Board of Port Wardens Meeting – January 8, 2026

The Board of Port Wardens (BOPW) convened on January 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Council Chambers of Ocean City City Hall to consider 12 marine construction permit applications (two minor, ten major) and to give final approval to updates to Chapter 106 (Waterways) of the Town Code. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Blake McGrath, with Harbor Master Shawn Nave and board members Joe Wiedorfer, Richard Brucki, Bob Milewski, Melvin Jones, and Bill Jordan in attendance. All 12 permit applications were approved unanimously, and the revised marine code was adopted with a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and City Council.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the December 11, 2025, BOPW meeting were approved by a motion (seconded) with no objections.

Discussion Items

Minor Cases (PW 26-001 – PW 26-002)

• PW 26-001 (650 Gulf Stream Dr.): Request to install 40 ft of replacement vinyl bulkhead with batter piles (not to exceed 18 in channelward) and replace an existing dock (3 ft x 40 ft). Staff found the application met or exceeded BOPW specifications. Approved unanimously per staff recommendations.
• PW 26-002 (10611 Pine Needle Rd.): Request to install 60 ft of replacement vinyl bulkhead (not to exceed 18 in channelward), including four batter piles and repair of existing parallel platform. Staff noted an outfall pipe on the south property line required notification of Public Works. Approved unanimously per staff recommendations.

Major Cases (PW 26-003 – PW 26-012)

• PW 26-003 (10602 Shifting Sands Dr.): Request to install a 10 ft x 14 ft floating platform (maximum 15 ft channelward). Chairperson noted this was a “violation case” already in the water; the board nevertheless approved to ensure compliance. Approved per staff recommendations.
• PW 26-004 (105 Newport Bay Dr., Unit A): Request to install one boat lift with two pilings (not to exceed 32 ft channelward). Approved per staff recommendations.
• PW 26-005 (10624 Point Lookout Rd.): Request to install an elevator-type boat lift with three pilings (not to exceed 15 ft 6 in channelward). Board discussed a drawing discrepancy: the canal width was 85 ft, but the closest opposing shoreline was marked as 65 ft from the platform. The board clarified it likely referred to a structure. Approved per staff recommendations.
• PW 26-006 (620 Gulf Stream Dr.): Request to install 40 ft of replacement bulkhead, remove old piers, install a new 5 ft x 40 ft parallel platform, a 6 ft x 40 ft perpendicular pier, and one boat lift (maximum 46 ft 6 in channelward). Staff noted two measurements were taken because the canal cross-section was at an angle; the median of 47 ft 4 in was used. Approved per staff recommendations.
• PW 26-007 (311 Old Landing Rd.): Request to remove existing structures, install 60 ft of replacement bulkhead, new 5 ft x 40 ft parallel platform, 6 ft x 14 ft perpendicular pier, re-install boat lift, and install a new PWC lift (all not to exceed 16 ft channelward). The board noted the construction would not exceed the existing pier. Approved per staff recommendations.
• PW 26-008 (210 A Windward Dr.): Staff found the application did not meet minimum BOPW specifications because the channelward request (20 ft) exceeded the allowable amount (20% of 96 ft = 19 ft 2 in) by 8 in. The board granted an exception and approved with the condition that lifts not exceed the existing pier length. Approved per staff recommendations.
• PW 26-009 (156 Captains Quarters Rd.): Request to construct a new 6 ft x 20.5 ft pier and install one boat lift and one double PWC lift (maximum 26.5 ft channelward). Approved per staff recommendations.
• PW 26-010 (615 Bayshore Ct., Unit 2): Staff found the application did not meet minimum BOPW specifications because the channelward request (18 ft) exceeded the allowable amount (20% of 82 ft = 16 ft 4 in) by 1 ft 8 in. The board granted an exception and approved with the condition that the lift not exceed the existing pier length. Approved per staff recommendations.
• PW 26-011 (310 13th St., Slip 1 & 3): Request to install boat lifts in deeded slips: slip 1 (maximum 18 ft channelward) and slip 3 (maximum 40 ft channelward). The board noted that the maximum allowable for slip 1 would be 21 ft 6 in and for slip 3 would be 70 ft, but the request was within those limits. Approved per staff recommendations.
• PW 26-012 (507 Edgewater Ave., Unit A): Request to construct a 6 ft x 12 ft pier extension (total 32 ft), a 3 ft x 13 ft tapered finger pier, and install one boat lift and one double PWC lift (maximum 36 ft channelward). Approved per staff recommendations.

Marine Code Revision (Chapter 106, Waterways)

The board continued its review from the December 8, 2025, meeting of proposed updates to Sections 106-31 through 106-44, covering new standards for vinyl bulkheads, rip-rap, piers, and boat lifts. During the prior meeting, board member Joe Wiedorfer had questioned language in Section 106.38(4) regarding the board’s ability to make decisions on a “case-by-case basis.” Attorney Maureen Howarth revised the wording to clarify the board’s authority. At this meeting, the board confirmed the revision and also noted a correction to the phrase “repairing and littoral owners” in 106-38. The board then voted to accept the revised ordinance and make a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and City Council for approval.

Key Outcomes

• All 12 permit applications (PW 26-001 through PW 26-012) were approved unanimously (each vote 5-0) per staff recommendations, with exceptions for PW 26-008 and PW 26-010 where the board granted channelward extensions beyond the 20% rule.
• The revised Marine Code (Chapter 106) was approved by the board with a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and City Council.
• The meeting was adjourned at approximately 3:00 PM.