'We are not a campground': Rehoboth weighs beach tent ban
The Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners is considering an ordinance that will ban canopies, tents and cooking fires on the beach.
Citing safety concerns, complaints about excessively large beach equipment blocking beach and ocean views, and the possibility of shade-producing items being misused to hide criminal or other undesirable activities on the beach, the Rehoboth mayor and City Commissioners devoted nearly two hours of the Jan. 20 regular meeting to discuss possible language for a new ordinance restricting the types of equipment that can be brought onto the beach by private individuals.
Commissioner Paul Kuhns summed up the board's stance by saying, "We are not a campground."
Commissioner Stan Mills gave a presentation in which he outlined possible language for the ordinance. Discussion by the board and input from concerned residents present at the meeting resulted in a short list of restrictions.
Umbrellas of no more than 8 feet in diameter and no more than 7.5 feet in height and baby tents for the exclusive use of shading babies and small children may be allowed during the summer season, but both types of equipment must be properly anchored and tethered.
BACKGROUND: Rehoboth talks beach regulations for canopies, toilets
Larger tents and all canopies may be banned at all times.
Cooking fires may not be allowed on the beach at all.
In addition to the other concerns, the issue was raised that allowing private individuals to bring such objects onto the beach could reduce the profits of licensed beach concessions and drive vendors away from Rehoboth.
The embryonic ordinance requires more specific language, to be hammered out over the coming weeks by Mills and City Solicitor Glenn Mandalas for first reading at the regular meeting on Feb. 17.
Although the board discussed enforcement issues and whether a fine will be applied to violators, nothing specific was decided. Also discussed were methods to publicize the new ordinance, including new beach signage and posting on the city website and the chamber of commerce website.
The commissioners agreed that once approved, the ordinance will go into effect immediately.
Said Commissioner Toni Sharp, "There is no rationale to delay this."
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