The ungoverned release of helium-filled balloons into the air
poses substantial environmental risks, including most particularly
risks to wildlife, as well as to the health, safety and welfare of
persons and property.
The release of balloons inflated with lighter-than air gases
pose a danger and nuisance to the environment, particularly to wildlife
and marine animals so as to constitute a public nuisance, and may
pose a threat to the safety of its inhabitants and their property.
The City Council of the City of Cape May believes it in the
best interests of the City, its residents, its visitors, the surrounding
area, and the environment as a whole to prohibit, except in limited
circumstances, the release into the environment of balloons filled
with helium and other lighter-than-air gases.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to
intentionally release, organize the release, or intentionally cause
to be released balloons inflated with a gas that is lighter than air
within the city limits of the City of Cape May, except for:
A. Balloons released by a person on behalf of a governmental agency
or pursuant to a governmental contract for scientific or meteorological
purposes.
B. Hot air balloons that are recovered after launching.
C. Balloons released indoors.
Any person found in violation is guilty of a non-criminal infraction
punishable by a fine not to exceed the sum of $100.