Ocean City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ocean City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
State Highway Administration projects and Route 90 dualization timeline
SHA outlined winter work on the Route 50 bridge, mastic repairs to the Maryland 90 bridge deck, and Coastal Highway repaving from the Delaware line to 60th Street. The Route 90 dualization remains 15 to 20 years out, and council wants bridge joint repairs expedited since the deck will be in place for a while.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Amendment
Ocean City must allow ADUs on single-family lots under Maryland's HB 1466, and the commission has now recommended the rules to the City Council with a ban on short-term rentals in ADUs. This could open the door to more long-term housing for workers and family members in a town where housing is scarce.
State-mandated ADU ordinance timeline
A new state law requires Ocean City to allow accessory dwelling units — small second homes like in-law or garage apartments on existing lots. The commission got its first look at the law and example rules from Havre de Grace and Rockville; how Ocean City shapes its own ADU rules will affect neighborhood density, parking, and housing options.
Rental inspection program efficiency
The town has inspected over 1,000 rentals since August with a 90% pass rate. The council clarified that minor fixes like a smoke-detector battery shouldn't count toward the three-strike license revocation process — only citations or police calls do.
Rising employee health insurance costs
The town's self-insured health plan is seeing a 16.5% premium jump for 2027 — way above the ~10% national trend — driven by high-cost claimants whose costs doubled to $7.7 million. Council members questioned whether self-insurance still makes sense and asked for analysis if the trend continues.
Mayoral Election Candidate Profiles
Ocean City’s mayoral race is getting attention through a WMDT candidate profile piece, giving voters a quick look at the people asking for their vote. If you live in Ocean City, this is the kind of pre-vote homework that helps you compare candidates before casting a ballot.
Philadelphia Avenue Flooding Closure Policy
A South Philadelphia Avenue resident said the road isn't closed consistently when storm surge floods it, leaving pedestrians and drivers at risk. The city manager said closure timing is already on his storm lessons-learned list and will be addressed with emergency responders.
2026 Municipal Election Field Confirmed
All six candidates are officially on the November 3 ballot: Meehan and James for mayor, plus four candidates for three council seats. Voting by mail is available via applications online.