Politics & Government

Council: Tuck Cars Under Those Rising Homes

City Council passes the first reading of an ordinance to help owners rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy.

As more homes in Ocean City climb farther above sea level, the city continues to refine its zoning rules to fit a post-Sandy world.

City Council on Thursday passed the first reading of an ordinance that, in part, makes it easier to fit garages under homes being elevated to meet new guidelines for flood safety.

Under the old rules, garages were included in a "floor area ratio" (FAR) that helped determine the maximum size of a home. 

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"Let's find the silver lining," Councilman Tony Wilson said in March of the opportunity to use new elevation requirements to help alleviate the parking problem in Ocean City.

The ground-level space created by elevating homes can now be used to get more cars off the street without owners having to sacrifice living space. Several other guidelines limit the maximum size and height of buildings.

Find out what's happening in Ocean Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Under the revised definition, only habitable area above zoning flood elevation will be included in FAR. 

The new definition of FAR was part of a detailed ordinance that makes several zoning changes to help owners rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy, which caused record flooding in Ocean City in October 2012. Download the Agenda Packet for the complete text of the ordinance and look on Page 9 for an explanation of the substantive changes from the old ordinance.

City Council passed the ordinance in a 6-1 vote with Fourth Ward Councilman Pete Guinosso dissenting.

The ordinance will be sent to the Planning Board for a consistency review. A second reading and public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for Aug. 22.

The ordinance also addresses the placement of natural gas-powered generators, the use of railroad ties in retaining walls, and redefines and limits "foyers."

A section of the proposed ordinance dealing with replacement of nonconforming uses was tabled and will be reconsidered at a future date.


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