Rehoboth bans canopies, grills on beach

Canopies and grills have been banned from the beach in Rehoboth Beach.

The city commissioners passed the ban March 17 by a 6-1 vote.

Only umbrellas no more than 8 feet in diameter and baby tents no more than 36 inches in height, width and depth are permitted on the beach. Tarps, cabanas, tents and canopies of any kind are prohibited. Grills and cooking devices are also no longer allowed on the beaches.

The ordinance was driven by public safety concerns raised by the Rehoboth Beach Patrol, Rehoboth Beach Police Department and Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce about the proliferation of tent cities – a series of canopies attached together – which officials said present safety hazards for emergency responders and lifeguards, in addition to blocking the views of beach visitors.

Commissioner Stan Mills said of the correspondence, most favored banning grouped canopies but allowing single canopies for use by large families or those with skin conditions.

Commissioner Paul Kuhns said he did not favor a complete ban, suggesting a less restrictive ordinance that would allow canopies that were secured, not enclosed and located behind the lifeguard chairs. Kuhns offered the only no vote.

Mills said he hoped to keep things simple and that allowing some canopies would be difficult to enforce, leading to more canopies.

Commissioner Patrick Gossett also favored a simple ordinance.

“I think that promoting this as simply as possible – an umbrella – I think this is a good solution,” he said.

Commissioner Toni Sharp said, “It’s something we need to do. We only have so much area on the beach.”

The ordinance will take effect May 15.