SOMERS POINT — City Council introduced two ordinances Oct. 8 to clean up language in its code regarding permits for use of the boat ramps and trailer parking.
Mayor Dennis Tapp said the changes are meant to clear up some confusion and facilitate the city selling daily permits for its ramps at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park and alongside the Route 52 bridge.
“City Council continues to evaluate the operations of its boat ramps and supporting parking facilities in order to maximize cost recoupment, as well as to ensure ease of use by the general public,” according to ordinance 25-2026, which repeals two sections dealing with the issues.
In 2025, the city amended the watercraft launching fees and permits section of the code to monetize its ramps and control where trailers are parked, specifically around the ramp off Bay Avenue.
“Based on its review of the operations of the boat ramps, the method of cost recoupment and the parking issues arising from the use of its boat ramps, City Council now believes that the current ordinances relative to usage, parking and collection of fees should be modified,” Tapp said.
The first change would allow City Council to change fees annually by resolution, therefore providing greater flexibility.
A second change would allow the city to establish a use identification process (sticker) for daily permits. Seasonal permits are required to be affixed to a trailer’s rear driver-side tire fender.
The second ordinance would modify regulations regarding parking of boat trailers on city streets and parking lots.
“This determination was based on the historical fact that many of the users of the city’s boat ramps oftentimes will park on the streets, alleys and/or rights-of-way in the areas near the boat ramps,” according to the ordinance.
The change would add daily permits to seasonal permits in the rules limiting boat trailer parking in certain areas to ensure that users of the ramps have paid for the use.
“City Council recognizes that the current procedure for permitting fails to allow for procedures for daily passes,” the ordinance states.
In addition, it was determined that there was no restriction on the overnight parking of boat trailers with boats on city property. Ordinance 26-2026 prohibits overnight parking.
A second reading and public hearing on the ordinances are expected at the next meeting, set for 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at City Hall.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff