Ventnor City, NJ Chapter 115 Fishing Pier Regulations

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the City of Ventnor City 3-16-1981 by Sections 1 and 2 of Ord. No. 8106; amended in its entirety 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-09. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]

§ 115-1 Fees for fishing pier.

[Amended 4-17-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-12; 5-11-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-12; 5-23-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-13; at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]

During such times as the City of Ventnor City shall have the Ventnor Recreation Fishing Pier open to the public, and in order to provide the necessary funds to maintain and improve such facility, the following seasonal fees shall be charged for such facility:

A. Photo identification, membership fees and restrictions. At all times when accessing and using the fishing pier, every member/key holder of the Ventnor City Fishing Pier must have in their possession the official Ventnor City photo identification and key issued to them by the Ventnor City Pier Master. The identification must be on the person visible at all times while on the pier. Individuals without identification are subject to being removed from the pier and fined as set forth more fully herein in § 115-3 and § 115-4.

[Amended 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-15]

B. Yearly, weekly and daily membership costs are as set forth in Chapter 114, Fee Schedule.

C. Individuals who have purchased a weekly or daily membership pursuant to Subsection B above shall be prohibited from using or accessing the pier at any time other than during the hours of operation. Furthermore no individual with a weekly or daily membership shall be issued a key or a photo identification card.

[Amended 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-15]

§ 115-2 Rules and regulations for Ventnor fishing pier.

[Amended 4-17-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-12, 5-23-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-13; 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-15]

The official Rules and Regulations established by the Ventnor City Board of Recreation shall govern the daily conduct and operation of the Ventnor Fishing Pier. All members, spectators, weekly and daily patrons must comply with the Ventnor City Board of Recreation Rules and Regulations in effect. Frequent and flagrant violation of such regulations may result in the revocation of pier privileges and fines. The following general rules shall apply to the Ventnor Fishing Pier. Any persons violating said rules may be subject to immediate removal from premises, with possible fines or loss of pier privileges. It shall be unlawful to:

A. Trespass. Persons accessing the Fishing Pier without possession of a valid membership identification or current weekly or daily pass shall be considered trespassing.

B. Use or possess alcoholic beverages of any kind on the pier.

C. Vandalize or destroy any public/private property located on the pier.

D. Use your membership key, credentials or pass to aid unauthorized person to make entry on the pier.

E. Express mannerisms or actions that are offensive or detrimental to the peace and good order of the operation of the pier.

F. The pier master or pier attendant has final authority on any issues related to the pier.

G. Fishing is only allowed beyond the locked gate.

H. Only paying customers are allowed on the pier past the locked gate. Violators of this rule will be fined.

I. Children under age 10 are not permitted for safety reasons. No exceptions. Youth ages 10 through 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

J. All anglers must abide by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish and Wildlife rules.

K. Coolers are subject to search at the discretion of the pier master or pier attendant to assure all fish caught and kept are in accordance with NJ Fish and Wildlife limits.

L. All anglers are required to be registered with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. Registration is free. Please see the pier master or pier attendant for any questions or for assistance with registration.

M. All fish not kept must be humanely returned to the water alive.

N. Intentional shark fishing is strictly prohibited. Violators may be fined up to $1,000 and may result in a loss of pier privileges.

O. Pier passes must be available for inspection at any time. Lost passes will incur a $25 fee for replacement.

P. A maximum of 3 rods per person may be in use at one time. Please stay with your gear. Note: All equipment is the responsibility of the member/owner. The City is not responsible for any missing equipment.

Q. Be courteous and respectful to your fishing neighbors, spectators and visitors.

R. Harassment of any kind is not permitted.

S. All fishing equipment including coolers must be stored under benches, sinks, or in other designated zone areas for safety purposes.

T. Please refrain from throwing objects off the pier. This includes cigarette butts, papers, old line and hooks, and/or other trash.

U. Please clean up after yourself to maintain our family atmosphere.

V. Report any rule violations to the pier staff immediately. If after hours, please call the Ventnor City Police Department at [phone].

W. Prohibited Items include, but are not limited to:

(1) Alcoholic beverages.

(2) Commercial fishing.

(3) Fireworks.

(4) Flammable lanterns.

(5) Stoves/grills.

X. Failure to abide by the pier rules may result in eviction from the pier and fines up to $1,000 pursuant to law. Note: If a member is evicted from the pier, their membership fees will not be refunded.

Y. Suspension of pier fees.

(1) 4th of July.

(2) Atlantic City Air Show.

(3) Open Pier Nights, which will include one night in July, August and September to be determined annually by Commissioners.

Z. Overnight sleeping or camping is not permitted on the pier. You must be actively fishing if you are on the pier overnight.

§ 115-3 Revocation of pier privileges.

The City of Ventnor reserves the right to revoke the fishing pier privileges granted under this chapter for violations of its provisions. Any member/key holder found guilty of misusing his membership to provide unauthorized access to the pier for another person may have his membership revoked. Such revocation shall not preclude the imposition of any other fines or penalties provided for such infractions or violations.

§ 115-4 Violations and penalties.

[Amended 4-17-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-12; 5-23-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-13; 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-15; at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]

Any person or persons violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof in the Municipal Court of Ventnor, be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000. Each violation shall be considered as a separate and specific violation of this chapter, and the penalties herein prescribed shall apply to such separate and specific offenses. In addition to or as a substitute for the previously mentioned fine, the imposition of community service shall be authorized as an additional penalty, which community service shall not exceed 90 days.