OCEAN CITY — The Property Review and Enforcement Strategies for Safe-housing (P.R.E.S.S.) Committee is a group of town officials authorized to address communitywide quality of life issues which historically affect Ocean City during the summer season.
The various department representatives join together to address property issues and violations related to noise, sanitation, fire and life safety, overcrowding and building code violations.
For the second consecutive year, the committee will hold a proactive Housing Compliance and Regulations Update, hosting landlords, real estate agents, rental property owners, foreign exchange student sponsors and student advisory groups. The meeting will center on the expectations of code compliance from various departments, including the police, building, zoning, fire marshal and finance departments,
“We take very seriously the obligation to hold properties, and owners, to a high standard and ensure code compliance,” said P.R.E.S.S. Committee chairman Bill Neville. “While we have the ability to use enforcement by issuing citations for various violations, we also have a professional commitment to educate citizens to guarantee they understand our expectations.”
The Housing Compliance and Regulations Update Seminar will be held on April 12, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. Subject topics will include overcrowding, fire and life safety, noise, and other housing violations.
“Our objective in the P.R.E.S.S. Committee is to improve living conditions for residents and renters throughout Ocean City,” Neville said. “The Housing Compliance and Regulations Update Seminar is a positive way to start the season by opening communication and strengthening partnerships. It’s a positive and proactive step in the right direction.”
The P.R.E.S.S. Committee encourages all community members to report properties that they feel may be in violation of a safety, building or health code. Citizens with complaints or concerns are asked to the Office of Planning and Community Development at 410-289-8855.