WILDWOOD CREST— In order to park a boat or personal watercraft in the borough, residents will have to abide by a few guidelines.

However, those guidelines are still being ironed out by the borough commission after residents raised concerns about the new rules, including those limiting the size and number of boats and watercraft.

Mayor Carl Groon said the ordinance would be tabled after several residents voiced their concern during the public hearing on the ordinance Oct. 19.

The borough initially introduced the limitations after resident Bill Hoeger of Atlantic Avenue told the commissioners about a property near his home where 22 watercraft were stored during the winter, including two boats and 17 jet skis.

The new ordinance would restrict the number, as well as the size of boats and watercraft that are parked on private property.

“Motorboats, sailboats, motor craft and water crafts, or any trailer carrying the same, of not more than 26 feet in total length, may be parked on private property, provided that the owner of the motorboat, sailboat, motor craft, and water craft is the occupant of the premises on which the unit is parked,” stated to the originally proposed ordinance.

The ordinance also stated, “No more than one motorboat or sailboat, and/or two personal watercrafts shall be permitted to be stored on private property.”

As introduced, the ordinance also states that in order to park boats and watercraft greater than 26 feet in length, will require review and approval by the borough’s zoning officer.

Marinas and yacht clubs are exempt from the provisions of the ordinance.

Violators, if convicted, would face penalties, including a fine of up to $1,000 for each offense with each day of the violation deemed a separate offense. They could also face imprisonment in the county jail for a term not exceeding 60 days.

Resident James Zecca questioned the size limit.

“We had to pick a number,” said Groon. “The intent was for the boat size.”

Zecca said that most of the largest boats parked on private property in the borough are 25 – 26 feet in length. He said that a trailer, along with a motor, may add an additional seven feet to the length, thereby forcing some boats out of compliance.

“I have no problem with a limit of boats that can be parked, but I don’t like the length requirements at all,” he said. “As it is now, it is going to limit a lot of people here that have boats.”

One resident asked about a summer renter parking his or her boat on the property.

“Is the occupant anyone who lives there?” he asked.

Borough administrator Kevin Yecco responded that under the current proposed ordinance a renter with a boat would not be allowed to park on the property.

The resident, who asked to remain anonymous, also questioned the wording of the ordinance.

“As it is now, it is confusing for residents to understand,” he said.

Groon said that the commission would look into making changes and revisit the ordinance at the next scheduled meeting.

Lauren Suit can be e-mailed at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or you can comment on this story by calling 624-8900, ext 250.