water priviliges (Severn, Severna Park: renting, houses, neighborhoods)

[Jmandl]

We have decided to move to Severna Park after a very long time of deciding and searching for the right place.

Now the question is where in SP. I don't understand what water priviliges mean. Does it mean that the houses that don't have water priviliges don't have access to any public beaches in town?

I am not interested in boat docks because we don't have a boat and probably never will.

However, I would want to have the opportunity to go to the area beaches. Or maybe there is a town pool????

If anyone can answer these questions, I would appreciate it.

[PenguinSix]

Most of the beaches are semi-private. Maryland law allows the public to use that area 'below the mean high tide' (i.e. if your feet are wet) but the area above that is generally owned by the landowner on the shore (that's a really short summary of something far more complex). Certain neighborhoods or communities will share the rights to a beach in that area and if you have 'water privileges' it means you can go to the neighborhood beach if you want.

However, some of these privileges are just sort of gentlemen's agreements and some are actually written into the deed/sale. You should be sure to check out which way you have it as there have been cases where new landowners on the water have moved to quash the privileges of others who were not set in stone.

[Jmandl]

So, does that mean that if a house does not have any water priviliges, then there is nowhere in SP to go to the beach. This is what I am trying to understand. I thought that there would be an area sectioned off for all public use??..

Is there another place for public beaches in the area??..

We saw some great houses that do not have water priviliges. So, I am trying to figure out where else the kids can go to swim (outdoors).

[PenguinSix]

Basically if you don't have water privileges you would have to find a public beach to swim in, not a private or a community one. There are a few spotted around here and there.

You know, however, that swimming in the Bay after say June is really a pain--literally. The jellyfish move in and you get stung quite a bit. It's not pleasant. That's why you'll see some of the private areas have nets around the public swimming areas.

[Jmandl]

WOW! I did not know about the jelly fish in the bay. I guess I would have to find a diff place for kids to swim. Any ideas for public pools to join areas around SP.

[lau3]

You can swim at Sandy Point State Park. Good luck getting into a swim club in Severna Park. I was on the waiting list at 3 pools for over 4 years before I was able to get into a swim club. What neighborhood are you looking for a swim club?

[Jmandl]

"You can swim at Sandy Point State Park. Good luck getting into a swim club in Severna Park. I was on the waiting list at 3 pools for over 4 years before I was able to get into a swim club. What neighborhood are you looking for a swim club?"


I don't know where we will eventually end up. Right now we are renting in buckingham (estates ? - I forgot the real name of this neighbothood). But, we are hoping to find a house to buy within the year.

I am trying to determine if we should absolutely look at houses with water priviliges or if there are other options.