Beach Rules: Bigger Canopies, Smarter Enforcement

Ocean City has been grappling with the same beach dilemma for two summers: canopies keep sprouting, sit unattended, and block visitors’ view of the waves. The town also fears that too many fines could spoil a sunny day for tourists.

A New Trial

Two months ago, officials launched a trial that prioritizes talking to owners first. They’ve issued thousands of warnings and had many conversations, yet only one formal citation has been handed out so far—and that single ticket was not for a canopy violation.

Why Canopies Matter

Canopies crowd the sand, hide lifeguards from seeing swimmers, and impede emergency vehicles. Yet the city wants to keep tourists smiling and returning each year, so a harsh crackdown could backfire.

Balancing Safety and Hospitality

City Council President Matt James praised the team’s efforts, noting that they’ve hired people who understand how to balance safety with hospitality. The approach is still new, but early results suggest a more balanced solution may be possible.

Lesson Learned

The experiment shows that education and dialogue can sometimes replace strict penalties, especially when the goal is to keep a public space safe and welcoming for everyone.