Ocean Shores planning commissioners discuss public-restroom needs, signage and funding options

Ocean Shores Planning Commission members heard an update on downtown public restrooms and possible next steps during their regular meeting. A commissioner reported surveying about 30 local businesses and said only one currently allows customers to use its indoor restrooms, a finding commissioners used to argue for clearer public signage and potential new facilities in high‑traffic locations such as the public parking behind Bennett’s and near the convention center.

Commissioners and attendees identified obstacles including business owners’ reluctance to invite restroom use that might reduce customer returns, aesthetic concerns about permanent groups of portable toilets in the main business corridor, and vandalism incidents during storms. The commission noted that Honeybucket or a similar contractor already maintains several beach‑access porta‑potties and that the city contracts for maintenance at some sites.

Staff and commissioners discussed possible funding sources. The commission acknowledged it missed the current LTAC (Lodging Tax Advisory Committee) application cycle but noted LTAC opens again in spring and could fund restroom renovations or new construction. Commissioners said other grants might be available and asked staff — including the city’s grants specialist — to investigate specialized grant opportunities and prepare an application if appropriate.

The commission directed the member leading the survey to finalize the results and to convey the findings to the mayor at a scheduled meeting. No formal action to allocate city funds was taken at the meeting; commissioners emphasized signage as the first, near‑term step to improve public awareness of existing facilities.