'Animal House' Ordinance Would Put Burden on Landlords

Township Council on Tuesday delayed a scheduled discussion of a potential "Animal House" ordinance to control off-campus parties near Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

By the next council meeting on Oct. 22, the township administration hopes to introduce an ordinance that would fine owners for potential noise violations involving their tenants.

The ordinance would "hit the landlord where it counts — in the pocketbook," according to Township Manager Arch Liston.

Fines would increase with each subsequent offense.

If the ordinance is introduced on first reading at the next meeting, the public hearing and final vote would be on Nov. 12.

In a September discussion of the proposed ordinance, council was told the measure is based on the ordinances originally designated for Jersey Shore towns, but recently expanded to encompass all communities.

That ordinance calls for a property to be deemed an “Animal House” if the property was found to be disorderly, indecent, tumultuous or riotous” on two occasions within a two-year period, resulting in prosecution and conviction. 

The original discussion revolved around requiring owners to post a bond, but the township administration suggested Tuesday that process might be too cumbersome.

"I'm glad you're taking your time," former council member and Freeholder Rich Dase said. "This is a serious quality of life issue for a lot of residents.

In September, one Galloway Township resident referenced a recent party in which 200 college-aged kids showed up at a party that eventually had to be broken up by five Galloway Police and two Stockton College Police units.