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Public commenters urge longer vacancy window as planning commission backs 12‑month extension
Summary
After public comment from property managers worried about housing affordability, Pocomoke City planning commissioners supported changing the local ordinance to extend the allowable vacancy period for nonconforming uses from six to 12 months and clarified that code applies when an entire building is unoccupied.
Pocomoke City planning commissioners voted to recommend changing a local ordinance to extend the period before a nonconforming use is deemed discontinued from six months to 12 months, after members of the public urged the change to protect affordable rental housing.
Staff introduced the referral from the mayor and council, saying neighboring jurisdictions and counties allow a 12‑month window and that the change would give property owners more time to repair or sell properties after damage,…
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