The borough assembly is getting close to imposing new rules and financial penalties on owners whose boats never leave the harbor.

The pending ordinance follows a couple of years of discussions between Harbormaster Steve Miller, the port commission and the borough assembly.

“This is an effort to develop a code section targeting that and running some preventative measures so that we’re not dealing with sunken vessels and all that comes along with it,” Miller said at the Jan. 27 assembly meeting.

Members voted unanimously to accept the proposed ordinance in first reading and set it for a public hearing and possible final vote on Feb. 10.

Miller said inactive boats have “certainly been a problem” for the harbor staff. He has reported there area about 25 to 30 vessels are on the waitlist for permanent harbor moorage.

Under the proposed ordinance, a boat would be officially considered inactive if it does not leave its assigned stall under its own power at least once a year. To stay in compliance, owners must take their boats out of the harbor boundaries for at least 24 consecutive hours.

Owners of smaller boats under 32 feet without sleeping quarters would have more flexibility, as their 24-hour absence could be spread out over the year.

Miller explained that his staff performs daily inventory to track which boats are moving and which are sitting idle. He said the ordinance “gives us the tools to help manage the harbors a little bit better,” while also giving owners a fair process to follow.

The financial impact for owners of idle boats would be significant. After 12 months of inactivity, the borough would assess a storage fee that effectively doubles the monthly moorage cost.

As a boat sits longer, the requirements would become even more demanding. Vessels that remain inactive for 24 months would have to undergo a professional marine survey performed by an accredited inspector to ensure the boat is safe. If the survey identifies risks to the harbor, the owner has two months to complete repairs.

If a boat is deemed an immediate hazard, the harbormaster could demand instant repairs to prevent it from being labeled “derelict.”

By the three-year mark, inactive boat owners would be required to carry $500,000 in liability and pollution insurance. That policy must name the borough as an additional insured party.

To ensure everyone is aware of the changes, the harbor would implement a new written moorage agreement that includes these specific rules.

“There’s not going to be any mistakes or ‘I didn’t know,’ because we’re going to have this piece of paper that’s signed,” Miller said.

The borough plans to keep owners informed through a formal notification process. When a vessel is flagged as inactive, the harbor department would mail a notice to the owner’s last known address. Owners who disagree with the finding would have 14 days to file a written appeal.

If approved at the Feb. 10 assembly meeting, the ordinance, as currently written, would take effect immediately.