DELAWARE

Bethany Beach tent and canopy ban proposal: 4 things to know

The Daily Times

Umbrellas can be seen for miles at the Bethany Beaches during this holiday week on July 3, 2017.

Bethany Beach is on track to be the third Delaware beach town to put restrictions on the use of tents and canopies on the beaches.

The town council met Friday to have the first reading of the proposed ordinance.

Here are four things to know about the proposed ban.

Umbrellas restricted, canopies banned

If passed, the ordinance would ban all umbrellas larger than 8 feet in diameter and 7 1/2 feet tall.

The ordinance would allow baby tents to be on the beach; however, they would have to be no larger than 36 inches deep by 36 inches tall by 36 inches wide.

All other shading devices, such as sport umbrellas, cabanas, tents and canopies would be banned.

BACKGROUND: Bethany Beach mulls own tents, umbrellas ban

The ban would be year-round

No luck for local or people visiting Bethany Beach who were hoping to circumnavigate the ban by coming during the offseason. The ban would be in place year-round.

That means for those planning to come even between Sept. 15 and May 15, they still would have to obey the town's ban — or else be fined by the town.

BACKGROUND: Bethany Beach on track to ban tents and canopies, with support from public survey

Prepare to pay up

If passed, the ban would have similar penalties to beach rules in place right now, such as sleeping on the beach between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., flying a kite or fishing.

People found to be in violation would have to pay a fine that is no less than $50 but no greater than $100.

The next steps

At the Bethany Beach Town Council meeting on Friday, there was no discussion from either the council or the public after councilwoman Rosemary Hardiman read the ordinance.

Mayor Jack Gordon said the next step for the ordinance would be a second reading and a vote on the proposal.

That vote is expected to come at the council's next meeting in February.

On Twitter @hughesg19