10/05/2026
Not the normal topics, lighting and barking dogs...
CPI News and Information
By the Compliance, Permits, and Inspections Department
(Weblink: https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/news_content?announcementId=3356&backURL=%2Fweb%2Fpages%2Fopa-news&_jsfBridgeRedirect=true )
The following appeared in the fall 2026 Ocean Pines Report quarterly newsletter: www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/quarterly-newsletters
The Compliance, Permits, and Inspections (CPI) Department continually receives questions regarding rules and regulations in Ocean Pines. Information can be found in the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Guidelines and the Declaration of Restrictions found on the Ocean Pines website under the following link: www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/cpi.
Some of the non-common questions that have been brought up recently:
Question: Are trailers allowed?
Answer: Depends upon what kind of trailer. Open trailers are allowed (this includes dump trailers and boat trailers). Box trailers are not allowed, unless pre-approved for use during construction or special events. Recreation vehicles (campers) are allowed to be parked with a temporary permit. As all of these trailers have wheels, they are considered vehicles, meaning they must be registered and also be parked on a paved parking area.
Question: Are pools allowed?
Answer: Yes. As in all play equipment, pools must be located behind the front foundation line. If an inground pool, per County code, it requires a fence that requires a permit and must follow the setback guidelines. There are no guidelines for pools and ponds as far as mosquito control (i.e., CPI cannot enforce that a pool or pond be removed as it is supposedly drawing mosquitoes).
Question: When can political signs be displayed?
Answer: The Guidelines were changed back in May to align with the new SB 0758 to allow signs 45 days prior to early voting. With early voting beginning on October 22nd, signs were able to begin to be displayed on September 7th. Note, however, that signs still need to be removed within 7 days after the election is over.
Question: I want to add security lighting to the outside of my home – does this require a permit?
Answer: While lighting does not require a permit, exterior lighting shall be used primarily to make safe entry and exit possible rather than showcasing the building. The lighting system shall be designed to show suitable restraint and concern for the impact of the design on neighboring properties. The objective is to eliminate glare and annoyance to adjacent property owners and passerby. If a complaint is received regarding the lighting, a violation notice will be issued to change or remove the lighting.
Question: My neighbor is doing construction inside their home – what is the sound ordinance in Ocean Pines?
Answer: While Ocean Pines does not have a sound ordinance, construction work hours, regardless if inside or outside the home, are limited to 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. If loud noise, rather it be construction, music, barking dog, etc., are after these hours, please contact the Police Department at 410-641-7747 to register a noise complaint.
