Red Bank: Short-Term Rental Law Back In Effect After Veto Override

RED BANK, NJ — Red Bank's short-term rental ordinance will be back in effect now that the Borough Council majority voted to override a veto of the law by Mayor Billy Portman.

The new law, which would permit the rentals only in certain business and commercial zones - and not at all in strictly residential zones - created lots of pushback in past meetings from residents who offer short-term rentals to visiting nurses, artists and families and vacationers. It was approved Feb. 8 in a 5-1 council vote.

Proponents have argued at past hearings on the ordinance that the rentals serve a good purpose, the residents aren't a disruption to the neighborhood - and the homeowners could use the money to help pay their taxes.

And the same pleas continued Friday morning as most who spoke at the public session asked the council to discuss the ordinance further among themselves and reach a compromise.

"All I'm asking for is a conversation; go back to the drawing board," said resident Amanda Doremus, who offers short-term rentals at her house. "I'm banned now," she said.

But the majority on the council said there was ample discussion of the ordinance already, and the point of the ordinance is to protect the quality of life in residential neighborhoods.

Councilman Ed Zipprich, a supporter of the ordinance, said there is a "national movement" among cities to restrict short-term rentals that can "become burdensome to neighbors."

And at least one resident who spoke said, while she "was moved" by Doremus's position, she felt short-term rentals need oversight. She said the law could be amended in the future if it requires it.

Other residents in the past have come before the council to complain about homes, particularly those owned by absentee investors, that they say can create noise and parking issues.

The entire meeting can be viewed on the borough Facebook page to get the full flavor of the scope of the comments, that became quite bitter at times over the course of an hour.

And unspoken throughout the meeting was the fact that there is an election May 9 under the borough's new nonpartisan form of government. The mayor and all council seats are up for election and there are two main slates running that mirror the council split on the rental issue. There is also one independent candidate running for office.

There was also a sore point or two voiced by the majority: Council President Michael Ballard, for one, said he felt "blindsided" that the mayor told the media about his veto Feb. 22 before he told fellow councilmembers about his plans. The borough clerk formally advised the council on Feb. 23.

Conversely, a few residents and the one councilperson aligned with the mayor on the dais, Kate Triggiano, expressed displeasure with the calling of a special meeting on a workday morning when the council is meeting in just a few days, on next Wednesday night.

Wrapping up the meeting, Mayor Portman acknowledged in the meeting that there may have been "political grandstanding" by both sides in this issue.

But he reiterated his view that a short-term rental ordinance permitting the practice in owner-occupied properties is the way to go.

In his statement to media last week, Portman said the ordinance that was approved was "an effort to appease a few people in complete opposition to short-term rentals."

He said the council majority "ignored the simple and widely acceptable solution - to require that short-term rentals are owner-occupied."

As mayor, he did not have a vote on the override. Councilmembers Ballard, Zipprich, Jacqueline Sturdivant and John Jackson voted to override the veto. Councilmember Angela Mirandi was excused.

In a brief humorous moment in the meeting, Triggiano also voted to override, but quickly corrected herself, saying "I meant to vote 'no'. . . It's early and it's Friday. I really meant 'no.'"

The council tabled an ordinance to impose a 3 percent transient accommodation occupancy tax, which was also on the agenda Friday. It will be discussed at a regular meeting and would require the occupancy tax for short-term rentals, based on the rent being collected, he said.

The short-term rental ordinance as adopted Feb. 8 can be seen on the Borough Council agenda here.