Detroit Lakes may Tighten Beach Ordinance

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – The city of Detroit Lakes is contemplating stronger enforcement of their Beach Ordinance after a number of boaters have left their boats along the city’s beach longer than the 24 hours currently permitted.

Under the current ordinance, “no watercraft, aircraft, or other motorized or non-motorized vehicle may be parked or moored at or upon the City Beach or in or upon Beach Waters for more than 24 hours consecutively except as allowed by City Code at a duly licensed Dock.”

Mayor Matt Brenk says the City may try to tighten the current ordinance this fall, “We’ve got people who are coming down launching their boats and leaving them parked over the weekend…its become a little bit of an issue with a lot of boats parked their taking up space – the beach is a public beach and we want to keep it open and free to the public.”

The city plans to review the current ordinance this fall, any change would need to be approved by the city council and likely wouldn’t go into effect until next summer.