OCEAN CITY – A code amendment to allow habitable attic space will advance to a second reading without additional parking requirements.
On Monday, the Ocean City Council voted 4-2 to approve the first reading of an ordinance to amend the town’s zoning code. While the change would now allow habitable areas in the attics of residential dwellings, those in opposition argued that additional parking requirements were needed.
“For us not to address that, at least in the neighborhoods, I think is a mistake,” Councilman John Gehrig said.
In October, following a public hearing, the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to forward proposed code amendments to the Mayor and Council with a favorable recommendation. The changes would define dormers and habitable attics, revise the definition of building height to allow habitable attic space, and amend the minimum number of off-street parking spaces to require one additional space for any enclosed loft or habitable attic in a single-family detached dwelling and one additional half space for any enclosed loft or habitable attic in multi-family dwellings.
However, when the proposed code amendment was brought before the Mayor and Council at a work session on Nov. 28, the added parking requirements were removed.