Brick's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public conduct a little differently. In Brick, New Jersey, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Aggressive Panhandling

Brick Township bans begging or gathering alms on any public street, road, beach, parkway or other public place, with an exception only for those holding a solicitor's license under Chapter 324.

Key details: Governing provision: Brick Township Code § 271-1B. Where it applies: Streets, roads, beaches, parkways, public places. License exception: § 324-2 solicitor's license or § 324-5 exemption. Maximum penalty: $2,000 fine or 90 days jail. Adopted: 1970, amended 12-10-2002.

Violation of Chapter 271 is punished under the Township's general penalty, § 1-15: up to a $2,000 fine, 90 days in county jail, or 90 days of community service, with each day and each act a separate offense.

Compared to other cities, Brick takes a harder line on aggressive panhandling. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Skateboarding Rules

Brick Township restricts skateboarding to the fenced skate park inside the Sports Complex; riding a skateboard anywhere else on the Sports Complex or Board of Education grounds violates the Parks and Recreation Areas chapter and can bring park ejection or fines.

Key details: Skateboarding location: Confined to the skate park only. Required safety gear: Helmet, elbow pads, knee pads. Skate park hours: Sat 10am-8pm; Sun noon-5pm. Facility closes when: Surface is wet or icy. Enforced by: Parks Dept. and Police Dept..

Violators face ejection from Township parks, confiscation of the skateboard or gear, and the general penalty under § 1-15, imposed at the Municipal Court judge's discretion.

Loitering Rules

Brick Township bans idling, loitering, or sleeping on public streets, sidewalks, and other public places unless you can show a legitimate business or purpose; begging without a peddler's license is also barred.

Key details: Governing law: Brick Township Code Ch. 271, § 271-1. Max penalty: $2,000 fine or 90 days jail. Defense: Legitimate business or purpose. Minors: Parents liable for minor's violation. Enforced by: Police and peace officers.

Violating the loitering ban is punishable under the Township's general penalty, Chapter 1 § 1-15: up to $2,000, 90 days in county jail, or 90 days of community service, with each day a separate offense.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Brick actively enforces its loitering rules requirements.

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions

Smoking is banned on all public beaches in Brick Township unless the area is posted with a "Smoking Permitted Area" sign, under the Township's Chapter 375 tobacco ordinance.

Key details: Scope: All public beaches, townshipwide. Exception: Only posted "Smoking Permitted Area" signs. Adopted: 3-8-2005 by Ord. No. 324-E-05. Penalty basis: General penalty, Township Code § 1-15.

Smoking on a public beach outside a posted "Smoking Permitted Area" is subject to the general penalty under Township Code § 1-15, which can include a fine.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Brick actively enforces its outdoor smoking restrictions requirements.

Public Alcohol Use

Brick Township bans bringing or drinking intoxicating liquor on the municipal beachfront and its parking lot, and lifeguards may inspect coolers to enforce it.

Key details: Where banned: Beachfront and beach parking lot. Enforcement: Lifeguards inspect coolers. Refuse inspection: Barred from the beach. Max fine: $2,000 under § 1-15. Max jail: 90 days.

Violations of the beach-use article are heard in Municipal Court and punished under the Code's general penalty (§ 1-15): a fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days in county jail, up to 90 days of community service, or a combination, per § 110-17.

Compared to other cities, Brick takes a harder line on public alcohol use. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Public Urination

Brick Township makes it unlawful to urinate or defecate in any public place unless the location is specifically provided for that use, under the Township's Nuisances chapter.

Key details: Governing section: Brick Township Code § 293-4. Rule: No urinating/defecating outside designated facilities. Adopted: 6-9-1992 by Ord. No. 324-A-92. Max fine: Up to $2,000 per § 1-15. Max jail: Up to 90 days.

Violators face the Township's general penalty: a fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days in the county jail, up to 90 days of community service, or a combination, with each act a separate offense.

Compared to other cities, Brick takes a harder line on public urination. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Brick is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Brick, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Brick's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.