York Beach Ordinance Highlights for Long Sands, Short Sands, Harbor Beach, Cape Neddick
APPLICABLE BEACH ORDINANCE EXCERPTS
Section 3. Alcoholic Beverages No person shall have in their possession any container of alcoholic beverage, on the public beaches. (Adopted March 18, 1975) Section 4-A.
Beach Tents, Canopies and Umbrellas Tents, canopies, and umbrellas are regulated on all public beaches from June 15th through Labor Day and shall meet the following standards: 1. Beach umbrellas are permitted. a. The term umbrella refers to a collapsible shade no greater than eight (8) feet in diameter stretched over hinged ribs radiating from a central pole no greater than seven (7) feet six (6) inches in height. 2. Canopies or sport-brellas are permitted. a. The term canopy or sport-brella refers to a device designed to provide shade that is no greater than five (5) feet high by seven (7) feet wide by five (5) feet deep and without grounding wires or ropes that extend beyond the perimeter of the device. Umbrellas, canopies or sport-brellas shall be safely anchored and secured to the ground. 4. Umbrellas, canopies or sport-brellas shall not be setup prior to 9:00am. An umbrella, canopy or sport-brella setup prior to 9:00am shall be subject to removal. 5. Umbrellas, canopies or sport-brellas shall not be used to reserve space on a beach. Any umbrella, canopy or sport-brella that is left unattended for greater than 1.5 hours shall be subject to removal. 6. Easy-up or pop-up tents are prohibited. a. The term easy-up or pop-up tent refers to any structure which has four corner poles and is greater than four (4) feet wide by four (4) feet long.
Section 5. Surfing A. Definitions: Mixed Use Zone: means the area at Long Sands Beach from the road to the sea extending between the southerly side of the existing staircase at Long Sands General Store (Tax Map 31, Lot 98) to the northerly end of the beach and from the northerly side of the existing staircase at Beacon Street to Sun-n-Surf Restaurant (Tax Map 36, Lot 97). Surf Leash: a urethane cord not less than 5 millimeter in diameter and no greater than 10 feet in length that connects a person to his or her surfboard. Swim Zone: means the area at Long Sands Beach from the road to the sea commencing at the northerly side of the existing staircase at Beacon Street and extending northeasterly to the southerly side of the existing staircase at the Long Sands General Store (Tax Map 31, Lot 98). B. Surfing at Short Sands Beach is controlled by the Ellis Short Sands Park Ordinances. At other public beaches, surfing is prohibited from June 14 to and including Labor Day between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EDT, except as provided in subsection C, below. C. At Long Sands Beach from June 14 to and including Labor Day between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EDT: 1. Surfing is prohibited within the Swim Zone. 2. Surfing is permitted within the Mixed Use Zone subject to the following conditions: (a) A Surf Leash shall be properly engaged at all times when the surfboard is in the water; (b) Surfers shall maintain a minimum distance of thirty-five feet (35') from any swimmer.
On inclement weather days, when there are very few people at the beach, the entire beach can be temporarily classified Mixed Use to allow surfing in all areas at the discretion of the Parks and Recreation Director or his designee. D. The boundaries of the Swim Zone shall be clearly marked using buoys anchored to permanent moorings and line floats, colored flags, or other methods recommended by the Director of Parks and Recreation.
Section 8. Motor Vehicles, Aircraft, Etc. Motor vehicles, aircraft, bicycles and motor scooters are prohibited from being on the public beach areas, except that Town maintenance and emergency vehicles are allowed on all beaches for any emergency and/or maintenance reasons. Also, the Town may grant special permission for individuals to drive on the beach for the purpose of removing seaweed, lobster traps or for other reasons as determined.
READ THE FULL BEACH ORDINANCE FOR YORK, MAINE HERE