Bus services run 24/7. PDF 8 Charter reference State Law reference Code of Md., Environment Town of Ocean City Ordinances - OceanCity.com Maryland Municipal Codes | Maryland Courts Pets are only permitted on the Boardwalk between October 1st and April 30th, and they must be kept on a leash. It is recommended that you use crosswalks with pedestrian signal lights. For more information, contact OC Recreation & Parks at 410-250-0125 or view the following webpage: https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/dog-playground/. Apr 08,2021 by Shawn Soper OCEAN CITY A Washington, D.C. man, charged last summer with numerous counts of disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct after blasting music from speakers on the. Lodging Deals. April 1 through Memorial Day | Labor Day through Sept. 30 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. PLUS get FREE stuff! Fine dining, award-winning wine lists, craft breweries and local bars and restaurants with farm-to-table menu items and local seafood. Maryland Motor Vehicle Law and Ocean City Town Ordinance state that no loud noise from a vehicle may be heard at a distance of 50 feet from the vehicle at any time. The fee is $10 a day or $50 for the week. The outside consultants recommended Ocean City adopt performance noise levels of: The town defines "daytime" as anytime between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. and midnight on the weekend, according to the proposed ordinance. Beach patrol members are on duty from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day during summer to ensure your safety. For more information, call the Ocean City Police Department at 410-723-6610. "These restrictions on 'performers' and 'performing' are facially unconstitutional in violation of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 40 of the Maryland Declaration of Rights," according to the ruling. The city is a popular destination year-round, offering a different experience each season. More information, including regulations, restrictions, and the online permit application can be found at www.ocbonfires.com. Code of Md., Environment article, 3-101 et seq. It is unlawful to make, cause or continue loud and disturbing noises that endanger the comfort, health, peace or safety of others. The mission of the Beach Patrol is to provide safety for all beach-goers. View Ocean City Ordinances; Visit Ocean City; Government. 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 International Existing Building Code, 2018 International Property Maintenance Code, ANSI A117.1 2009 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, ASCE 7-16 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures, ASCE 7-24 Flood Resistant Design and Construction, NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems 2016, NFPA 13R Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies 2016, NFPA 13D Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes 2016, NFPA 24 Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains 2016, NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code 2016, COPYRIGHT 2023 TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND, Contact Director of Communications & Marketing. 410-222-6145 Baltimore City. Shawn Soper has been with The Dispatch since 2000. OCEAN CITY - Discussions on revising the town's Boardwalk noise ordinance highlighted a resort commission meeting this week. OCEAN CITY In an effort to gain control of noise pollution, particularly on the Boardwalk, the City Council this week advanced a series of amendments to the town's noise code. Next article Which hotels are pet friendly? Attorney Maureen Howarth, who worked with the consultant on the study, said law enforcement was taken into consideration during the process. Growing up in Baltimore before moving to Ocean City full time three decades ago, Soper graduated from Loch Raven High School in 1981 and from Towson University in 1985 with degrees in mass communications with a journalism concentration and history. Calvert County Ocean City now offers horseback riding on the beach during winter and early spring. Big Savings. Please only use these lanes if you are making a right turn. The one concern was what would be enforceable. Ocean City, Maryland, really is "Somewhere to Smile About," which makes planning a visit to our coastal community an exciting experience that offers something for everyone. What a business or individual thinks is a violation might not be. On Tuesday, Howarth presented her red-lined and amended version of the noise code based on the consultants recommendations to the Mayor and Council for review. -The bus/bike lanes on either side of Coastal Highway are not for driving or parking. The Wedge Bar- Come for the Food, Stay for the View. -Pets are only permitted on the beach or boardwalk between October 1. our furry friends have to stay away from the