Short-Term Rental Ban In Point Boro Facing First Summer

POINT PLEASANT, NJ – The borough of Point Pleasant has been dealing with enforcing a new ordinance that banned homeowners from doing short-term rentals on sites like Airbnb and Vrbo.

Residents are doing their part by sending Airbnb listings to borough officials to be taken care of.

According to Capt. Adam Picca of the Point Pleasant Police Department, the police have been working with code enforcement to enforce and educate residents about the ordinance, which was enacted back in November.

“The Point Pleasant Police Department is actively working with Point Pleasant Code Enforcement to address those residences in violation of the short-term rental ordinance. Please be aware that this is the first summer season where short term rentals are prohibited to operate within the borough so it is difficult to quantify if there is a growing number of prohibited rentals or if they have come to our attention as a result of the ordinance that was passed in November of 2020,” Captain Picca said.

“We have also reached out to Vrbo and Airbnb in an effort to shut down the local platforms for the Borough of Point Pleasant to prevent present and future advertisements for properties listed within the Borough of Point Pleasant. Notice of Violations have been served and will continue to be served to the homeowners of those residences who operate a short-term rental. Subsequent violations are subject to summons and fines.”

Borough Administrator Frank Pannucci Jr. echoed the sentiments of Captain Picca, saying that this is a relatively new ordinance created out of necessity to preserve the quality of life in Point Pleasant.

“Mayor Sabosik and the Borough Council created it (the ordinance) during the height of the pandemic last year as people were renting out their homes as entertainment venues when bars and restaurants were closed down,” Pannucci said.

“Additionally, the Mayor and Council recognize that unlike our neighboring municipalities with beachfront properties, Point Borough is filled with residential neighborhoods that aren’t accustomed to being near homes used for short-term rentals. The COVID-19 Pandemic brought these issues to the forefront last year in Point Borough, and I’m sure it will take this summer for the word to adequately spread after enforcement actions.”