OCEAN CITY, Md. — Voters in Ocean City have spoken, by the narrowest of margins.
On Tuesday residents took to the polls deciding on minimum stay requirements at certain properties within city limits.
The Mayor and City Council recently passed an ordinance implementing minimum five-night stays in low density single family residential developments (R1) and mobile home (MH) districts.
By just 34 votes (834-830), the ordinance was rejected.
The council's initial decision drew outrage, prompting a group called OCMD Property Rights Inc. to obtain a petition with 1,300 signatures, forcing a public referendum.
MORE: Ocean City group seeks to overturn new ordinance requiring minimum stays
Major companies like Airbnb also opposed the ordinance, claiming it would have "real implications on local businesses bottom lines, the city’s tax base, and Ocean City’s economy overall."
The final tally was a little closer than some anticipated, but in the end advocates achieved their goal.
In response to their slim victory, OCMD Property Rights Inc. posted a Facebook message acknowledging concerns of those supporting the ordinance, vowing to work together.
Had the ordinance been upheld, minimum stays would've increased to 31 days effective January 1, 2027.
