Ocean City Board of Port Wardens Meeting – March 12, 2026
Ocean City Board of Port Wardens Meeting – March 12, 2026
The Ocean City Board of Port Wardens convened on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The board reviewed and voted on one minor application and two major applications for waterfront construction, including a case that drew a written objection from a neighboring property owner.
Consent Calendar
- The board unanimously approved the minutes from the January 8, 2026 meeting.
Public Comments & Testimony
- A letter of objection was submitted by George Lorick, property owner at 620 Oyster Lane, regarding major case PW 26‑020. Mr. Lorick stated he had previously raised objections with the homeowner during the summer and that the proposed new pier and boat lift at 631 Gulf Stream Drive would severely limit his navigational rights and block his view of the water. He requested the board not approve the application. The board noted that view concerns are not within their jurisdiction and focused on navigational impact.
- Stacey Hart of J. Stacey Hart & Associates, the applicant’s representative, spoke during the discussion of PW 26‑020, explaining the survey results and the layout rationale.
Discussion Items
- PW 26‑017 (Minor) – A request to install 50 feet of replacement vinyl bulkhead not to exceed 18 inches channelward at 317 North Heron Gull Court. Staff found the application met all minimum specifications. No letters of objection were received. The board discussed no issues and moved to approve.
- PW 26‑018 (Major) – A request to remove an existing piling and install one boat lift with four associated pilings not to exceed 16 feet channelward at 2808 Plover Drive, Unit C. Staff recommended approval with conditions including a 5‑foot setback, letters of no objection (including HOA), and MDE approval. No letters of objection were received. The board approved without further discussion.
- PW 26‑020 (Major) – A request to construct a pier and install one boat lift with a maximum channelward extension of 31 feet at 631 Gulf Stream Drive. Staff recommended approval with conditions. The original proposal showed a 6‑foot‑by‑25‑foot pier. After reviewing the objection letter and discussing navigational concerns for adjacent properties (particularly 633 Gulf Stream Drive and 620 Oyster Lane), the board debated the pier width and placement. Stacey Hart noted that the adjacent property at 633 had only a narrow waterfront and that the layout was based on a lateral line survey. The board considered reducing the pier width from 6 to 4 feet or adjusting its location, but ultimately agreed to reduce the width to 5 feet while keeping the length at 25 feet and the position unchanged. The applicant’s representative and the owner indicated acceptance of the modification.
Key Outcomes
- PW 26‑017 – Approved unanimously (4‑0) per staff recommendation.
- PW 26‑018 – Approved unanimously (4‑0) per staff recommendation.
- PW 26‑020 – Approved unanimously (4‑0) per staff recommendation with a specific modification: the proposed pier shall be 5 feet wide by 25 feet long (instead of the originally requested 6 × 25 feet). All other staff conditions (boat lift per manufacturer’s specs, TOC marine standards, 5‑foot setback, letters of no objection, MDE approval, 18‑month completion deadline) remain in effect.
- The meeting was adjourned following the vote.
Meeting Transcript
Either one. I mean, it's probably about the same. We'll see what the objection is. Well, my son and my grandson. I didn't know what they she said it's not shared. The language says it's a shared competition. Yeah, right. See, this wasn't true. Oh, water country. Yeah, that's okay. Apply that. No council yet. Yes, tell me how to do this. What's that? Oh, yeah, yeah. From there is like my wife can't stand it. My wife goes. What do you what do you what's going to do about us? That's really not our jurisdiction. We sent the letter. She types our letters up for me. I sign them. I saw them sometimes. He's a feeful word. But yeah, I do remember that. Well, it it no it started. It started in October. We had a big storm in October and it blew up half his pier. He just let it sit there. And the nice knife that big that big. Ready? Okay. The screen is always there. Not that I need it. I'm good here. Okay, that's can you see? Okay. We good? Good, counsel? Call to order the board of Port Wardens meeting for March twelfth, twenty twenty six. Counsel, would you please swear on the staff? Say hanging on position for the chief building official. I do. And that applies to applies to Fort Warden cases. PW twenty six dash zero one seven to PW twenty six zero two zero. Advertised and posted. Okay, we'll start off with a motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting. Rich second. No all in favor. Motion carried.
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