New ordinance will limit how big beach tents can be in Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, Md. – A new ordinance would place restrictions on what’s allowed on the beach regarding tents and canopies.

Several residents are speaking out to WMDT, stating their opinions. After Memorial Day weekend, Ocean City is expected to have increased foot-traffic.

Mayor Rick Meehan wanted to pass the new law because of safety concerns. At the council meeting, he made it clear that the problem has become too hard to overlook.

“It started out just a few here or there, and now it’s a multiplying, and it’s just continuing to evolve.”

Ocean City Beach Patrol Captain Butch Arbin said tents impact lifeguards’ work. “The blocking of the view of the guards, and the unattended things that could become projectiles if the wind shifts or a storm comes up, those are the two safety concerns that we have.”

Removing the tents, some residents believe, would harm the beach’s unique character. A local resident, Renee, hopes Ocean City can reach a middle ground.

“I think as long as it’s evenly spaced out, it’s okay. I think as long as it’s a normal size, it should be good.”

However, some residents are for the potential changes. Ronda Walcott drives from Salisbury to enjoy the beach. “When you do set up those big tents, and the wind starts blowing, a lot of them jump up in the air.” She claims the safety hazards outweigh the good.

And much like her, Bill Thomson who lives in West Ocean City, doesn’t think these tents and canopies are taking away from the beach experience.

“It’s a safety issue, and if the guards don’t have a clear view of the ocean and the swimmers, we have a safety issue.”

The ordinance passed on Monday by Ocean City Council by a vote 0f 4 to 2.

Mayor Meehan said during the meeting, that this is another step in the right direction.

“There are no perfect ordinances. There are always going to be some things that you have to work around, but I think all in all, this is very clear. And I think this will be a season—a summer of education. If you look at the future, I think we’ll be glad when we look back that we passed this ordinance tonight.”