Department of Environmental Protection wants beach-access plans from New Jersey shore towns

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is calling on shore towns to submit plans for beach access. Non-compliant towns risk losing open-space money.

 

The department has published new rules on beach access, which allow for towns to set their own guidelines, reports the Press of Atlantic City. But, towns must submit plans to the DEP detailing access points to swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, crabbing, bird-watching, parking and public restrooms.

Some of the new rules are as follows:

Atlantic City beach bars will be allowed to leave some structures up during non-emergency periods during the off-season, instead of rebuilding every summer.
Towns can open bars and restaurants on ocean and amusement piers.
Towns can set their own beach curfews, and can impose stricter rules without state permission.