O
cean City residents and real estate agents are pushing back against a new ordinance limiting short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods. The council passed Ordinance 2025-04, which requires five-night minimum stays this year and next in low-density residential areas and mobile home parks. Starting January 1, 2027, bookings will need to be at least 31 nights long. However, any reservations made before March 3, 2025, are exempt.

    Terry Miller, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker, is leading the opposition against the ordinance. She believes the 31-day minimum effectively bans short-term rentals and has started a petition to take it to referendum. The petition requires signatures from 40% of registered voters in Ocean City's last municipal election. If successful, officials must hold a special election or delay the ordinance until the next general election.

    Miller argues that the new rules could harm tourism if visitors choose alternative destinations like Rehoboth Beach or the Outer Banks. She also claims it's a "taking of our property rights" and an example of government overreach. Ocean City Manager Terry McGean counters that the ordinance aims to protect neighborhoods from disruptions caused by short-term rentals.

    About 300 properties will be affected, but Miller believes the ordinance will ultimately impact every homeowner in Ocean City. She suggests addressing issues with renters through existing laws, such as fines for noise violations and cameras for private pools. Miller is also calling for a feasibility study to assess the ordinance's economic impact.

    Homeowners like Linda Tucker, who rents her property to vacationers to cover expenses, are opposed to the ordinance. They argue it will force them to sell or turn their properties into year-round rentals. The opposition has created a website, ocmdpropertyrights.org, to raise awareness about the issue and advocate for changes to the ordinance.