The Worcester County Commissioners on May 6 approved the establishment of a residential planned community (RPC) floating zone for Crepe Myrtle Court, a proposed West Ocean City development that will include 24 duplexes and one single-family dwelling on approximately 4.82 acres on Old Bridge Road.

Why it matters: county planning staff and the Planning Commission reviewed the project for comp-plan compatibility, utilities capacity and design standards. Planning staff found the property is in the Existing Developed Area designation, and the proposed density (about 5.18 units per acre) is below the R-4 guideline of eight units per acre.

Planning staff and the commission noted wetlands and wooded areas were kept where possible and concluded the project ‘‘will not have an adverse effect on local traffic and transportation patterns.’’ The planning commission recommended approval with six conditions: continuous sidewalks throughout the development (including along Old Bridge Road), review by the fire marshal regarding rear access for firefighting equipment, a landscaping plan for the entire site (not just frontage), no requirement for a third parking space because units will be restricted to long-term occupancy (no short-term rentals), and a minimum of two parking spaces plus an additional drop-off space for the pool amenity.

Applicant Kathleen Clark and her representative (present at the hearing) answered questions on design and utilities. Counsel for the applicant said the site has adequate sewer EDU allocations and that the project will purchase required water EDUs from Mystic Harbor; staff said the project is in the Mystic Harbor water service area. Commissioners took public testimony from an adjacent property owner who asked about drainage; staff said concept-level stormwater plans were reviewed at TRC and more detailed engineering will accompany subsequent approvals.

Ending: The board voted to approve the RPC step 1 plan; planning and engineering conditions must be met during subsequent review steps before construction permits are issued.