[Adopted 11-12-2025 by Ord. No. 91-2025]
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning. Where the context will permit and no definitions are provided herein, the definitions provided in the State of New Jersey Building Code shall apply. When consistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words in the plural include the singular and words in the singular include the plural. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.
COMMON AREAS
Any indoor or outdoor spaces accessible to guests or the public, including but not limited to lobbies, hallways, stairwells, elevators, fitness centers, swimming pool areas, dining areas, and meeting rooms.
EXTERIOR AREAS
Any outdoor spaces on the hotel or motel property, including but not limited to parking lots, entrances, exits, sidewalks, loading docks, and perimeter areas.
HOTEL/MOTEL
Any building or structure, or any portion thereof, that is kept, used, maintained, advertised, or presented to the public as a location providing sleeping accommodation for transient guests at a fee. This encompasses, but is not limited to, hotels, motels, inns, and similar establishments.
INSPECTION
An official evaluation of a hotel or motel establishment conducted to ascertain conformity with the applicable ordinance and the Property Maintenance Code.
NO-TRESPASSING SIGN
A sign that is clearly and prominently displayed, stating "No Trespassing" or similar language, indicating that unauthorized entry is prohibited and may lead to legal action.
OPERATOR
Any person, firm, partnership, association, trust, or corporation that manages or controls the operation of a hotel or motel.
OWNER
An individual, business entity, partnership, association, trust, or corporation possessing legal or equitable title to any hotel or motel qualifies as the proprietor of such an establishment.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE
The International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) 2021, which has been adopted by the City of Atlantic City along with any subsequent updates, outlines essential standards for the maintenance and preservation of existing structures. This code provides a regulatory framework to ensure that properties within the City are kept to a minimum standard that promotes public safety, health, and overall community welfare. In addition to the IPMC (2021), the City of Atlantic City will also utilize regulations from the state's regulations for the maintenance of hotels and multiple dwellings.
REINSPECTION
A follow-up inspection was carried out to assess the rectification of violations identified during a preceding inspection.
ROOM
Any designated space for sleeping within a hotel or motel establishment. This encompasses various types of units, including guest rooms, suites, and other forms of lodging that are designed to provide a temporary resting area for travelers.
SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM
A network of interconnected cameras capable of recording and storing video footage clearly enough to identify individuals and activities.
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY
The temporary use, possession, or occupancy of a hotel or motel, typically lasting less than 90 days, where the parties intend for the occupancy to be nonpermanent.
VIOLATION
A failure to adhere to any stipulation outlined in this article or the Property Maintenance Code constitutes a violation of regulatory standards.
A. 
Initial inspection. Upon the effective date of this article, all hotels and motels with less than 100 rooms shall be subject to an initial inspection by the City of Atlantic City's Division of Code Enforcement.
B. 
Inspection frequency.
(1) 
Annual inspections. All hotels and motels must undergo an annual code compliance inspection to ensure they meet safety and regulatory standards.
(2) 
Reinspection. Reinspection will be conducted as needed to determine any and all violations have been abated. Hotels and motels will have 30 days to address any violations found during the initial inspection.
(3) 
Additional reinspection. All subsequent reinspection will be conducted within a period of 15 days, ensuring that any necessary adjustments are addressed promptly and effectively.
(4) 
Complaint-based inspections. The City may conduct inspections in response to complaints regarding property maintenance or safety concerns.
C. 
Inspection notice. The City shall provide reasonable notice to the owner or operator prior to conducting an inspection.
D. 
Inspection report. Following each inspection, the City shall provide a written inspection report to the owner or operator, detailing any violations found and the required corrective actions and deadlines. Report will be available within 10 business days of the inspection.
E. 
Right of entry. The City's designated inspectors shall have the right to enter and inspect all areas of a hotel or motel at reasonable times, subject to notice and applicable legal requirements.
A. 
Every hotel and motel in the City of Atlantic City shall be required to maintain at all times a registry identifying the name of each registrant of each rooming unit, together with the principal residence address of such registrant of each rooming unit and the date upon which his/her occupancy of such rooming unit commenced. The registrant shall sign the registry and must produce a valid driver's license or other identification. A copy of a valid driver's license or other identification must be kept on file and is subject to review by any law enforcement and Code Enforcement officers of the City of Atlantic City upon periodic inspection.
