Ocean Shores planning panel approves business survey, pushes signage for public restrooms

The City of Ocean Shores Planning Commission on July 22 approved a short survey and a flyer for subcommittee volunteers to use when asking downtown businesses whether they provide restrooms and who may use them, and agreed to pursue improved signage showing existing public restrooms.

The action came after commissioners discussed whether to ask detailed questions or keep the survey simple. The commission voted to use the questions printed on page 6 of the meeting packet and to circulate a flyer that businesses can display.

The vote followed several exchanges about scope and purpose. Commissioner Hearn had drafted four questions to ask business owners: whether they provide restrooms for customers, whether customers request restroom access when one is available, whether staff can direct customers to the nearest public restroom if the business does not provide one, and a four-point rating of perceived need for additional restrooms in the central business core. The commission ultimately backed a streamlined approach that starts with “Do you have a restroom? Yes or no?” and asks who may use it (employees, customers, open to the public).

Commissioners and speakers emphasized quick, low-cost steps before building new facilities. The commission noted that Google Maps already shows some public restrooms (including the Shiloh and state park facilities and city parks) but said many visitors do not find that information when they need it in the business corridor. The commission and commenters agreed signage—directional signs or window flyers listing where restrooms are available—could be the fastest, least expensive improvement.

Discussion distinguished between short-term measures and potential capital work. Commissioners said the survey and flyers are intended to gather data about perceived need and locations; any decision to add permanent restrooms would require additional planning, funding and city approvals. The commission did not adopt any requirement to compel private businesses to allow public use or to require restroom counts for new developments.

The commission directed the subcommittee to contact businesses with the approved questions and the flyer and report back with responses. The subcommittee will collect the data to inform future discussion of signage locations or new public facilities.

Less-critical details: the commission noted the city provides extra facilities for large events but said year-round capacity and visitor demand may differ. The commission set no timeline for any capital project and did not identify funding sources; next steps are to collect survey responses and consider signage placement.