The Pocomoke City Planning and Zoning Commission met on Thursday, June 26 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall to review residential development proposals and consider a zoning text amendment that could change the rules around keeping boarders in residential neighborhoods.
✅ Preliminary Plan for New Subdivision on Sixth Street
The Commission reviewed a preliminary subdivision plan submitted by property owner Craig Collins and surveyor Doug Jones for a four-lot residential subdivision along Sixth Street. The lots would be carved out of a parcel that includes an existing 14,000 square foot stormwater pond originally constructed for the Oxford Court subdivision.
Two of the proposed lots required variances for lot size and width, which were already granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals. Staff outlined several technical revisions needed on the plat, including documentation of underground utilities, confirmation of easements, and sidewalk construction details. Importantly, the need for sidewalks along Sixth Street was emphasized – a key corridor in the comprehensive plan. Commission members also noted pedestrian safety and the heavy foot traffic on the street.
There was also extensive discussion about the future of the stormwater pond. The pond had originally been intended for HOA maintenance, but the HOA was never formed. Until 2022, the pond was apparently owned by the City, but was transferred to Mr. Collins as part of a land swap arrangement with his Willow Street properties that the city acquired and demolished. Mr. Collins reported that he is now in the process of transferring the pond back to the City. City staff stressed that a long-term maintenance plan must be included in the final plat submission.
With minor changes and a commitment to sidewalk installation, the Commission voted to move the project forward for final plan review in the coming months.
🏢 15-Unit Apartment Concept Proposed for Old Virginia Road
The Commission also reviewed a concept plan for a 15-unit apartment development on half-acre parcel #1606 on Old Virginia Road. Developers Jermaine Xavier and Harold White Jr. of the Miles and Maine Property Group are requesting a rezoning from B-2 General Business to the city’s Planned Redevelopment District (PRD) Overlay Zone.
The concept includes five connected apartment buildings, each with three units, along with 27 parking spaces and a recreational space at the rear of the property. The units would be market-rate, with a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments.
Commissioners praised the infill development but it was noted that the project would need to address density, setback, and open space requirements in the PRD regulations. Members also noted that sidewalks along Old Virginia Road were not in the plan, though the developers enthusiastically obliged to provide them. There was support for the rezoning, but also a recommendation to include ample landscaping to screen the development from an adjacent derelict vehicle storage yard. The developers, who already own the neighboring six-unit property, indicated they are ready to begin construction soon after approvals are granted.
A public hearing for the rezoning will be scheduled by the Mayor and City Council at a future date, with the Planning Commission to provide a formal recommendation beforehand.
🏠 Zoning Change Could Prohibit “Boarders” in Residential Zones
In response to ongoing concerns from residents, the Commission also discussed a draft ordinance that would remove language from the zoning code allowing families to keep “boarders” or “roomers” in R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential districts. Currently, the code permits one boarder in R-1 and R-2 zones and two in R-3.
The proposed amendment, requested by the Mayor and Council, aims to curb the practice of renting individual rooms to unrelated tenants in single-family homes, often advertised online and associated with increased public safety concerns. Staff and Commission members discussed clarifying the definition of a “boarder” and possibly limiting such arrangements only when compensation is involved. A public hearing on the proposed zoning amendment will be forthcoming.
📅 Other Upcoming Items and Updates
Also slated for upcoming public hearings:
** A rezoning request for a 74-acre city-owned parcel to a PRD Floating Zone.
** Adoption of Critical Area regulations and maps.
** Time limits on permit applications and extensions.
** New architectural design standards for future development.
** A long-anticipated mural design ordinance.
There were no updates on the Drawbridge Villas townhouse project or the Fairgrounds wetlands violation, though both remain active items. The Commission also agreed to hold their next Comprehensive Plan workshop on July 31 at 6:00 p.m.
Follow The Pocomoke City Arrowhead for continued updates as these projects develop and new policies shape the future of our community.
DISCLAIMER: Arrowhead editor Chip Choquette is a member of the Pocomoke City Planning & Zoning Commission, though the views reflected on this page are his own, and not representative of the Commission.