B. 
Vehicle identification. Each registrant who is parking a motor vehicle in the hotel or motel lot shall provide the make, model and license plate number of that vehicle.
C. 
"Transient occupancy" means occupancy in hotels and motels for a period of occupancy which does not exceed 90 days. Except as otherwise set forth in this article, no hotel or motel guest may occupy a hotel or motel unit in such facility for more than 90 consecutive days.
D. 
Any owner of any hotel or motel found to be in violation of this section will be subject to the issuance of violations, fines and court appearances when necessary, as set forth below. Any owner of any hotel or motel found to be in violation of this section will be subject to the following fine: For the first violation, a fine of not less than $250 and not exceeding $2,500 shall be imposed. A second violation within one year of the date of a previous violation shall result in an additional fine as a repeat offender. The additional fine shall be not less than the minimum of $500 or exceed the maximum fine of $2,500. No fine or penalty will be assessed if said owner notifies the City of Atlantic City Code Enforcement Office that a prior transient occupant has remained as a defiant trespasser of a violation of Subsection C above so long as such notification is made within 24 hours of said violation.
The following outlines the general standards and requirements for cleanliness, safety, and maintenance:
A. 
Cleanliness and sanitation.
(1) 
Guest rooms.
(a) 
Bedding. All bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress pads, must be clean and in good repair. Sheets and pillowcases must be changed for each new guest. Blankets and bedspreads should be laundered or cleaned regularly, and more frequently if soiled. Mattresses and box springs must be protected with waterproof or easily cleanable covers.
(b) 
Furniture. Furniture must be clean, in good repair, and free from stains, tears, and other damage. Upholstered furniture should be vacuumed regularly.
(c) 
Floors. Floors must be clean and free of debris. Carpets should be vacuumed regularly and cleaned as needed. Hard floors should be mopped and sanitized regularly.
(d) 
Bathrooms. Bathrooms must be clean and sanitary. Fixtures (sinks, toilets, showers/tubs) must be free of mold, mildew, and stains. Towels and washcloths must be clean and replaced daily.
(e) 
Drapes and curtains. Drapes and curtains must be clean and in good repair. They should be laundered or dry cleaned regularly.
(f) 
Trash receptacles. Trash receptacles must be provided in each room and emptied regularly.
(2) 
Public areas.
(a) 
Lobby and common areas. These areas must be kept clean and free of debris. Floors should be swept, mopped, or vacuumed regularly. Furniture should be clean and in good repair and free from stains, tears, and other damage.
(b) 
Elevators and stairwells. Elevators and stairwells must be kept clean and free of obstructions.
(c) 
Restrooms. Public restrooms must be kept clean and sanitary, with adequate supplies of soap, paper towels, and toilet paper.
(d) 
Swimming pools and spas (if applicable). These areas must be maintained in accordance with Health Department regulations, including proper water chemistry and regular cleaning.
B. 
Safety.
(1) 
Fire safety.
(a) 
Fire detection and suppression. Hotels/motels must have working smoke detectors in each guest room and common areas. Fire extinguishers must be readily accessible and regularly inspected. Sprinkler systems may be required depending on the size and construction of the building.
(b) 
Emergency exits. Emergency exits must be clearly marked and unobstructed. Exit routes must be well lit and free of hazards.
(c) 
Fire drills. Regular fire drills should be conducted to ensure that staff and guests are familiar with evacuation procedures.
(2) 
Electrical safety. Electrical systems must be properly maintained and inspected regularly. Outlets and wiring must be in good repair.
(3) 
Security.
(a) 
Locks. Guest room doors must have secure locks.
(b) 
Lighting. Adequate lighting must be provided in all public areas, including parking lots.
C. 
Maintenance.
(1) 
Structural integrity. The building must be structurally sound and in good repair. This includes the roof, walls, floors, and foundation.
(2) 
Plumbing. Plumbing systems must be in good working order, with no leaks or other issues.
(3) 
HVAC. Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems must be properly maintained and provide adequate temperature control.
(4) 
Pest control. Regular pest control measures must be implemented to prevent infestations of insects and rodents.
(5) 
Exterior maintenance. The exterior of the building and grounds must be maintained in a clean and orderly manner. This includes landscaping, parking areas, and walkways.
