Overview

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Asbury Park, NJ. The City of Asbury Park has adopted a comprehensive Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance (City Code § 13-1300) that permits short-term rental operations for five specific classifications of properties, subject to obtaining the required permits and meeting all regulatory requirements. A short-term rental is defined as renting out a property for 30 days or less, up to a cumulative total of 180 days in a calendar year.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Asbury Park

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

First, verify that your property falls within one of the five permitted property classifications:

1. Condominium units where the Association and bylaws permit short-term rentals, and the unit is the principal residence of the owner
2. Single-family residences where the property is the principal residence of one owner
3. Up to two separate units within a two-family residential dwelling where one unit is occupied by the owner as their principal residence
4. Not more than two separate units in any multifamily residential dwelling where one other unit is occupied by the owner as their principal residence
5. Not more than two bedrooms within a single-family residential dwelling where bedrooms share common kitchen and bathroom facilities with the owner-occupied portion

Step 2: Obtain Zoning Compliance

Apply for Zoning Compliance from the Department of Planning & Redevelopment. This confirmation ensures your property is not being used in violation of the City's Land Use Regulations and Zoning Ordinance. Fee: $20

Step 3: Complete Departmental Approvals

Secure approvals from multiple city departments:

• Tax and Sewer: Confirmation that all tax and sewer charges are current
• Construction: Confirmation that there are no open building permits on the property
• Zoning: Confirmation that the STR is permitted under local zoning laws

Step 4: Submit STR Permit Application

Complete and submit the Short-Term Rental Permit and Certificate of Inspection application to the Department of Community Development/Code Enforcement.

Step 5: Payment and Inspection

Pay the initial permit fee and schedule your required property inspection.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits

• Short-Term Rental Permit (initial: $500, renewal: $100)
• Certificate of Inspection (included with permit fee)

Required Documentation Checklist

Ownership Verification

1. Proof of current ownership: Copy of current legally recorded deed, tax bill, or other document verifying ownership
2. Property classification documentation: Evidence supporting which of the five permitted property classifications applies to your property

Principal Residence Requirements

You must provide all three of the following:

1. Valid NJ Driver's License or State-issued ID showing the property address
2. Most recent Federal 1040 tax return (first page) showing your legal address
3. Bank statement from within the past three months showing your legal address

Insurance Requirements

• General liability insurance with minimum coverage of $500,000
• Policy must be in the owner's name
• Must be in full force and effect for the entire 12-month permit period

Entity Documentation (if applicable)

If the property is owned by an LLC, Corporation, or Partnership:

• LLC: Operating Agreement
• Corporation: Buy-Sell Agreement
• Partnership: Partnership Agreement
• Required to verify current members/principals

Additional Requirements

1. Executed Certification from Property Agent/Responsible Party acknowledging adherence to all STR regulations
2. Condominium Association approval letter (if applicable) allowing short-term rental of the unit
3. Valid authorization if an authorized agent is completing paperwork on behalf of the owner

Departmental Clearances

• Zoning Compliance ($20 fee)
• Tax Collector clearance (current tax and sewer accounts)
• Construction Department clearance (no open permits)

Occupancy Reporting Requirements

• Short-Term Rental Occupant Change Form must be submitted each time occupants change
• Must include names, ages, and gender of all occupants
• Can be completed and submitted online
• Required for public safety and to prevent overcrowding

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Asbury Park

Duration Limits

• Maximum rental period: 30 consecutive days
• Maximum annual usage: 180 cumulative days per calendar year
• Permits are valid for 12 months from issuance or until property transfer, whichever occurs first

Property Owner Requirements

• Principal residence status must be maintained and verified
• Must maintain continuous insurance coverage
• Responsible for ensuring all guests comply with local ordinances
• Must submit occupant information for every rental period

Advertising Requirements

• All advertisements must contain the permit number issued by the City
• Properties cannot be advertised until the permit is obtained

Inspection Requirements

• One inspection required per 12-month permit period
• Inspection fee is included in the permit fee
• Additional inspections may be required if violations are found

Operating Restrictions

• Properties must comply with all city ordinances including:
  • Noise ordinances
  • Parking regulations
  • Trash collection requirements
  • Safety standards

Condominium-Specific Requirements

• Condominium associations must explicitly permit short-term rentals in their bylaws or master deed
• Written approval from the association must be submitted with permit application

Enforcement and Penalties

Violations

Operating without a permit or advertising without proper permits results in:

• Civil summonses with penalties up to $2,000 per violation
• Each day of rental constitutes a new and separate violation
• The City uses enforcement software to track permitted and unpermitted operations

Compliance Monitoring

• Regular monitoring of online platforms for unpermitted listings
• Neighbor complaint investigation
• Routine inspections of permitted properties

Contact Information

Primary Contact

City of Asbury Park

• Phone: (732) 775-2100
• Address: One Municipal Plaza, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
• Website: www.cityofasburypark.com

Department Contacts

• Department of Community Development/Code Enforcement: For permit applications and inspections
• Department of Planning & Redevelopment: For zoning compliance
• Tax Collector: For tax clearance requirements
• Construction Department: For building permit clearances

Source Links

1. City of Asbury Park Short-Term Rentals FAQ: www.cityofasburypark.com/DocumentCenter/View/1471/Short-Term-Rentals-Frequently-Asked-Questions-PDF

2. City of Asbury Park STR Registration Process: www.cityofasburypark.com/DocumentCenter/View/5833

Important Notes for Investors

• Properties not qualifying for the five permitted classifications may still be eligible for long-term rentals (31+ days) but require a Certificate of Occupancy for each tenant change
• The city's regulations prioritize owner-occupied properties and principal residences
• Enforcement is actively monitored and penalties are significant
• Annual renewal is required with updated documentation
• Insurance requirements exceed standard homeowner policies
• Association approval is mandatory for condominium operations

This regulatory framework represents a balanced approach to allowing short-term rentals while protecting neighborhood character and ensuring public safety. Investors should carefully review all requirements before proceeding with any short-term rental investment in Asbury Park.