Beach Haven approves rental-property registration, shifts fire inspections to Ocean County

On March 17, 2026 the Borough of Beach Haven adopted Ordinance 2026-4C, requiring owners of rental properties to register with the borough and provide proof of liability insurance, and transferring responsibility for fire-safety inspections to the Ocean County Fire Marshal.

The ordinance, read at final hearing by the borough clerk, removes in-house fire inspection authority under local code and adds a registration requirement and an insurance-verification step. The clerk said the contractual arrangement with Ocean County imposes no cost on the borough and that inspection fees are paid by the applicant.

During the public comment period, resident John Halpern, who identified himself and gave his address, asked whether the county contract carried a cost and told the council the combined requirement felt like “double taxation.” The clerk responded, “There’s a no-cost contract between us and them. The fee is paid by the applicant.”

Council discussion explained the change stems from a state certification requirement that the borough no longer meets. One council member said the state now requires a certification that the borough lacks and that the county must perform inspections for the upcoming season; the council said it hopes to have a staff member certified next year. Council members noted the county inspection option will be available beginning March 26 and said the borough plans to require registration and insurance proof going forward.

The ordinance passed on a council vote. The clerk advised property owners to expect Ocean County inspection scheduling and to prepare the required registration and insurance documentation.

What it means: Rental-property owners will now register with the borough and show proof of insurance; inspections will be performed by the Ocean County Fire Marshal for the coming season because the borough lacks the state certification required to perform those inspections in-house. The council said it aims to re-establish in-house certification for future seasons.