Board accepts pier extension request after applicant cites matching neighboring piers and permits

The Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals accepted and approved a modification request on July 9 to extend a waterfront structure at 10525 Sussex Road, allowing construction of a 6‑foot‑wide, 172‑foot pier with mooring piles, one boat lift and two PWC lifts, conditioned on required permits.

Applicant representatives explained the proposed pier does not extend any farther into Turtle Creek than neighboring piers and that the length is necessary to reach deeper water at this shoreline. The applicant said Army Corps of Engineers and Maryland Department of the Environment review is complete or ongoing and that permit conditions would address any environmental concerns.

Board members focused on navigation and environmental impacts; the applicant said he was unaware of navigation problems in the area and noted neighboring piers perform similarly. With the applicant confirming contractor readiness and permits to be filed or secured, the board moved to approve the request.

The approval is subject to the usual state and federal permits and any specific conditions required by those agencies before construction begins.