In a closely contested decision, the Ocean City Council voted 4-3 on March 3, 2025, to implement a phased ban on short-term rentals in single-family residential (R-1) and mobile home (MH) districts. This move aims to address concerns about the impact of vacation rentals on the character of residential neighborhoods, with the full ban set to take effect in 2027.

Details of the Vote
The 4-3 vote reflected deep divisions within the council. Council President Matt James, along with Councilmen Tony DeLuca, Larry Yates, and Will Savage, supported the phased-in approach.
Opposing the ordinance were Councilman Jake Mitrecic, Councilman John Gehrig, and Councilwoman Carol Proctor. Mitrecic argued that the MH district, particularly Montego Bay, should be excluded, noting its long-standing character as a vacation destination. Gehrig proposed a one-booking-per-week restriction as an alternative, while Proctor insisted that the city should first assess the effectiveness of its current short-term rental regulations before enacting new restrictions.

Details of the Phased Ban
The newly adopted ordinance introduces a gradual approach to stricter rental regulations:
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2025 and 2026 Seasons: A minimum stay of five consecutive nights is required for short-term rentals in R-1 and MH districts.
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Starting January 1, 2027: The minimum stay increases to 31 nights, effectively prohibiting short-term rentals in these areas, as the city defines short-term rentals as stays of 30 days or less.
Existing short-term rental bookings made before March 3, 2025, are exempt from these new restrictions.

Scheduled Protest Against the Ordinance
In response to the council’s decision, a group of property owners is organizing a protest to voice their opposition to the new regulations:
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Date and Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
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Location: 50th Street, just off Coastal Highway, on the ocean side opposite the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade route.
The protest is organized by OCMD Property Rights, a group concerned about the potential negative impact of the new regulations on property owners. They argue that the restrictions could devastate the short-term rental industry in Ocean City, citing the national average rental stay of approximately 3.4 days.
In addition to the protest, the group is collecting signatures for a petition to place the issue on the ballot, allowing voters to decide the fate of the new rules. The city solicitor approved the petition on March 10, and the group has 40 days to gather the required signatures from 40% of registered Ocean City voters.
Community Reactions

The ordinance has elicited strong reactions from both supporters and opponents:
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Opponents: Some property owners believe the new requirements will severely harm the short-term rental market, making it difficult for homeowners to generate necessary income.
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Supporters: Some residents argue that short-term rentals operate as businesses and should not be permitted in single-family neighborhoods, supporting the council’s efforts to preserve the character of these communities.
As Ocean City moves forward with implementing the new regulations, the scheduled protest and potential legal challenges indicate that the debate over balancing community integrity with property rights is ongoing.





Built in 1930, this private residence, located just north of 14th Street, carries a unique distinction: when it was built, it was located outside of the city’s limits!
These small cottages are located along St. Louis Avenue in downtown Ocean City. 
On the north side of 6th Street, between Baltimore and Philadelphia Avenues, you’ll find the Johnson-Sanford House, a charming private residence constructed in 1936, boasting a variety of architectural details.
This building, a landmark on the Ocean City Boardwalk at 8th Street, was constructed in 1945 and now serves as Malibu’s Surf Shop, a popular spot for beachgoers.
The Beach Walk On The Ocean was built in the 1930s and is one of four seaside cottages lining the Ocean City boardwalk between 10th and 11th Streets.
Wilmington Lane, a historic alley that weaves through downtown Ocean City, reveals a glimpse into the town’s past. Running from 4th to 15th Streets between Baltimore and Philadelphia Avenues, and with an additional segment from N. Division to 3rd Street, it continues to serve a diverse mix of residential and commercial purposes.
A prominent landmark on the Ocean City Boardwalk at the Inlet, the Ocean City Life-Saving Station has a rich history. Constructed in 1891, it was originally located on Caroline Street before being moved to its present location on the Boardwalk in 1977.
This architecturally detailed house is located at the corner of Philadelphia Avenue and 6th Street.
Imagine Ocean City in 1930, when 707 Wilmington Lane was the bustling Ocean City Dairy, delivering fresh milk to local families. Today, this building, transformed into apartments in 1950, stands as a charming reminder of the town’s past.
Built in 1877, St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish was the first Catholic Church in Ocean City, Maryland. In 1880, it was one of only three non-residential structures, a solitary presence along the sandy expanse of what would become a bustling beach town.
Another view of Wilmington Lane, this time near 10th street.
Looking along Baltimore Avenue at 7th Street, you’ll see a street lined with charming older homes, many of which are available for rent.



















The Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the highlight of the holiday celebrations in Ocean City. The parade takes place on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, March 15th, and features floats, marching bands, and colorful performers. The parade starts at 12pm and travels along Coastal Highway from 61st Street to 44th Street. This event is free and a great way for the whole family to enjoy St Patrick’s Day. Make sure you wear something green! Along with the parade, the Irish festival at 45th Street shopping center will have live music from Pat O’Brennan Trio, Irish dancing, plus food, drink and souvenirs. Admission is free and the festival runs from 11am – 3pm.
While many bars and restaurants get their green on during St Patrick’s Day celebrations, Shenanigans can make the Irish claim all year long. The countdown is on for great food, perfectly poured pints, and plenty of Shenanigans! Gather your crew and come make some memories with Shenanigans.
Ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Ocean City Md? Watch the parade in comfort from 





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“A Cappella Joy” directed by Candace Lee Spielman, is a 27-minute film telling the story of the Delmarva Chorus, a nonprofit chapter of the Sweet Adelines International located in Ocean Pines, Md., and celebrating their joy of music and love for each other.
Also of local interest are films from the Ocean City Historical Film Challenge, sponsored by the Town of Ocean City, being screened for the first time. The challenge encouraged filmmakers to story tell and capture Ocean City’s 150-year legacy. Films include “The Conner Stories,” directed by Don Lehman, featuring brother and sister Bob and Barbara Conner who were born and raised at Conner’s Inn on 10th St.; “Tales from the Dock: The Legacy of Hooper’s Crab House” directed by Maurice Waters about the family-owned establishment; and “The Henry Hotel” directed by Marlon Wallace about Charles Henry who established the segregated hotel, now an Ocean City landmark.
OCEAN CITY, MD — Feb. 11. 2025 — Passes are now on sale for the 9th Annual Ocean City Film Festival, a production of the Art League of Ocean City, coming to resort theaters and venues March 6-9, 2025. Major sponsors for the festival include the Town of Ocean City and the State of Maryland Film Office.




















