Ocean City Board of Port Wardens Meeting - May 14, 2026

The Board of Port Wardens convened on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall to consider one minor case and seven major cases for marine construction permits. The meeting included discussion on non-conforming structures, shoreline restoration, and neighbor impacts. All cases were approved with conditions.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the March 12, 2026 meeting (motion by Mel, second by Rich, all in favor).
• PW 26-021 (130 52nd Street, Kevin Davis): Minor case for 40' replacement vinyl bulkhead not to exceed 18" channelward extension. Approved per staff recommendations (motion by Rich, second by Mel, all in favor).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sarah Freund (Lane Engineering, applicant for PW 26-022): Explained that the proposed structure (20' pier + 4' platform) is 4' shorter than the existing 24' pier and is more conforming. The existing pier was built in 1982 and is non-conforming. No letters of objection.
• Consultant for Sunset Island (PW 26-023): Stated that he prepared the plans and expects the MDE permit within 30 days. No objections.
• Neighbor at 303 S. Heron Gull Court (PW 26-024): Stated for the record that once the proposed construction is complete, his boat lift will be rendered useless due to reduced turning space. He noted he had not objected because the applicant is within his rights, but he may need to reconfigure his own lift at an estimated cost of $25,000.
• Stacy Hart (J. Stacey Hart & Associates, applicant for PW 26-024): Clarified that the angled pier layout was chosen by the owner to allow room for his own boat lift, and that the proposed structure provides over 12' from the property line, exceeding the 5' setback.

Discussion Items

• PW 26-022 (503 S. Surf Road, Michael Leonard): The staff found the application did not meet minimum specifications because the new structure exceeded the allowable 20% channelward extension. During discussion, board members questioned dimensions from a poor-quality aerial photo. The applicant's engineer stated the existing pier is 24' long and the proposed pier is 20' long, a net reduction of 4'. The board deferred the case to verify the existing structure's permit history. After checking, staff confirmed the existing pier was permitted in November 1982. The board then approved the application with a condition that the extension from the bulkhead not exceed 24' (the overall footprint includes a 4' parallel platform and 20' pier).
• PW 26-024 (301 S. Heron Gull Court, Ken Lefebvre Living Trust): Dependent on issuance of a new single-family building permit (26-0460). The board noted that marine construction may not start until the foundation has begun. A neighbor raised concerns about his adjacent boat lift becoming unusable, but acknowledged the proposal meets all code requirements. The board discussed alternative lift types (e.g., elevator lift) but the neighbor cited cost. The application was approved per staff recommendations.
• PW 26-028 (631 C 94th Street, Anthony Mitrione): The staff found the application did not meet minimum specifications because the new structure exceeded the allowable 20% channelward extension. The applicant proposed moving the existing 3' x 18' pier 1.5' west within the same slip and adding two new pilings. The board approved with the condition that the channelward extension remain at the existing 18' and the pier be repositioned 1.5' west.

Key Outcomes

• PW 26-022 (503 S. Surf Road): Approved per staff recommendations with the clarification that the combined extension from the bulkhead shall not exceed 24 feet. Motion by Rich, second by Billy, all in favor.
• PW 26-023 (1 Beachside Drive, Sunset Island): Approved per staff recommendations for installation of rip rap revetment, low profile sill, and 545 sq ft of salt marsh habitat. Motion by Billy, second by Rich, all in favor.
• PW 26-024 (301 S. Heron Gull Court): Approved per staff recommendations, contingent upon issuance and foundation start of building permit 26-0460. Motion by Rich, second by Mel, all in favor.
• PW 26-025 (611 S. Surf Road, Adam Wood): Approved per staff recommendations for two elevator boat lifts not to exceed 13' channelward extension. Motion by Rich, second by Mel, all in favor.
• PW 26-026 (639 Bayshore Dr Unit 6, Michael Beardsley): Approved per staff recommendations for two PWC lifts on existing piles not to exceed 14' channelward extension. Motion by Billy, second by Rich, all in favor.
• PW 26-027 (505 B Edgewater Ave, Robert Morris III): Approved per staff recommendations for one boat lift on existing piles not to exceed 28' channelward extension. Motion by Billy, second by Mel, all in favor.
• PW 26-028 (631 C 94th Street, Anthony Mitrione): Approved per staff recommendations with the clarification that the structure be moved 1.5' west and remain at 18' channelward extension (same as existing). Motion by Rich, second by Billy, all in favor.