Protect Ocean City Property Rights & Our Local Economy
Stop the Short-Term Rental Ban!
On March 3rd, The Ocean City Council voted 4-3 to ban homeowners in certain neighborhoods from renting their homes for less than 31 days. This was a shocking decision, with such widespread ramifications for every homeowner in Ocean City, that it should not rest in the hands of 7 people. The residents of Ocean City must have our say!
Stand Up for Your Rights and Our Town!
Our community is facing an unnecessary and harmful ban on short-term rentals (STRs), threatening property rights, home values, local jobs, and tourism revenue. A ban on STRs means fewer visitors, depressed property values, and a negative impact on local businesses and jobs. While some have claimed this ban only affects 300 properties in Ocean City, the fact is EVERYONE who lives and owns here will be negatively impacted.
Why This Matters:
- Defend Your Property Rights: Homeowners should have the freedom to responsibly rent their properties, as they have for decades.
- Protect Your Property Values: Stripping homeowners of their rental rights makes properties less valuable, discouraging home improvements, pushing existing owners or their heirs to sell, and driving prospective owners to pay less.
- Support Our Local Businesses: STR guests contribute millions to local restaurants, shops, and services.
- Boost Ocean City’s Economy: STRs generate significant tax revenue that funds critical public services and infrastructure improvements.
What You Can Do:
- Sign the Petition – Show your opposition to the ban by signing the petition to put this to a vote by the residents of Ocean City.
Petition forms can be signed at the following two locations:
Monday – Friday from 8:00AM to 4:00PM
Keller Williams
6200 Coastal Hwy, Suite 101
Saturday & Sunday from 10:00AM to 4:00PM
ReMax
Gold Coast Mall
115th St
You MUST be a registered Ocean City resident and voter to sign the petition.
Non-residents cannot sign the petition.
2. Spread the Word
- Follow us on Facebook to get real-time updates - HTTP://facebook.com/ocmdpropertyrights
- Request a Yard Sign for your property
- Volunteer for upcoming events
- Share this information with everyone you know!
Send an email to ocvote4str@gmail.com to request a yard sign or sign-up to volunteer
Help STOP the STR Ban!
Together, we can ensure ALL of the residents of Ocean City have a say in our fundamental property rights.
FAQ
Q. Why did the city council ban short term rentals?
A. The council claims they are fulfilling the promise of their comprehensive plan. But the comprehensive plan has been around for years and rentals haven’t been a problem. Complaints about STR’s are few and far between – far lower than those received from hotel and motel guests. And existing laws are designed to prevent STR’s from becoming a nuisance, even if there were more issues. The true motivation for this ban is unknown.
Q. I heard this ban only affects 300 properties. Is that true?
A. No. While the current ban is targeting 300 property owners in the R1 and MH districts, it will impact every Ocean City resident and homeowner. The council is taking away a fundamental property right from over 3,000 homeowners and their heirs. It is also a slippery slope from R1 and MH having their rights stripped away to every property owner having the same thing done to them. The 7-person council should not have the right to make such a consequential decision. The public has the right to decide our own fate.
Q. I don’t rent my home. Why should I care about this ban?
A. There are many reasons. Situations change, and you may need the flexibility to rent your home. Your heirs may wish to occasionally rent the property to help offset property tax payments and utilities. And your home value will likely drop with STR’s taken off the table. This impact is more pronounced in areas popular with tourists.
How You Can Get Involved
donate funds
Volunteer Your Time
Volunteer Your Time
Fundraising Support: Time is critical, and we need funds to sustain our efforts. Please visit our GoFundMe page to contribute and share it with your networks. Every dollar helps us push forward!
https://gofund.me/8b2d4077
Volunteer Your Time
Volunteer Your Time
Volunteer Your Time
We need people to collect signatures and spread the word. Sign up to volunteer to canvass neighborhoods or work at centralized locations via our sign-up sheet.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044CA4AE2BA1FB6-55615878-ocmd#/
Come to our Rally
Volunteer Your Time
Come to our Rally
We’re holding a rally on March 15th at 11:00 AM at 49th Street Oceanside. If you’re in town, please show up to stand with us and make our voices heard loud and clear.
Protect your property rights for future generations
Contact Us
Petition forms can be signed at the following two locations:
Monday – Friday from 8:00AM to 4:00PM
Keller Williams
6200 Coastal Hwy, Suite 101
Saturday & Sunday from 10:00AM to 4:00PM
ReMax
Gold Coast Mall
115th St
You MUST be a registered Ocean City resident and voter to sign the petition. Non-residents cannot sign the petition.
OCMD Property Rights STR Ban Petition
