Rehoboth introduces beach canopy ban
The Rehoboth Beach commissioners have introduced an ordinance that would ban tents and canopies from the beach.
Under the ordinance, the city would permit umbrellas up to 7 1/2 feet tall and baby tents smaller than 1 cubic yard, used to shade and shield babies. Umbrellas and baby tents cannot impede the view or path of lifeguards. Tents, canopies and toilet tents would no longer be allowed on the beach. Also gone will be grills or any cooking and heating device using fire. Baby tents and umbrellas must be anchored to prevent uncontrolled movement. Any tents or umbrellas left unattended between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. will be removed from the beach.
The commissioners will continue discussion at their Friday, Feb. 17 regular meeting with a vote to come at a not-yet-scheduled special meeting. The commissioners say they are targeting May 15 for the new ordinance to take effect.
Commissioner Stan Mills, who has championed the ordinance, said the measure is meant to promote safety from fires, eliminate items blocking the view or path of lifeguards and eliminate the proliferation of “tent cities,” collections of canopies tied together. The draft ordinance says the new law is also intended to stop prohibited activities that may be taking place inside of a concealed tent, such as smoking and drinking alcohol.
Violations will be a civil offense, subject to a fine of up to $25 for a first offense.
Still undecided at this point is what to do regarding special events requiring a permit, such as weddings on the beach. City Manager Sharon Lynn said most of the weddings for this year are already booked, take place after the lifeguards are off the beach and that most are short and do not use canopies or cooking devices. The commissioners debated at their Feb. 6 workshop as to whether to limit the number of weddings to two per day with weddings booked 30 days ahead of time. In an effort to avoid people applying for a permit as a way to get around the canopy ban, he commissioners decided to let Lynn and City Solicitor Glenn Mandalas craft an exception for uses requiring a permit, while moving forward with the ordinance.
