Using a Dewey Beach ordinance as a template, Ocean City officials this week agreed to ban tents on the beach and set strict rules for canopies.
During Tuesday’s work session, a council majority agreed to move forward with a ban on beach tents and place more stringent regulations on open-air canopies. Supporters say the change will improve public safety and the viewshed.
“I think this addresses at least 90% of the problem,” Councilman Jake Mitrecic said.
At the end of last week’s council meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan brought forward a request to place some restrictions on beach canopies ahead of the summer season.
To that end, staff this week presented the council with several examples of ordinances adopted by surrounding municipalities, including a Dewey Beach ordinance that outlaws tents but stops short of banning canopies.
For his part, City Manager Terry McGean said his recommendation was to follow the Dewey Beach ordinance and ban beach tents, which he defined as a structure with walls.
“The enclosed tents, they block the ocean view,” he told the council. “I think from a bigger concern, from staff and from the public safety side, is you have no idea what’s going on inside the tent when it’s an enclosed structure.”
While the Dewey Beach ordinance bans tents, it does allow baby tents measuring 36 inches. McGean said he had no objection to allowing such structures on the beach.
I don’t go to the beach much now because, well, I’m old and don’t navigate sand well, but in years past I would go early in the morning and watch as the condo crews came down to set up their camps. When they left, I waited about 30 minutes and then took down their stuff and carried it to the back of the beach, and I left.
Never bothered to check to see what reaction I might have received other than the lifeguards who chuckled to themselves.
I’ll bet it was fun for someone to have watched me, and then watched the condo crews’ return and disbelief.
It was lots of fun for me. Now I just putter about in the supermarket and bang into people’s ankles with the shopping cart. I love being retired and old!
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Yes sir! True local! Hugs!
wish it was on video – I’d pay to watch!
I hope that means all the tents at the air shows!