Stafford Township, NJ Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Parking Rules (2026)

Section 164-19 applies to every property containing a seasonal rental licensed dwelling unit, which means a unit rented for fewer than 175 consecutive days to a person with a permanent residence elsewhere, including the short-term rentals of 31 days or less covered by the special license in § 164-8. The rule applies at any time and to any person, so tenants and guests are covered along with the owner. It uses the yard definitions in § 130-2 of the Land Use and Development Regulations of the Township of Stafford.

There are two ways to park lawfully. The vehicle must be entirely on a driveway paved with asphalt, concrete pavers or gravel, or in a parking area constructed in accordance with a site plan approved by the Planning Board. Parking in a front, side or rear yard outside those two options is what the section prohibits. Gravel is allowed, but any driveway or parking space constructed of gravel must have edges clearly delineated by a wooden or masonry curb.

A companion rule in § 164-17 covers people sleeping in cars. It is unlawful for any person between 1:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. to sleep in a vehicle parked on a premises containing a seasonal rental licensed dwelling unit. That keeps extra guests from using vehicles on the property as additional sleeping space.

Parking compliance connects to licensing. Under § 164-10, the Code Official cannot issue a seasonal rental license until the premises has been inspected and found in full compliance with the Township Code, and § 164-5 requires the license before anyone occupies the property. Owners who add paving or a gravel parking area should note that the code names Planning Board site plan approval as the alternative to a plain paved or gravel driveway.