OCEAN CITY, Md. — New short-term rental regulations have taken effect in Ocean City, imposing stricter rules on residential areas and mobile homes. The changes include a five-day minimum stay requirement, an occupancy limit of two people per bedroom, and a moratorium on new rental licenses.
In response, some residents and homeowners have voiced their opposition, arguing that the new rules infringe on property rights. Among them is realtor John Magathan, owner of BluVisita Vacation Rentals, who took to the streets in protest.
“I think the people of Ocean City, whether you are in R-1 or a mobile home, really need to start asking the city what their real objectives are here,” Magathan said.
According to the Ocean City Council, these new measures were approved in an effort to balance rental activity while preserving the character of local neighborhoods. However, some residents see the regulations as an overreach and have launched efforts to overturn them.
Protesters organized a rally, distributed signs and cards, and even created a website to rally support for a referendum on the issue. According to Magathan, the petition needs 900 signatures to bring the matter to a vote.
“I think they’re probably around 200,” Magathan said. “We really need a lot of Ocean City residents who are on the voter roll to get out and sign this to help us get this put to the voters.”
According to Magathan, to sign the petition, individuals must be an Ocean City resident who voted in the last election and must sign in person. The outcome of the effort could determine whether the new rental rules remain in place or go to a referendum.