Staff urges early applications for July 4 beach passes as mailing can delay stickers

A staff member urged residents on Tuesday to submit applications early for July 4 beach parking passes, warning that last-minute requests are unlikely to speed processing.

The reminder matters because the official pass is a physical sticker mailed to applicants after they apply online. "Please get your applications in for the 4th of July," the staff member said, adding that sending requests at the last minute will not make the process faster.

Why it matters: postal and processing delays — especially around holidays — can prevent residents from receiving the mailed sticker in time. A meeting participant noted some people still expect to obtain a pass the day of the event; the staff member acknowledged temporary passes can be issued but cautioned they still generally require about a day to prepare.

On the process, a participant asked, "do they by mail or how?" The staff member replied that applicants should submit online and that the town mails the physical sticker; "It takes a couple of days," the staff member said.

Town staff explained the town clerk can email a temporary pass that includes the pass number and vehicle details on an 8½-by-11 sheet residents may place on their windshield until the sticker arrives. "They've been good about that," the staff member added, but reiterated that calling or "screaming at the town clerk" will not make the sticker arrive sooner.

Residents planning to use the beach on July 4 were urged to "do your due diligence" and submit applications by the middle of the week before the holiday to avoid being without a valid pass.

The town did not announce any change to the application process or fees during the remarks; the staff member encouraged online applications several days ahead of the holiday so mailed stickers or temporary emailed passes arrive in time.