Commissioners to hear public concerns regarding short-term rentals

WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. – The Ocean Pines Association is asking residents to voice their opinions to Worcester County commissioners next week as it weighs amendments to Bill 19-3, amendments that would address short-term rentals in Worcester County and disruptions they cause.

Ocean Pines Association president Doug Parks says the number of complaints they have seen has gone up “quite a bit” since they began looking into the issue.

Tina Birckett has lived in Ocean Pines for 20 years and says the number of instances of disruptions has gone up in the past handful of years. That information is in line with what officials say.

“We’ve seen instances of parking, instances of noise, and other disruptions of the community.”

Birckett says dozens of parties have been held at these rentals in the area, leading to parking dilemmas and noise complaints.

“Especially for those of us that have children, and this is our home. This is our community. And we want it to not only look good, but be safe for all of us… I think that’s a great start. It establishes clear guidelines, and they should start there, and if it works, wonderful. If not, maybe proceed to the next step.”

Now officials are trying to get the word out, so commissioners can have as much public comment as possible before making their decision on these potential regulations.

The meeting will take place Tuesday, October 15 at the County Commissioner’s meeting room in the government center on 1 West Market Street in Snow Hill.