OCEAN CITY, Md. — Registered voters in Ocean City will decide the future of short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods during a special election on Tuesday, July 22. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway.
The ballot question comes after more than 1,000 residents signed a petition challenging an ordinance passed in March, by the Ocean City Council.
Under the ordinance, short-term rentals in R-1 single-family and MH mobile home districts would be required to have a minimum stay of five nights in 2025 and 2026; beginning in 2027, the minimum stay would increase to 31 consecutive nights. Bookings made before March 3, 2025, would not be subject to these rules. The ordinance does not impact rentals located outside R-1 and MH zoning such as condos, townhomes, hotels, and other residential areas.
Proponents of the ordinance say it will help preserve the residential character of neighborhoods and address concerns about noise and overcrowding. Opponents argue the rules are too restrictive and could hurt property owners who rely on short-term rental income. Only neighborhoods comprising about 4% of Ocean City’s total rental inventory—primarily R-1 and MH districts—would be affected by the changes.
City officials have reminded voters that results will determine whether the new short-term rental regulations remain in place or are repealed.
