Ocean City, MD Implements New Tent & Beach Canopy Regulations to Enhance Safety and Accessibility
The Town of Ocean City, MD has officially passed new beach regulations prohibiting tents and limiting canopy use on its beaches, effective immediately. This ordinance aims to enhance safety, improve visibility, and ensure a more enjoyable experience for all beachgoers.聽
Under the new policy, tents鈥攄efined as any structure with sides鈥攁re no longer permitted on Ocean City beaches. Canopies, which are open-sided shade structures, remain allowed but must adhere to specific guidelines.聽聽
- Must be open on all four sides
- Size limit: no larger than 10ft x 10ft
- Keep at least 3 feet of space between your canopy and your neighbor鈥檚
- Anchoring must stay within the footprint of the canopy
- No canopies left unattended before 10:00 a.m.
- Canopies must be placed behind the lifeguard stand
- Baby tents are permitted but no larger than 3ft x 3ft x 3ft
The new policy helps improve emergency access, maintains clear sightlines for lifeguards and beach patrol, and reduces crowding during peak summer months. The changes also reflect successful practices adopted by other popular beach towns in the region. Mayor Rick Meehan says聽though canopies are important for sun protection,聽Ocean City聽beaches get extremely crowded, and they want to make sure that they’re able to provide an experience that everybody can enjoy.
Mayor Rick Meehan tells the talk of Delmarva about complaints that have led up to this…
Mayor Meehan adds that they’ll be giving out warnings for any offenses…
聽Regarding the need for sun-related protection, Mayor Meehan tells the Talk of Delmarva…
He tells the Talk of Delmarva if there are any plans to revisit or adjust the policy based on how things go this summer…
He says as with any change, it takes time for people to adapt, and so Ocean City officials are implementing a “soft” approach and will hand out warnings when necessary. However, they want people to know the restrictions are law in Ocean City. He added that the goal is not to make beach visits more difficult, but to enhance the overall beach experience for everyone.