Long Branch Council introduces ordinance to add EV charging stalls, requires active charging

The Long Branch City Council on Feb. 11 introduced an ordinance to add two plug‑in electric vehicle charging stalls to the Belmont Avenue municipal lot and to require that vehicles parked in designated EV stalls be actively charging while occupying the space.

The measure, identified in the meeting as Ordinance 01‑26, was presented by the council president as an amendment to the municipal parking code. The council moved to introduce the ordinance on first reading, direct advertisement and posting as required by law, and set a public hearing for February 2026; the motion carried on a roll‑call vote.

The council president summarized the key change: the amendment will add two charging stations in the municipal lot on Belmont Avenue and include language that "electric vehicles parked in the electric vehicle parking stalls must actively be charged charging while parked" in one of the designated stalls. Supporters said the addition is intended to expand the city's charging infrastructure for residents and visitors.

The ordinance is at first reading only; further public comment will be taken at the scheduled hearing before any final action. The council did not adopt the ordinance at the Feb. 11 meeting.