Ocean City is taking significant steps to address the issue of construction dumpsters parked in local streets. This move aims to create more parking spaces and improve the overall traffic flow in the town, especially during the busy summer tourism season.

Ocean City's Parking Solution - Ban on Construction Dumpsters

Construction Dumpster Ban

Ocean City has implemented an ordinance to completely prohibit construction dumpsters larger than 10 cubic yards from being parked on local streets, alleys, and the public right-of-way. Dumpsters of 10 cubic yards and smaller are still allowed during the day but are prohibited overnight starting at 6 p.m., except for emergency work approved by the city. This ban is part of a larger effort to address the trend of commercial vehicles and boat trailers monopolizing parking spaces. Without these dumpsters and trailers clogging the parking spots, more spaces will be available for regular traffic. Mayor Jay Gillian stated that increasing parking availability is a priority, and this measure is a step in the right direction.

According to Councilman Keith Hartzell, hundreds of parking spaces will be freed up citywide by this new dumpster ordinance. He estimated that 700 to 800 parking spots will become available once the construction dumpsters and trailers are banned. To illustrate the current problem, Hartzell showed photos during the Council meeting of construction equipment blocking the streets. One congested construction site during the summer had half of the street taken up on one side.

At Hartzell's suggestion, the ordinance was amended to require that dumpsters be restricted to the front of the property where the construction is occurring. This is to prevent construction contractors from simply moving the dumpsters to other locations on the street. He blamed a small number of repeat offenders for the problems.

Boat Trailer Restrictions

In another effort to open up parking spaces, the city already bans boats and boat trailers longer than 22 feet from parking in local streets at any time throughout the year. However, for boaters' convenience, the city allows boats and boat trailers shorter than 22 feet to remain in parking spaces on the street for up to three consecutive nights. Councilman Terry Crowley emphasized that Ocean City is a boating community and doesn't want to penalize its boaters. This exception for boats and boat trailers 22 feet and under shows the community's commitment to finding a commonsense solution.

Depending on their size, boat trailers are either banned or restricted from parking in the street. This helps in managing the parking situation and ensuring that there are enough spaces available for both regular traffic and boaters.

The ordinance also imposes penalties of up to $500 in fines and a jail term of up to 90 days, or both, for violators. Jail terms would be for the most egregious repeat offenders. Councilman Terry Crowley worked with Gillian's administration and the community to address the dumpster problem and is pleased with the outcome.