OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Council unanimously approved new rules on permeable surfaces that will allow block pavers used for driveways to be counted as water permeable.
The city’s limitations are aimed at allowing more area for rainwater to seep into the ground, rather than entering the city’s drainage system. The change has been discussed at length in recent months. The Planning Board found the amendment substantially consistent with the city’s master plan, Ocean City Attorney Dorothy McCrosson said.
Grass block pavers allow grass to grow within each block. Cars parking on the pavers will not dig ruts into the grass but water can drain between the areas of paving material.
Another zoning change approved unanimously will make it easier to lift non-conforming houses to meet current flood elevation standards. Councilman Anthony Wilson suggested the city allow the properties to be lifted high enough to allow parking garages underneath, but McCrosson said state law would prevent the city from allowing that in the ordinance.
