Somers Point council adopts package of business and rental ordinances

Somers Point — The Somers Point City Council approved a package of ordinances aimed at streamlining business registration and updating liability-insurance requirements for rental properties and hotels.

On second reading the council opened public comment on Ordinances 21 through 26. No members of the public spoke during the public comment periods, and each ordinance was adopted after motions and voice votes.

Ordinance 21 amends sections of the code related to mercantile licenses. Ordinance 22 revises sections of the code addressing business registration. Ordinance 23 repeals chapter 94 on business and rental insurance registration. Ordinance 24 amends rental-unit registration and inspection provisions to require liability insurance for rental-unit owners. Ordinance 25 updates regulations for hotels and motels to add liability-insurance requirements. Ordinance 26 updates registration forms and related filing contents.

Council members said the revisions will make licensing and registration less confusing for business owners and easier for the clerk's office to administer. All measures were adopted by unanimous voice votes.