Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting - July 9, 2026
Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting - July 9, 2026
The Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals met on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The meeting included administrative matters, adoption of an amendment to board rules, and two public hearings for special outdoor display of merchandise exceptions for Quiet Storm locations. All votes were unanimous (5-0).
Consent Calendar
- Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the June 25, 2026 meeting (motion by Dan Stevens, second by John Moran; 4-0-1, Emily Nock not present at that time).
- Findings of Fact – BZA 2741 (MSG Development, LLC): Approved unanimously (4-0-1, Nock not present) for a special parking exception to reduce the width of five parking spaces by 6 inches per side for structural columns.
- Findings of Fact – BZA 2742 (Guilia Campbell): Approved unanimously (5-0) with a typographical correction (space between "approval" and "can" on page 3). The findings related to a special outdoor display of merchandise exception for Thrift and Treasures.
- Adoption of Amendment to Board Rules: The board adopted an amendment to the rules and procedures requiring a 7-day minimum submission period for any legal argument to the Zoning Administrator, including all attachments. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public spoke for or against either of the two public hearing applications (BZA 2745 and BZA 2746). Staff confirmed that no written comments were received for either application.
Discussion Items
- BZA 2745 – Quiet Storm Surf and Turf (12207 Coastal Highway): Applicant Callie Wooten, general manager, requested a special outdoor display of merchandise exception for retail items displayed on the exterior of the business. Staff report (dated July 9, 2026) recommended approval with three conditions: 1) approval valid for three years; 2) written agreement signed within 30 days of BZA approval; 3) displays organized to maintain fire marshal egress requirements (36-inch aisle width). Staff noted the business had displayed merchandise in past years without approval, but no complaints had been received and adjacent property owners were contacted and had no objections. The board found that the criteria under Section 110-94(5) were met, including compatibility, orderly arrangement, delineation, accessory merchandise, and interior transactions.
- BZA 2746 – Quiet Storm (7501 Coastal Highway): Applicant Damon Mahoney, owner, requested a similar exception for a single outdoor display rack at the 75th Street location. Staff recommended the same three conditions. The display rack was noted by the board as well-constructed and delineated by the building, steps, and fencing. The applicant testified that the rack is brought outside during business hours (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and that all transactions occur inside. Staff had notified all properties within 300 feet and received no objections. The board found the criteria were satisfied.
Key Outcomes
- BZA 2745 – Approved unanimously (5-0) subject to three staff conditions (with a minor correction to condition #2 to read "Board of Zoning Appeals" instead of "Board of Zoning Approvals").
- BZA 2746 – Approved unanimously (5-0) subject to three staff conditions (with the same correction to condition #2).
- Board Comments: Board member Moran noted that the town website needed updating to reflect the current board composition; staff confirmed they would update it.
- Next Meeting: Announced for July 23, 2026, with two public hearings scheduled.
Meeting Transcript
Pause. Board of Zoning Appeals meeting for Thursday or excuse me, uh Thursday, July the twent the 7th, 2026. We have a error on the agenda, but that's okay. We'll get that corrected. Um at any rate, our um agenda is gonna start with some administrative matters, and then we're gonna move on to public hearings. Um item number one, we've got the minutes from the June 25th meeting. Uh board members, this is all in your packets. The floor is open for discussion and a motion. I have reviewed and have no comments. Likewise. Same here. Same. Make a motion that we approve the minutes of the meeting for June 30, June 25th, 2026. Okay, we have a motion in the affirmative for approval. Uh is there a second or further discussion? Second. Second by Miss Knock. All in favor of approval signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. All opposed, saying none, let the record show the minutes are approved five to zero. All right, next item. We have the findings of fact for BZA uh 2741. This is for Hugh Cropper Esquire for MSG Development LLC. Uh again, board members. This is all in your packets. The floor is open for discussion and a motion. I reviewed it and have no comments. Likewise. Same here. Make a motion that we adopt or approve the findings of fact for BZA 2741 26-094-0006. All right, we have a motion for approval for the findings of fact. Um is there a second or further discussion? Second. Second by Mr. Stevens. All in favor of approval signify by saying aye. Aye. All opposed, hearing none. Let the record show the findings of fact are approved. 5 to 0. Okay. Um item number three. We have the findings of fact for BZA case 2742. This is for uh Julia Campbell. Um again, board members, this is in your packets. The floor is open for discussion and a motion. I actually um did see a uh error on uh let's see. It's just a typographical error, I believe. I won't be able to find it bear with me a moment.
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