"Beach spreading"...let's see if this spreads south!

[Will B]

'Beach spreading' banned in New Jersey shore town: 'People weren’t using common sense and decency'

On September 6, the borough council of Belmar,N.J., voted to outlaw an increasingly common practice known as “beach spreading," with the new ban set to take effect at the start of the summer 2018 season.

According to the ruling, large tents and canopies will be banned from Memorial Day until Labor Day to curtail crowding at the popular Monmouth County stretch of shoreline, reports the Asbury Park Press.

As large tents took over the beach more and more in recent summers, Mayor Matt Doherty said complaints began pouring in from everyone from the Department of Public Works and law enforcement officials to beach staff and patrons alike.

“I’m not in favor of more government regulation but it got to the point where people weren’t using common sense and decency,” he said.

Doherty added that the trend of bringing large tents on the beach became noticeable in summer 2015, and complaints starting multiplying in summer 2016. The scene became more and more “like tailgating at MetLife Stadium,” Doherty told NJ.com.

While it’s no surprise that beaches at one of the most densely populated states are getting packed during summertime months, the growing numbers of tents became an issue, as they obstructed ocean views, enabled illegal alcohol consumption, and increased litter, Doherty said.

While the ordinance includes strict limitations, beach umbrellas and tents for small children will still be allowed.

The “beach spreading” phenomenon was dubbed as so by the Philadelphia Inquirer to describe the practice of hauling massive tents, furniture and gear onto public beaches as to claim space for large groups. Akin to “glamping," beach spreaders bring all the comforts of home into the great outdoors, from coolers and wading pools to portable fans and music speakers.

Belmar’s ban follows the actions of neighboring shore towns including Seaside Heights and Long Beach Island, which have adopted similar ordinances, said the Asbury Park Press.

 

[James Bentwood]

Great find!Thanks for posting. Are there 2 types of people in the world? Those who love beach spreading and glamping, and those who want a quiet natural experience in nature?

 

[Crabbyfrye]

Heading south from Nj..Promise just my umbrella and a good book in tow..oh yes. My husband. Tooooo and yesss <<<<<<< Lady Ziggy our english bulldog.. :hammock:

 

[FactorFiction]

BCC voted to allow tents up to 10'x10' on public beach. They must be situated in the northern 1/3 of the beach so they do not block others using the beach. Don't forget to leave the emergency corridor at the toe of the dune. Customary Use Ordinance still stands for privately owned beaches: NO public use of tents on private/customary use beaches.

 

[Will B]

yeah...that will get enforced...

 

[FloridaBeachBum]

BCC voted to allow tents up to 10'x10' on public beach. They must be situated in the northern 1/3 of the beach so they do not block others using the beach. Don't forget to leave the emergency corridor at the toe of the dune. Customary Use Ordinance still stands for privately owned beaches: NO public use of tents on private/customary use beaches.

6'x6', 7'x7', 10x10' makes no difference when public push umbrellas and canape/tents together to form one huge private encampment on the beach with wagons for, ice chests, gas grill, lounge chairs, volleyball net, bonfire, digging sand pits for sand creations, unlicensed unleashed dog, amplified music, cigarettes, alcohol, too. You know the ancient public customary use of private property.

Code enforcement will enforce 2017-05 Walton Beach Ordinance too.
Sec. 22-54. - Regulation of use and conduct on the beach and water bodies.
(r) It shall be unlawful to place beach equipment on the beach within fifteen (15) feet of the water's edge or within fifteen (15) feet of the toe of the dune or line of permanent dune vegetation on any regional or neighborhood beach access. [Guess with customary use on private property (r) does not apply.]
Beach equipment means items generally used for swimming, sunbathing or beach recreation, including, but not limited to, beach chairs, umbrellas, tents, hammocks and volleyball nets.

 

[Lisalisa]

Saw this in seacrest yesterday

 

[UofL]

Perhaps designating some/most/all beaches as quiet/family spots? Stadiums do that. No smoking/no alcohol. Let those who want to party go to PCB or Destin?

 

[FactorFiction]

Perhaps designating some/most/all beaches as quiet/family spots? Stadiums do that. No smoking/no alcohol. Let those who want to party go to PCB or Destin?

That certainly might be viable on customary use beaches if customary use is blessed by the court.

 

[gumby]

Looks like the guy standing next to his umbrella has that unbelievable look on his face. That is a little ridiculous. Sure hope someone called code enforcement.

Saw this in seacrest yesterday