6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Ocean County, New Jersey.
Verified from official government sources
Ocean County does not have a countywide short-term rental ordinance. STR registration and licensing requirements are set by individual municipalities. Barrier island communities (Seaside Heights, Lavallette, Ortley Beach/Toms River, Long Beach Island boroughs) typically have the strictest STR regulations due to seasonal tourism impact. Municipalities with specific STR ordinances include Toms River (Ch. 335 Art VI), Brick Township (Ch. 239), and several Long Beach Island boroughs.
Short-term rental noise rules in Ocean County are governed by each municipality's noise ordinance, not by the county. Barrier island municipalities frequently adopt specific STR noise provisions due to seasonal rental impacts. Standard NJ DEP noise limits (65/50 dBA) provide the statewide baseline for commercial noise sources, while municipalities address residential noise through locally approved ordinances.
NJ imposes state Sales and Use Tax (6.625%) on transient accommodations of less than 90 consecutive days. Some Ocean County municipalities in Urban Enterprise Zones qualify for reduced sales tax rates. Individual municipalities may adopt occupancy taxes in addition to state tax. Municipal STR registration/licensing fees vary: Toms River charges annual fees, Brick Township $250/year, Seaside Heights has its own licensing structure.
STR parking requirements in Ocean County are set at the municipal level. Barrier island communities with limited parking typically impose strict off-street parking requirements for rental properties (usually 1–2 spaces per bedroom). Mainland municipalities may be less restrictive. Beach badge parking lots are operated by individual municipalities and the county does not manage parking for STRs.
Ocean County shore STR occupancy capped locally. Seaside Heights: max 10 occupants, 1 vehicle per 4 occupants. Point Pleasant Beach: 7-day minimum stays. Toms River, Brick, and LBI towns set per-bedroom limits.
Seaside Heights requires $500,000 minimum liability insurance per occurrence for STR permits. Most Ocean County STR municipalities require proof at registration. Standard homeowner policies often exclude commercial rental.
4 cities in Ocean County have their own short-term rentals rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Ocean County Ordinance Hub →