxes or fees. The ordinance requires the party collecting rent (including certain marketplaces) to collect and remit the tax on behalf of the Borough, and it prohibits vendors from absorbing the tax or advertising that the tax will not be separately charged or will be refunded. Violations are subject to a $1,250 penalty per offense.
Why It Matters:
This ordinance affects guests, property owners/managers, hotels/motels, and online booking platforms by adding a 3% local occupancy tax on short-term lodging in Ship Bottom and setting rules for how the tax must be charged, collected, and remitted.
Official Document:
👉 View the original ordinance (PDF)
Ordinance YYYY-XX — Ordinance Title Goes Here
Status: Proposed, Adopted, Effective, Amended, Repealed
Adopted: [Month Day, Year]
Effective: [Month Day, Year]
Category: [Category Name]
Summary:
This ordinance [briefly explain what the ordinance does in plain language]. The summary should focus on scope, requirements, and who it applies to, without commentary.
Why It Matters:
This ordinance affects [who it applies to] and establishes or modifies rules related to [topic].
Official Document:
👉 View the original ordinance (PDF)
Public Safety and Municipal Infrastructure
Bond Ordinance 2025-02 — Emergency Responder Vehicles & Equipment Financing
Status: Effective
Adopted: February 25, 2025
Effective: March 17, 2025
Category: Public Safety & Municipal Infrastructure
Summary:
This bond ordinance authorizes the Borough of Ship Bottom to acquire emergency responder vehicles and related equipment, including a fire truck and an ambulance, at a total project cost of $2.5 million. To finance these improvements, the ordinance authorizes the issuance of up to $2.375 million in bonds and notes, with the remaining $125,000 funded as a required down payment from existing capital funds. The debt is issued under the Local Bond Law, carries an estimated average useful life of 18.6 years, and is secured by the Borough’s full faith and credit, with repayment supported through the municipal budget and property taxes if necessary.
Why It Matters:
This ordinance commits the Borough to long-term borrowing to fund public safety equipment and infrastructure. Bond-financed projects are repaid over many years and can influence municipal budgets, debt levels, and tax planning, affecting residents, property owners, and businesses throughout Ship Bottom.
Official Document:
👉 View the original ordinance (PDF)
Bond Ordinance 2025-03 — Amendment to Prior Garbage Truck Bond / Borough Hall Construction
Status: Effective
Adopted: February 25, 2025
Effective: March 17, 2025
Category: Public Safety & Municipal Infrastructure
Summary:
This bond ordinance amends Bond Ordinance No. 2021-14, which originally authorized funding for the acquisition of garbage trucks, by changing the purpose of the previously approved financing. Under this amendment, the authorized funding is redirected exclusively to the construction of the new Borough Hall – Phase V, without increasing the total appropriation or overall debt authorization. The ordinance maintains the original $500,000 appropriation and $475,000 bond and note authorization, increases the average period of usefulness of the project to 40 years, and raises the allowable allocation for professional, legal, and issuance costs to $50,000, as permitted under state law.
Why It Matters:
This ordinance revises how previously approved municipal debt is used by reallocating funds from one capital purpose to another without increasing the overall borrowing amount. Changes to the purpose, duration, and cost structure of bond-funded projects can influence long-term municipal planning, debt service obligations, and capital priorities that affect residents, property owners, and businesses throughout Ship Bottom.
Official Document:
👉 View the original ordinance (PDF)
Bond Ordinance 2025-04 — Acquisition of Real Property for Municipal Purposes
Status: Effective
Adopted: April 22, 2025
Effective: May 12, 2025
Category: Public Safety & Municipal Infrastructure
Summary:
This bond ordinance authorizes the Borough of Ship Bottom to acquire real property for municipal purposes, specifically property located at 201–267 West 20th Street, identified as Block 48, Lot 1 on the Borough Tax Map. The ordinance appropriates $3.5 million for the acquisition and authorizes the issuance of up to $3.325 million in bonds and notes to finance a portion of the cost, with a required $175,000 down payment funded from existing capital improvement funds. The authorized debt is issued under the Local Bond Law, carries an average period of usefulness of 40 years, and is secured by the Borough’s full faith and credit, with repayment supported through the municipal budget and property taxes if necessary.
Why It Matters:
This ordinance commits the Borough to long-term borrowing to acquire real property for municipal use. Property acquisition and bond-financed capital investments can influence long-term municipal planning, debt obligations, and future budget decisions that affect residents, property owners, and businesses throughout Ship Bottom.