beach. Sign Up for the Daily Buzz E-News to receive the latest news around the area delivered to your inbox. Adopted Ordinances Not Yet Codified Those interested in conducting organized fireworks displays by MD-licensed pyrotechnicians may apply for a permit from the Fire Marshals Office. The sites were chosen to represent a variety of noise environments along the Boardwalk, with some chosen to establish baseline conditions and others chosen to capture a wide variety of noises on the Boardwalk, from street performers to restaurant background music to the ambient sounds of people going about their business and enjoying the amenities. Those baseline conditions were then compared to other activities such as performances, for example. Vehicles exceeding 21 feet, 2 inches or more in length, and 6 feet, 8 inches in width needing more than one parking space is considered oversized. -The ocean can be rough so please do not swim. No fires of any kind which include barbecue grills, hibachis, gas fired grills, liquid propane, gas stoves or any similar apparatus, or bonfires shall be permitted on the beach or other public property without a permit from the Fire Marshal, except those public properties which provide grilling areas which are leased for private usage. Most recently aman from Washington D.C. was given six months probationlast week for DJing on the Boardwalk, according to a news release from the Ocean City Police Department. You dont need a business license to perform on the Boardwalk.. Please do not walk or jog in the bus/bike area on Coastal Highway. Supreme Court declines to take case challenging Ocean City's - WTOP June Sand Castle Contest Winners! The ordinance allows for slightly higher decibels levels during the day than late at night. OCEAN CITY In an effort to gain control of noise pollution, particularly on the Boardwalk, the City Council this week advanced a series of amendments to the towns noise code. In the same ruling,Ocean City's rules were struck down in several places, including the restrictions that require performers to register or occupycertain spots to perform, ban performances before 10 a.m. and prohibit signs or advertisements used by the performers, according to the ruling. Be alert for bicyclists when entering or leaving the highway. Hughes said the consultants were cognizant of the possibility of uniformed police officers on hand when the sound measurements were taken because the performers would simply adjust their levels when the consultants were around. -Riding your bike on the boardwalk is allowed anytime of the day and night in the off-season from the Tuesday after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day. For more information, please call the Ocean City Police Department at 410-723-6610. Code of Ordinances | Ocean City, MD | Municode Library -Surf fishing is permitted in Ocean City, but be sure you are at least 50 feet away from swimmers between 9:00am and 6:00pm. For information on park hours, please feel free to call the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department Office at 410-250-0125. Excessive noise especially between 11 p.m. & 7 a.m. Sleeping on the beach between 10 p.m. & 6 a.m. Sleeping in any vehicle except in Campgrounds. The smoking rules apply to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaping, e-cigarettes, marijuana and any other matter or substance that contains tobacco. Pack up the walking shoes, Are you ready for some angling adventure? Ocean City has one of the most diverse restaurant selections available on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Ocean City MD Maryland Vacation Guide | Ocean City Hotels Ocean City offers additional lots and street parking that utilizes the Cale parking system, where you can pay with quarters or credit cards for $2 an hour. Are you bringing a boat? The town council will take up discussion at its Monday meeting on the proposal, which limits noises to 60 and 75 decibels for the following: The 60 to 75 decibel range would depend on the time of day and the location on the boardwalk. Ordinance No. They are there to protect you, and its always better to swim near a lifeguard. The half-fare applies only to buses and ADA service. Hughes also said the testing was done to determine prolonged exposure to decibel levels above the baseline. MARYLAND, Blog Columns by OC Non-profits: Arts, Town, Events, the Environment. There Is Room for You and We Need Your Help. Our white sandy beaches are raked nightly, have stationed lifeguards along most of them from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and are all easily accessible and open to the public. 03/18/2021 - News Ocean City MD The designated smoking areas, which are designed to accommodate both smokers and non-smokers, feature waste receptacles and are located along the beach. Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, bike riding and skateboarding is only permitted between 2:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. of that same day. Ocean City Maryland MD News & Blogs - OC Noise Ordinance Tweaks Sought By Entertainment Venues; Current Law's Fairness Questioned . The newest rules join the 25-year long fight to. May 15 through Memorial Day Sunrise to 10 a.m. April 1 though May 15 Sunrise to 12 noon. Paddack said he would inform Noise Board members of the changes so they would have an opportunity to weigh in before second reading. Starting in October to Memorial Day the bus schedule reduces. -Glass containers are prohibited on the beach as well as alcohol at all times. - GENERALLY Sec. OCEAN CITY The results of last summers Boardwalk noise survey have resulted in Ocean City considering revisions to its existing ordinance. It also sounds like youre recommending a distance of 15 feet after establishing an acceptable baseline.. OCEAN CITY considers noise ordinance for boardwalk - WGAL Channel 8 This includes any street, alley, sidewalk, beach, boardwalk, parking lot or vehicle. For the area south of 12th Street, the acceptable daytime noise level above baseline should be 75 decibels, according to the consultant. It is unlawful for any person to make, cause, or continue any loud, unnecessary, unnatural or unusual noise, or any noise which annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace and safety of others at any time, day or night. It is the responsibility of every Ocean City visitor and resident to be alert and responsible when walking throughout the town. OCEAN CITY, Md. For more information, call the Transportation Department at 410-723-1606 or City Hall at 410-289-8221. 0. The consultant tested a variety of noise levels at different locations, but the intent of the exercise was to address loud amplified music emanating from some Boardwalk businesses and some of the ongoing issues with some street performers. Ocean City is proud to be home to one of Americas most popular and family-friendly boardwalks. For example, a short burst of sound such as a car horn or a car backfiring would not necessarily be enforced. MARYLAND, Blog Columns by OC Non-profits: Arts, Town, Events, the Environment, Ocean City, Maryland Covid-19 Official Updates Page, Convention and Meeting Hotels in Ocean City, MD, State Ventures, LLC Site Disclaimer and Privacy Policies, Winter Waterfowl: Not Always at your Peck and Call, Every Litter Bit Hurts: Ocean City Launches New Anti-Littering Campaign, Ocean City Council Votes to Prohibit All Electric Bikes on the Boardwalk, Pedego Electric Bikes Store Owner Reacts to Boardwalk E-Bike Ban, Councilman Dennis Dare on the Latest Issues Facing the Town of Ocean City, Peter Buas, Candidate for Ocean City Council on his Campaign and Vision, Councilman Tony DeLuca on his reelection campaign, Covid-19, and the issues facing Ocean City, Ocean City Mayor Issues Emergency Proclamation to Require Masks on the Boardwalk from 8 AM to 2 AM, City Council Meeting Highlights: No Shuttle Service for White Marlin Open and Air Show; Fox Sun and Surf Theatre to Begin Offering Drive-In Movies, Ocean City Council Votes to Push Fireworks to Summer 2021, Governor Hogan Sends Maryland Into Stage Two, Pedego Electric Bikes Now Open In Ocean City, Maryland, Mayor Meehan and Council Members Discuss Outdoor Dining, Historic House Tour: Benefits Local Graduates, June Sand Castle Contest Runners Up: Meet the Schlappich Family, June Sand Castle Contest Winners! We wouldnt want to penalize someone for briefly going over the baseline. Anne - April 9, 2021 0 A Are dogs allowed on the Ocean City Boardwalk? Ocean City, Maryland, is considering a new noise ordinance this week to tighten up on loud music and shouting on its iconic boardwalk. Ocean City has designated smoking areas to help keep our beautiful beach clean. Any noise below 60 decibels typically doesn't damage hearing, according to the CDC. It is recommended that you use crosswalks with pedestrian signal lights. The school board last week announced that it had concluded its, BERLIN While the family awaits Septembers jury trial, the community is looking to remember Gavin Knupp with a memorial paddle out on the one-year remembrance of his death next week. In addition, the consultant recommended an acceptable distance from which to enforce an amended noise ordinance at 15 feet in order to differentiate between ambient sound and other noises on the Boardwalk. These passes are only available at City Hall. 75 decibels along the Boardwalk south of 12th Street during the daytimeand 65 decibels at night. Do You Want to Work in Ocean City? They were comfortable with where we were with officer enforcement., Howarth added, The 30-foot rule wasnt thrown out in the federal court case. Anne Arundel County (Eastern District) 3700 Mountain Rd Pasadena, MD 21122. Fire Code - Town of Ocean City, Maryland These activities are allowed anywhere else, however. The shuttle into town operates seasonally from the Park and Ride to the S. Division Street Transit Center. During Springfest and Sunfest weekends (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) bike riding and skateboarding is only permitted between 2:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. of that same day. Halmon plead not guilty, but a judge granted probation before judgement, giving him six months of unsupervised probation for only six counts of disturbing the peace. