Oak Bluffs officials have begun weighing their options for how to further regulate parties, fundraisers and other events on public parks and beaches.

At their meeting last week, the town selectmen highlighted the need for bylaws or other measures to address noise and other disturbances resulting from unpermitted events on town-owned land.

Police chief Erik Blake confirmed that the town has no bylaws that would limit activities on public land before 11 p.m. He said disturbing the peace did not necessarily apply to the events in question, and if the police were to demand the removal of sound equipment from a public place, for example, they would have no legal recourse.

Selectman Gail Barmakian, who argued that events should not be considered peaceful if they include amplified music, suggested taking a closer look at the powers and duties of the parks and recreation department. “We need to come to some kind of middle of the road,” she said of the park rules on the one hand and town bylaws on the other. “I don’t think it can continue the way it is.”

The town has been discouraging large events in July and August, and working to regulate noise on town beaches during the day.

Amy Billings, chairman of the town parks and recreation department, said the right to gather in public places has become something of a shelter for event organizers who don’t want to apply for a permit. She said at least one event this year was advertised on Facebook ahead of time and was clearly meant to be a fundraiser.

She added that organizers whose events were denied have asked why other events were allowed to proceed. “I have to say, ‘Because they just went and did it,’” she said.

“Why would anybody come pay a thousand bucks to use the park, or whatever the number is,” selectman Brian Packish said. “At that point, you just do what you’re going to do because nobody is going to tell you any different. So clearly we have some work to do.”

Mr. Blake welcomed the idea of a new bylaw relating to gatherings in public places, but Ms. Barmakian favored a more flexible approach. In the end, the selectmen agreed to seek advice from town counsel Ronald H. Rappaport, and to meet again to hear people’s concerns.

In other business, selectmen appointed John Jones, an Island builder based in Vineyard Haven, as local building inspector on a provisional basis. Mr. Jones will receive training from interim building inspectors Tom Perry and Eladio Gore, with a goal of getting certified for the position.

Town administrator Robert Whritenour said an additional certification in the future could allow Mr. Jones to take on the role previously held by building inspector Mark Barbadoro, who resigned in the spring.

“We think we will have adequate coverage,” he said, noting that Mr. Perry and Mr. Gore will stay onboard for the time being.

Family scalloping begins Oct. 7 in Sengekontacket Pond, with the commercial season opening Oct. 16. The dates for Lagoon Pond are Oct. 28 and Oct. 30, respectively.

The selectmen’s next meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 12.