The Pocomoke City Mayor and Council approved several ordinances and resolutions Monday, May 18th, including the annexation of property tied to the planned Wawa development, updates to zoning regulations, and changes to how unpaid code enforcement fines may be collected. The meeting also included the first public discussion on forming a committee to plan Pocomoke City’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2028.
Council Approves Annexation for Planned Wawa Development
Council unanimously approved Resolution 2026-R-11, annexing a 2.494-acre parcel owned by Wayne T. and Flora S. Brittingham into the city limits. The property, identified as “Proposed Parcel A” in subdivision records, is the site of the planned Wawa project and is expected to receive B-2 General Business zoning following annexation. Attorney Mark Cropper, representing the Brittinghams, told council the annexation request complied with state and local requirements.
“I have reviewed the annexation analysis by your staff that preceded the first reading,” Cropper said. “I also have had the benefit of receiving and reviewing the letter from the Maryland Department of Planning dated May 14 that also reviewed this annexation petition and in all respects concurs that this annexation request complies with all state and local laws.”
During discussion, City Attorney Andrew Illuminati clarified that revisions may still be needed to the annexation agreement regarding utility allocations and fire suppression infrastructure before final execution.
The resolution passed unanimously following the public hearing.
Site plan excerpt source: Paramount Realty
City Declares Two Market Street Properties Surplus for Private Sale
During the meeting, council also introduced Resolution 2026-R-13, declaring two city-owned properties on Market Street as surplus and authorizing them to be sold through private sale. The properties identified in the resolution are 114 Market Street and an adjacent Market Street parcel listed in city records as Parcel 0623, which both lie adjacent to Lusby’s. According to the resolution, city officials determined the properties are “no longer needed for public use” and concluded that “a private entity is best suited to develop the lot enumerated below.”
The resolution states the city believes a private sale “will ensure the development of this property in accordance with the needs of the city.” The measure received its first reading during Monday’s meeting and is expected to return for additional consideration at a future council meeting.
Map source: https://sdat.dat.maryland.gov/
Council Extends Nonconforming Use Timeline
Council also approved Ordinance 2026-O-9, extending the time a nonconforming property use may remain inactive before losing its grandfathered status from six months to 12 months. City Attorney Andrew Illuminati explained that nonconforming uses typically involve properties that legally existed under previous zoning regulations before zoning rules changed.
“So there’s a lot of houses that before they were prohibited from being single, from being multifamily were utilized as multifamily,” Illuminati said. “And when the zoning map was amended there were certain prohibitions but because those uses existed beforehand, they can continue unless they stop performing that use for 12 consecutive months.”
Mayor Todd Nock said the change would provide additional flexibility for property owners facing delays or hardships. Council members and residents discussed how the ordinance could affect residential and commercial properties, including grandfathered businesses operating in residential zones. Illuminati noted the update aligns Pocomoke City with surrounding jurisdictions including Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties as well as Berlin and Snow Hill.
The ordinance passed unanimously.
Unpaid Code Enforcement Fines Can Be Added to Utility Bills
Council approved Ordinance 2026-O-10, allowing unpaid code enforcement fines to be transferred onto municipal utility bills after 60 days. Under the ordinance, unpaid fines may be added to the utility account associated with the violating property and collected using the same enforcement mechanisms as water and sewer bills. The ordinance also allows the city to pursue collection measures permitted under Maryland law, including utility service interruptions and property liens.
No public comments were made during the hearing, and the ordinance passed unanimously.
Critical Area Ordinance Amendments Approved
Council also approved Ordinance 2026-O-11, amending the city’s Critical Area Program regulations following comments from the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission. According to the ordinance summary, the amendments establish January 4, 1988, as the initial adoption date of the city’s Critical Area Ordinance, clarify enforcement procedures, establish an appeals process, and revise definitions to comply with state regulations.
The measure passed without opposition.
City Begins Planning for 150th Anniversary Celebration
Mayor Todd Nock announced plans to form a sesquicentennial committee to organize events celebrating Pocomoke City’s 150th anniversary in 2028.
“Pocomoke City was incorporated on April 5, 1878,” Nock said. “Our 150th birthday will be coming up in the year of 2028. I really don’t want us to stall in planning for the 150th birthday of Pocomoke City. I would like us to get started now.”
Nock proposed creating a citywide logo contest and involving local businesses, artists, schools, and civic organizations in the celebration planning process. A resident suggested involving local schools and community organizations in the effort, while council members discussed restoration ideas for the downtown clock as a possible community project.
Skateboarding Event Planned at Cypress Park
During public comments, a speaker announced plans for a June 14 skateboarding event at Cypress Park. She said the event was inspired by her son recently joining Tony Hawk’s skateboard team and receiving a signature skateboard deck. She also noted that the Ocean Bowl skate park in Ocean City would celebrate its 50th anniversary on June 6. Mayor Nock encouraged residents to attend the Cypress Park event, recalling strong participation at a previous skate park gathering.
Mayor Announces Dock Study and Sign Repairs
During mayor’s comments, Nock announced that the city will move forward with a feasibility study for Pocomoke City’s docks after staff discovered an existing grant remains active through June 2027. According to Nock, the $150,000 grant had originally been expected to fund dock repairs directly before the city later learned it was intended to fund a comprehensive study.
“We are preparing for a full feasibility study done on our docks, telling us exactly what we need to do to repair the docks here in Pocomoke City,” Nock said. Nock also announced that the electronic sign on the highway entrance to town, part of the larger sign previously damaged in a vehicle crash, is expected to be operational again by Friday.
Additional announcements included reminders about sidewalk parking enforcement, bulk trash regulations, Fourth Friday festivities scheduled for May 22, a flood resilience work session on May 26, and the upcoming Planning and Zoning meeting on May 28.