D. 
Exterior maintenance.
(1) 
Structural components of buildings, including walls, roofs, foundations, and windows, shall be maintained in good repair and weathertight condition.
(2) 
Exterior surfaces shall be free from deterioration, peeling paint, and other signs of disrepair.
(3) 
Grounds shall be kept free from debris, litter, and overgrown vegetation.
(4) 
Parking areas and walkways shall be maintained in good condition and free from hazards.
E. 
Security camera system requirements.
(1) 
All hotels and motels with less than 100 rooms operating within the City of Atlantic City are required to install and maintain a functional security camera system that continuously records all common areas and exterior parts of the property.
(2) 
Hotels and motels must ensure that the security camera system is properly maintained and remains in good working order at all times. In the event of a malfunction, repairs must be completed within 72 hours of discovery.
(3) 
The security camera system shall have the capability to record at a minimum resolution of 1080p (Full HD) and a frame rate of at least 15 frames per second. Where possible, cameras shall be strategically positioned to ensure comprehensive coverage of the designated areas while minimizing blind spots.
(4) 
Furthermore, the system shall have sufficient storage capacity to retain recorded footage for a minimum of 30 days. Recorded footage shall be accessible to law enforcement upon request without undue delay to assist in investigating criminal activities.
F. 
Remote access by Atlantic City Police Department (ACPD).
(1) 
It is recommended that hotels and motels provide the ACPD with the ability to remotely connect to and view live and historical video feeds from exterior cameras and cameras covering common areas.
(2) 
Remote access, if provided, shall utilize a secure connection approved by the ACPD, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the system.
G. 
System standardization (encouraged).
(1) 
Operators are strongly encouraged to utilize the same video management system (VMS) employed by the Atlantic City Police Department.
(2) 
Use of the ACPD's VMS will enhance interoperability, allow for faster response to incidents, and streamline the sharing of critical video evidence.
H. 
No-Trespassing sign requirements.
(1) 
All hotels and motels with less than 100 rooms operating in Atlantic City are required to prominently display "No Trespassing" signs at all main entrances and exits of the property. Additionally, these signs must be placed at intervals of no more than 50 feet along the property perimeter where public access is not permitted.
(2) 
The "No Trespassing" signs must be visible from at least 20 feet away and should be kept in good condition. The signs must clearly indicate that unauthorized individuals are prohibited from entering or remaining on the property and inform that violators may face arrest and prosecution under N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3 (Trespass) or other applicable laws.
A. 
Inspection fee.
(1) 
Initial inspection. $300 for first 30 rooms; $10 per room each additional. Common areas shall be included.
B. 
Reinspection fee.
(1) 
Thirty-day reinspection. If the initial inspection results in a finding of a violation or defect, the first reinspection shall be scheduled within 30 days at no cost.
(2) 
All subsequent reinspections, as a result of continued violations or defects, shall be $25 per violation.
(3) 
Unpaid fees shall result in a lien being placed on the property.
C. 
Payment. Payments are due upon receipt of invoice. Payments must be received prior to scheduling reinspections.
D. 
Five-year inspection. The State Department of Community Affairs, Hotel, Motel, Multiple Dwelling Program conducts a multi-dwelling inspection every five years. The owner will be required to pay the state for the inspection. The City will still conduct its annual inspection but will not charge during the state's five-year inspection.
A. 
Notice of violation. The City shall issue a written notice of violation to the owner or operator for any violations of this article or the Property Maintenance Code. The notice shall specify the nature of the violation, the required corrective actions, and the deadline for compliance.
B. 
Throughout the inspection process, the City of Atlantic City retains the authority to temporarily close any room that presents severe safety and health violations. This action is taken to ensure the well-being of all occupants and to uphold the highest standards of safety within our facilities.
C. 
Penalties. Failure to comply with the provisions of this article may result in the following penalties:
(1) 
Suspension or revocation of license. The City Department of Licensing and Inspections has the authority to suspend or revoke the operational license of a hotel or motel due to repeated or severe violations of established regulations.
(2) 
Legal action. The City reserves the right to initiate legal proceedings to uphold the stipulations outlined in this article. This may involve seeking injunctive relief or exploring other remedies deemed appropriate to ensure compliance and protect the interests at stake.