Long Branch's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter

If you live in Long Branch or are thinking about moving there, public conduct are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Long Branch has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of public conduct, and some of them might surprise you.

Public Urination

Long Branch makes it unlawful for anyone to urinate in public on any property, private or public, anywhere in the city. The rule sits in the Peace and Good Order chapter and carries the same fine and jail exposure as any other general city ordinance violation.

Key details: Prohibited act: Urinating in public, any property. Adopted: March 13, 1984 (Ord. No. 1154). Coverage: Citywide, Long Branch, Monmouth County NJ. Max fine: $2,000. Max jail term: 90 days.

A public urination charge is prosecuted in Long Branch Municipal Court and, absent a more specific state penalty, falls under the citywide general penalty in Code § 1-16: a fine of up to $2,000, up to 90 days of imprisonment, and/or up to 90 days of community service, at the judge's discretion. Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense, though § 1-16 also permits a lesser or nominal penalty for a particular case.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Long Branch actively enforces its public urination requirements.

Public Alcohol Use

Long Branch bans serving, selling, dispensing, drinking or consuming any alcoholic beverage on public streets, sidewalks, parks, beaches, boardwalks or marine basins, and even bans possessing alcohol with intent to drink there. Public intoxication that annoys another person is also prohibited.

Key details: Banned locations: Streets, parks, beaches, boardwalks. Also banned: Possession with intent to drink there. Public intoxication: Banned if it annoys another person. Adopted: Ordinance No. 999, October 15, 1990. Max penalty: $2,000 fine / 90 days.

Drinking, serving or possessing alcohol with intent to drink in any of the public places listed in § 218-7(B), or being intoxicated to another person's annoyance under § 218-7(A), is punishable per § 218-7(D) and § 218-8 as provided in Chapter 1, General Provisions, § 1-16. That default sets a maximum penalty of a $2,000 fine, up to 90 days' imprisonment, or up to 90 days of community service, at the Municipal Court judge's discretion, with each day of an ongoing violation counted separately.

This is one of the stricter rules in Long Branch's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Public Marijuana Use

Long Branch bans smoking, vaping or otherwise consuming cannabis anywhere on public streets, sidewalks, parking lots, parks, beaches or the boardwalk, and in any vehicle traveling those same public places. The rule sits inside the city's cannabis licensing chapter.

Key details: Banned acts: Smoking, vaping, or otherwise consuming cannabis. Covered public places: Streets, parking lots, parks, beaches, boardwalk. Also covers: Any vehicle on those public ways. Adopted: 12-8-2021, Ord. No. 22-21. Default penalty: Up to $2,000 fine or 90 days jail.

Chapter 104 does not set its own fine for public consumption. A violation defaults to Long Branch's general penalty section, City of Long Branch Code § 1-16: a fine of up to $2,000, up to 90 days imprisonment, up to 90 days of community service, or a combination, at the Municipal Court Judge's discretion, with each day of a continuing violation counted separately.

This is one of the stricter rules in Long Branch's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Skateboarding Rules

Long Branch bans rollerblades, in-line skates, skates and skateboards at Martin Luther King Memorial Park on Atlantic Way and its adjacent public walks under City Code § 247-2U. The prohibition is limited to that named park rather than citywide, and was added by ordinance in 2003.

Key details: Citation: City Code § 247-2U. Location: Martin Luther King Memorial Park, Atlantic Way. Covers: Skateboards, rollerblades, in-line skates. Added: Ord. No. 28-03, Aug. 12, 2003. Consequence: Summary eviction from park.

Skating or skateboarding at Martin Luther King Memorial Park in violation of § 247-2U can result in summary eviction from the park under § 247-6A and denial of further admittance at the enforcing authority's discretion. A citation is punishable under the Code's general penalty, § 1-16, with a fine of up to $2,000, up to 90 days of imprisonment, or up to 90 days of community service.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Long Branch actively enforces its skateboarding rules requirements.

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions

Long Branch bans smoking and vaping of any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco, anywhere on the beach, boardwalk or promenade at any time. Fines escalate from $100 for a first offense up to $300 for a third.

Key details: First offense fine: $100. Second offense fine: $200. Third offense fine: $300. Covers: Cigarettes, cigars, vapes, chewing tobacco. Where banned: Beach, boardwalk, promenade, at any time.

Section 116-5Z(2) sets a dedicated, escalating fine schedule specific to this offense: $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense and $300 for a third offense. Separately, § 116-7 lets the City Council cancel any beach badge, insignia or check held by a person who violates any provision of the beach chapter, on top of the monetary fine.

Compared to other cities, Long Branch takes a harder line on outdoor smoking restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

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

Keep in mind that Long Branch can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.