We don’t know what impact the recent decision to ban beach tents and other shading devices other than umbrellas will have on upcoming family gatherings and beach parties in the North Myrtle Beach resorts area but NMB City Council voted it in 4-2 nonetheless. The new rule is in effect from May 15 through Sept. 15 on all North Myrtle Beach beaches. In late March 2014, the City of Myrtle Beach also officially passed a ban on tents at the beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The main reason for the ban is the hazard that beach tents and other large shading devices create for emergency response teams. From a public safety perspective, the City of North Myrtle Beach said, “tents can block the view of activities in the water and could limit responses from public safety.” This decision was not made overnight as it’s been in the making for the past 10 years. On May 5, 2014 the ban was voted into place.
While umbrellas can possibly become airborne, they are now the only shading device permitted oceanfront in North Myrtle Beach and soon, on other nearby beaches as well. The law defines an umbrella as having a collapsible “circular shade no greater than 9 feet in diameter.”
Just south of North Myrtle Beach the community of Atlantic Beach SC has also banned tents on their beaches. Town leaders there state they will put signage in place to avoid confusion. Plus they’ve established a hefty price to pay for breaking the law — a $500 dollar fine, 30 days in jail, or both. We think that money could buy you a whole lot of sunscreen and beach toys.
Like most things in life, we think vacationers will adjust to the new bans over time. After all, we lived without canopies and beach tents for more years than we had them! If you’re still looking for a place to stay on your vacation this summer give Condo-World a call about our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals at 1-800-753-4537. We think you’ll like what we have to offer.
