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Bill > S1541
NJ S1541
NJ S1541Authorizes municipalities to adopt ordinances requiring maintenance and repair of certain wharves, piers, docks, and bulkheads.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would authorize municipalities to adopt ordinances requiring the maintenance and repair of wharves, piers, docks, and bulkheads along navigable waterways within a municipality, pursuant to standards established by the Department of Environmental Protection. These standards would be developed to minimize potential harm to the public and to the environment, considering the location, surroundings, and the use of the wharf, pier, dock, or bulkhead. The governing body of each municipality adopting such an ordinance may prescribe penalties for the violation of the ordinance, either a fine not to exceed $500, or imprisonment in the county jail for a term not to exceed 90 days, or both. For a second or subsequent offense, a municipality may prescribe penalties of either a fine not to exceed $2,000, or imprisonment in the county jail for a term not to exceed 90 days, or both. Within 18 months after the effective date of the bill, the department would be required to adopt regulations establishing minimum standards for the maintenance and repair of wharves, piers, docks, and bulkheads along navigable waterways within a municipality. Further, the department would be required to develop technical guidance materials to assist municipalities in: (1) inspecting and evaluating existing wharves, piers, docks, and bulkheads along navigable waterways within a municipality; (2) notifying owners in non-compliance with minimum maintenance and repair standards established by local ordinance, to perform required improvements; and (3) verifying and inspecting maintenance repairs necessary to ensure compliance with minimum standards adopted by the municipality. The standards developed by the department and the requirements imposed by municipalities pursuant to this bill would be in addition to those established or prescribed pursuant to any other law, rule, or regulation pertaining to wharves, piers, docks, and bulkheads.
AI Summary
This bill authorizes municipalities to create local laws, called ordinances, that require the upkeep and repair of structures like wharves, piers, docks, and bulkheads located along waterways that ships can travel on. These local laws must follow specific standards set by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which will develop them to protect public health, safety, and the environment, considering how and where these structures are used. If someone violates a municipal ordinance, they could face fines up to $500 or jail time up to 90 days for a first offense, with penalties increasing to $2,000 or 90 days in jail for repeat offenses. The DEP is required to create these minimum standards and provide guidance to municipalities on how to inspect these structures, notify owners who are not compliant, and verify that repairs are made correctly. These new requirements are in addition to any existing rules that already apply to these types of waterfront structures.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1541 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2000/1541_I1.HTM |
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