Comparing the Arguments For and Against Question A in Ocean City’s Special Election

Ocean City, MD - On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the Town of Ocean City will hold a special election at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center to decide the future of Ordinance 2025-04, or on the ballot, referred to as "Question A."

This ordinance seeks to regulate short-term rentals in specific residential areas in Ocean City, Maryland. The debate surrounding Question A has divided the community, with strong arguments presented by both proponents and opponents.

Understanding Ordinance 2025-04

To make your decision and adequately vote on Question A, you must first know the facts on the ordinance.

• The current ordinance 2025-04 states that short-term rentals must require a five-night minimum stay for the years 2025 and 2026. Beginning in 2027, this minimum would increase to a 31 day minimum stay.
• The ordinance applies exclusively to properties in the R-1 and MH single-family districts, which account for less than 4% of Ocean City's total rental licenses.
• No properties located on the oceanside of Coastal Highway or outside the R-1 and MH zones will be affected.
• The majority (96%) of Ocean City's 8,900+ active rental licenses are exempt from this ordinance, as it does not include condos, townhomes, hotels, or properties in other zones, outside of R-1 and MH.

Arguments FOR Question A (Supporting Regulation)

Proponents of Question A argue that regulating short-term rentals safeguards the character and safety of residential neighborhoods.

Their primary concerns include:

1. Preserving Neighborhood Stability  
   • Supporters claim that investors are purchasing single-family or mobile homes in residential neighborhoods for daily rentals. This, they assert, disrupts the stability of these communities, which are traditionally intended for long-term residents and families.  
   • They fear that transient guests may not have the same commitment to maintaining the peace and security of these neighborhoods as permanent residents.
2. Addressing Safety and Noise Issues  
   • There is concern over noise, disruptive behavior, and property damage associated with short-term rental guests, particularly over weekends.  
   • While there are existing noise ordinances, advocates for Question A argue that stricter regulations on short-term rentals will provide an additional layer of protection.
3. Protecting Property Rights of Homeowners  
   • Some residents feel that allowing unrestricted short-term rentals infringes on their right to enjoy peaceful and safe neighborhoods. They argue that the ordinance is necessary to address these concerns effectively.

Arguments AGAINST Question A (Opposing Regulation)

Opponents of Question A believe the proposed regulation is overly restrictive and interferes with property owners' rights.

Key counterarguments include:

1. Erosion of Property Rights  
   • Opponents argue that limiting how property owners can use their homes, such as renting them to short-term guests, is an overreach by the government. They see this ordinance as an infringement on personal freedoms.  
2. Economic Impact on Property Owners  
   • For many property owners, short-term rentals provide a critical source of income. Opponents contend that mandating longer minimum stays will drastically reduce their ability to generate revenue, particularly for those who rely on seasonal tourism.  
3. Minimal Impact on Overall Rentals  
   • With only 4% of Ocean City's rental properties affected by this ordinance, opponents question whether regulating such a small fraction of rentals justifies the disruption it may cause for those property owners.  
4. Existing Enforcement Measures  
   • Opponents argue that issues such as noise, crime, or disrespectful behavior by renters could be addressed through existing law enforcement and local noise ordinances without imposing additional restrictions on rental activity.

Balancing the Debate

Both sides of the argument highlight valid concerns:

• On one side, the ordinance aims to maintain neighborhood character and address safety concerns. It seeks to resolve issues that some homeowners believe cannot be addressed adequately by current noise or law enforcement measures.  
• On the other, opponents worry about the economic and personal freedoms lost due to government overreach and question whether such measures are necessary given the limited scope of the affected properties.

Recommendation and Considerations

Ultimately, the decision will depend on individual priorities:

• If you prioritize the safety, stability, and long-term character of residential neighborhoods, you may lean toward voting FOR Question A to support stricter regulations on short-term rentals.
• Alternatively, if property rights and individual freedoms or the financial wellbeing of homeowners are of greater concern to you, voting AGAINST Question A may align more closely with your position.

Regardless of the outcome, it's essential for the Ocean City community to approach this process with understanding and respect for differing viewpoints. The special election provides an opportunity for residents to have their voices heard and shape the future of their town.