By Greg Ellison

(Feb. 25, 2021) Board member Frank Daly updated the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors Saturday on efforts to establish guidelines for short-term rentals.

The issue erupted last summer because of recurring problems at a few properties that were advertised on web-based platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, Flipkey or Homeaway.

Because of the disruptive behavior, the board formed a work group consisting of Daly, and directors Camilla Rodgers and Frank Brown to investigate the situation.

Daly said the work group uncovered at least 180 Ocean Pines properties that are regularly rented for periods under a month, principally in warmer weather.

“We anticipate the number of properties to increase in the coming years,” he said.

Since last summer, the short-term rental work group has held numerous meetings with the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) and public safety officials, including the Ocean Pines Fire and Police Departments, as well as Worcester County zoning.

“The purpose of the meetings was to draft proposed changes to ARC guidelines that covers short-term rentals,” he said.

The work group also consulted with property owners and renters.

“The short-term rental work group has worked with the … stakeholders to draft ARC guideline changes that strike a balance between property owner rights and responsibilities,” he said.

Daly said the goal is to maintain peace and calm throughout the Pines community, which in the long run helps maintain property values.

“We wanted to assure our community knew the progress and what is entering the final stages,” he said.

Daly said a draft version of the proposed ARC rules governing short-term rentals was sent to board members two weeks ago, with OPA attorneys reviewing them last week.

The proposed regulations, which can be found in the board meeting packet posted on oceanpines.org, classifies properties rented for terms under 29 days as businesses.

As such, the proposed rules would require Pines property owners providing rental units for under a month, in addition to acquiring a Worcester County rental permit, to also obtain a OPA-issued permit and sticker.

The proposal would require the Ocean Pines rental sticker be displayed conspicuously on the front door at eye level

The rental rules would also require a responsible party associated with the rental to live within a 30-minute drive. Additionally, bed-and-breakfast establishments would be prohibited.

The related annual property inspection would ascertain the maximum number of occupants and assure the name and contact information of a responsible party is on record.

Violations could result in tenants being asked to vacate the property immediately.

Daly said the rental regulations are now awaiting final remarks from counsel.

“Once that is incorporated in writing, it goes back to ARC, who will give their final approval and then it will come to the board,” he said. “Once that’s done, that governs short-term rental properties in Ocean Pines.”

Daly said the association also intends to consult with the Worcester Commissioners and ask that the proposed Pines rules be incorporated in county rental regulations.

“It will give another potential level of enforcement if we have somebody that violates the guidelines,” he said.