OC passes new regulations regarding tent, canopy use on beaches
OCEAN CITY, Md. – The Town of Ocean City has passed new beach regulations that prohibit tents and limit canopy use on its beaches.
Under the new policy, tents are no longer permitted on Ocean City beaches. Canopies, which are open-sided shade structures rather than structures with sides, are allowed but must adhere to a specific set of guidelines:
- Must be open on all four sides
- Cannot be larger than 10ft x 10ft
- Must keep at least three feet of space between your canopy and your neighbor’s
- Anchoring must stay within the footprint of the canopy
- No canopies may be left unattended before 10 a.m.
- Canopies must be placed behind the lifeguard stand
- Baby tents are allowed but cannot be larger than 3ft x 3ft x 3ft
This policy will help improve emergency access, maintain clear sightlines for lifeguards and beach patrol, and reduce crowding during peak summer months.
“Our beaches get extremely crowded, and we want to make sure that we’re able to provide an experience that everybody can enjoy,” stated Mayor Rick Meehan. “We realize that canopies are important for sun protection. We just want to make sure that what we’re not doing is making it so other people can’t enjoy their time out on the beach as well.”
The new regulations are effective immediately.
