OCEAN CITY, Md. - As the summer season draws crowds of beachgoers to Ocean City, a brewing debate over short-term rental restrictions may soon be decided by the town’s voters.
A newly submitted petition aims to overturn a recently approved ordinance that imposes a five-night minimum stay for short-term rentals in residential areas and mobile homes. The proposed rule, passed by the Ocean City Council, were aimed at preserving the character of year-round residential areas.
Homeowner and local realtor Terry Miller is one of those speaking out. “There’s ways that we can work together to make this town great for everybody, regardless of where they choose to live or if they’re here for a day, a week, a month, a year, a lifetime,” Miller said. “It should be a great place for everyone.”
More than 1,300 handwritten signatures were submitted in an effort to force a referendum on the ordinance. Board of Supervisors of Elections are set to begin verifying those signatures on Friday.
If enough signatures are confirmed, the ordinance would be suspended on June 20 and remain on hold until voters weigh in during a special election.
Ocean City Manager Terry McGean said the process is straightforward once verification is complete. “The board then will present their findings to the mayor and council,” McGean said. “The mayor and council then would presumably accept the findings and then make the decision on the election.”
Town officials say the current five-night minimum stay would impact roughly 300 of Ocean City's nearly 9,000 rental properties. Still, the proposal has stirred controversy among residents.
While some say these new rules are an invasion of owners rights, other year-round homeowners say the restrictions are necessary.
While some say these new rules are an invasion of owners rights, other year-round homeowners say the restrictions are necessary to reduce noise and disorderly behavior from weekend visitors staying in short-term rentals.
Miller says the discussion should not divide the community. “We should be focusing on fixing problems.”
If the referendum moves forward, Ocean City residents will have the final say on the future of short-term rental regulations at the ballot box.