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. -$3- An all day pass anywhere in Ocean City from the Inlet to the Delaware State Line. Noises between 70-85 decibels might be considered annoying, but won't damage hearing unless exposed to that sound for a long period of time. -Use of the beach is free; no beach tags needed, and is open to the public 6am to 10pm. It also allows slightly higher levels south of 12th Street, where more people are located and the ambient noise level is higher. If three citations, not convictions, are issued in one calendar year, the property owner will be notified by the Mayor and Council if a hearing will be held. From its study, the consultant recommended a baseline ambient noise level of 64 decibels (dBA) for areas of the Boardwalk south of 12th Street and 59 decibels for quieter sections north of 12th. Search, Shop & Compare low rates guaranteed. Councilman Peter Buas, an attorney, said it was important to differentiate the penalties prescribed in the code for street performers and the penalties for businesses with recurring violations, which are tied to licenses. "Ocean City's ordinance that is intended to protect traditional moral sensibilities perpetuates a stereotype ingrained in our society that female breasts are primarily objects of sexual desire. Off road passes are available for Assateague Island. No one is allowed on the beach or in the water between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Municode Library His current positions include managing editor and sports editor. Ocean City has adopted a noise control ordinance that makes it unlawful to cause or permit noise levels which exceed those established by the Department of the Environment of the State of Maryland (COMAR 26.02.03.02), or are in violation of Chapter 30, Article V of the Town Code. -No surfing between 10:00am and 5:30pm, unless in designated surfing areas. You must ask for this, Prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking wildlife and boundless exploration opportunities, Ready for a new adventure? May 15 through Memorial Day Sunrise to 10 a.m. Day after Labor Day through September 30 Sunrise to 10 a.m. HolidaysApril 1 through May 15 Sunrise to 12 noon. Highway Safety Millions of visitors travel to Ocean City each summer, so it`s important that vacationers are mindful of our highway laws. They stop at designated bus stops every other block to discharge and load passengers. Free Stuff! Due to heavy population in the summer months, skateboarding, rollerblading/skating, and biking are not permitted during the day on the boardwalk, streets, alleys, sidewalks, or public lots. Last summer, the Mayor and Council contracted with consultant RK&K to conduct noise readings at different times and different locations on the Boardwalk to determine if the towns noise ordinance needed to be amended. The approval will allow the developer of, FENWICK ISLAND A Fenwick Island committee agreed last week to have the town solicitor draft an ordinance banning cannabis sales within town limits. Howarth went through each of the amended sections of the code. The proposed legislation could go through a second reading in early May and be passed sometime after that. Loud, unnecessary or unusual noise, or any noise that disturbs, annoys or endangers the comfort, peace or safety of others at any time is prohibited. -Please keep in mind that the far right lane on either side of the highway is for municipal buses to travel. You'll find great burgers, barbecue, and many vegetarian options as well. Ocean City General Information. Code of Ordinances Supplement 4 Online content updated on April 5, 2023. . Looking for a phone number, where to park, details about the bus, town ordinances, or other general information about Ocean City? The discharge of all fireworks and pyrotechnics, including ground-based sparklers sold or allowed in neighboring states and counties, is PROHIBITED in the Town of Ocean City. All dogs must be kept on a leash when being walked in the Ocean City area. The Best 4th of July Mattress Sales 2023 to Shop This Holiday Weekend, Saatvas 4th of July Sale Includes Up to $500 Off GH Institute Experts' Top-Tested Mattresses, Lululemon's Sale Section Has up to 61% Off Its Bestselling Products for 4th of July, Lowe's Fourth of July Sale for 2023 Includes Major Discounts on Appliances.