Glad you asked, DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!!!

Here's how they handle this in Newport, RI:

http://www.cityofnewport.com/departments/economic-development/harbor/pdf/king_boatlaunch_regs.pdf

and

http://www.cityofnewport.com/departments/economic-development/pdf/King_Park_Boat_Trailer_Permit.pdf

These regs came into being in the early 90s. A genuine attempt was made (I believe it was a formal proposal) at a city hall meeting to distribute seasonal, overnight boat stickers so boats could remain at the beach with mast-up storage.

Legend has it that the city was behind it until a single resident (with too much money and not enough decency) who lived across the street got it shot down to protect his view of the boats moored in the harbor.

Good thing I'm not still bitter about that...

Mike