Ocean City, MD – June 4, 2025 – The Town of Ocean City has officially implemented new regulations for its beaches, effective immediately, aimed at significantly improving safety, visibility, and overall enjoyment for all visitors. The updated ordinance now prohibits all tents and places strict limits on canopy use.
Under the new guidelines, any structure defined as a “tent” (having sides) is no longer permitted on Ocean City beaches. However, open-sided canopies are still allowed, provided they meet the following criteria:
- Must be open on all four sides
- Size limit: no larger than 10ft x 10ft
- Keep at least 3 feet of space between your canopy and your neighbor’s
- Anchoring must stay within the footprint of the canopy
- No canopies left unattended before 10:00 a.m.
- Canopies must be placed behind the lifeguard stand
- Baby tents are permitted but no larger than 3ft x 3ft x 3ft
Mayor Rick Meehan commented on the necessity of these changes, stating, “Our beaches get extremely crowded, and we want to make sure that we’re able to provide an experience that everybody can enjoy. 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.”
Town officials emphasize that these new rules will greatly enhance emergency access for first responders, maintain crucial clear sightlines for lifeguards and beach patrol, and reduce crowding during Ocean City’s busiest summer months. These updated policies are consistent with successful practices adopted by other popular beach destinations in the region.
All beachgoers are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with and adhere to the new regulations to help ensure a safer and more enjoyable beach environment for everyone this summer.
There is a canopy in front of the Ashore Hotel right now that violates all the rules. Who do you notify? Rather my name remain anonymous
You can let the life guard know.
What about in the off season when there are very few people and no life guards on duty are there different regulations for that time of year and what about the use of tables on the beach have seen numerous “small community” type set ups at the inlet area where parties bring everything but the kitchen sink to the beach
We vacation every year for 2 weeks with a total of six older adults.
We purchased a large canopy a few years ago bc the cost of umbrellas became too expensive for that length of time.
We are all very disappointed that there are no senior discounts for umbrellas
Nice they have regulated open canopies to a 10 by 10 size, but it also should be stated “manufactured canopies only” so people stop putting up these RAGGY LOOKING bed sheets and blankets that get caught in winds very easily!
I agree with the new tent/canopy requirement but if it’s not enforced, it’ll be just like no drinking or smoking/vaping on the beach….USELESS
How are they going to enforce the “no unattended canopy before 10:00 am” rule?
I applaud the new regulation, but can see it becoming useless unless enforced.