Official Document:
👉 View the original ordinance (PDF)
Bond Ordinance 2025-06 — Water & Sewer Main Replacement on 7th Street
Status: Effective
Adopted: July 22, 2025
Effective: August 11, 2025
Category: Public Safety & Municipal Infrastructure
Summary:
This bond ordinance authorizes the Borough of Ship Bottom to undertake water and sewer utility improvements consisting of the replacement of water and sewer mains along 7th Street, from Long Beach Boulevard to Barnegat Avenue. The ordinance appropriates $850,000 for the project and authorizes the issuance of up to $850,000 in bonds and notes to finance the cost. The improvements are classified as water and sewer utility projects under the Local Bond Law, carry an estimated average useful life of 40 years, and are expected to be funded through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank Financing Program. The authorized debt is secured by the Borough’s full faith and credit, with repayment supported through the municipal budget and property taxes if necessary.
Why It Matters:
This ordinance authorizes long-term borrowing to replace aging water and sewer infrastructure within the Borough. Utility infrastructure projects are essential to maintaining public health, environmental protection, and service reliability, and they represent long-term capital investments that can influence municipal budgets, debt obligations, and future financial planning affecting residents, property owners, and businesses throughout Ship Bottom.
Official Document:
👉 View the original ordinance (PDF)
Bond Ordinance 2025-07 — Road Improvements to 7th Street
Status: Effective
Adopted: July 22, 2025
Effective: August 11, 2025
Category: Public Safety & Municipal Infrastructure
Summary:
This bond ordinance authorizes the Borough of Ship Bottom to undertake roadway improvements to 7th Street, from Long Beach Boulevard to Barnegat Avenue. The ordinance appropriates $950,000 for the project and authorizes the issuance of up to $579,355 in bonds and notes to finance a portion of the cost, with the balance funded through $370,645 in anticipated grant funding from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). The improvements are classified as general municipal improvements under the Local Bond Law, carry an estimated average useful life of 20 years, and include allowable costs for engineering, legal, and issuance expenses. The authorized debt is secured by the Borough’s full faith and credit, with repayment supported through the municipal budget and property taxes if necessary.
Why It Matters:
This ordinance authorizes capital spending and long-term financing for roadway infrastructure within the Borough. Road improvement projects affect transportation safety, access, and maintenance costs and represent long-term investments that can influence municipal budgets, debt obligations, and future financial planning for residents, property owners, and businesses throughout Ship Bottom.
Official Document:
👉 View the original ordinance (PDF)
Ordinance YYYY-XX — Ordinance Title Goes Here
Status: Proposed, Adopted, Effective, Amended, Repealed
Adopted: [Month Day, Year]
Effective: [Month Day, Year]
Category: [Category Name]
Summary:
This ordinance [briefly explain what the ordinance does in plain language]. The summary should focus on scope, requirements, and who it applies to, without commentary.
Why It Matters:
This ordinance affects [who it applies to] and establishes or modifies rules related to [topic].
Official Document:
👉 View the original ordinance (PDF)
Environmental, Flood & Coastal Regulations
Ordinance YYYY-XX — Ordinance Title Goes Here
Status: Proposed, Adopted, Effective, Amended, Repealed
Adopted: [Month Day, Year]
Effective: [Month Day, Year]
Category: [Category Name]
Summary:
This ordinance [briefly explain what the ordinance does in plain language]. The summary should focus on scope, requirements, and who it applies to, without commentary.
Why It Matters:
This ordinance affects [who it applies to] and establishes or modifies rules related to [topic].
Official Document:
👉 View the original ordinance (PDF)
General Municipal Ordinances
Ordinance 2025-08C — Qualified Purchasing Agent Authority & Purchasing Procedures
Status: Effective
Adopted: August 26, 2025
Effective: After final adoption and publication
Category: General Municipal Ordinances
Summary:
This ordinance amends the Borough Code to formally establish and clarify the position, authority, and responsibilities of the Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) for the Borough of Ship Bottom. It adds Chapter 2.30 to the Code, confirming that the QPA is authorized to conduct purchasing activities in accordance with New Jersey’s Local Public Contracts Law, including preparing bid advertisements, receiving bids and proposals, awarding contracts as permitted by law, and administering local purchasing policies. The ordinance also codifies applicable bid thresholds and political contribution (“pay-to-play”) thresholds, aligning Borough purchasing practices with State requirements and providing administrative structure for procurement and contract oversight.
Why It Matters:
This ordinance formalizes how the Borough conducts purchasing and contracting for goods, services, and construction projects. Clear procurement authority and standardized purchasing procedures help ensure consistency, compliance with State law, and transparency in how public funds are spent, affecting municipal operations and oversight that impact the community as a whole.
Official Document:
👉 View the original ordinance (PDF)
Ordinance YYYY-XX — Ordinance Title Goes Here
Status: Proposed, Adopted, Effective, Amended, Repealed
Adopted: [Month Day, Year]
Effective: [Month Day, Year]
Category: [Category Name]
Summary:
This ordinance [briefly explain what the ordinance does in plain language]. The summary should focus on scope, requirements, and who it applies to, without commentary.
Why It Matters:
This ordinance affects [who it applies to] and establishes or modifies rules related to [topic].
Official Document:
👉 View the original ordinance (PDF)