On Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, the Worcester County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the site plan and five waiver requests for the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department’s proposed South Station replacement in Ocean Pines.

The project team presented plans for a rebuilt South Station to replace an original 1981 building that has been expanded several times, and argued the new facility is needed to increase apparatus bays, add decontamination and locker-room space, expand sleeping quarters and support on-site EMS training. Commissioners voted to approve the developer’s five waiver requests as a group and to forward a favorable recommendation on the overall project.

Project proponents told the commission the existing South Station was originally about 3,200 square feet, had additions of about 4,200 square feet in 1985 and another roughly 500 square feet in 1987, and has seen call volumes grow substantially in recent years. According to the presentation, annual fire calls rose from roughly 100–150 to more than 350, and EMS responses increased from about 1,000 to over 2,500 in the most recent year cited. Presenters said the existing station has only one shower and limited space to separate contaminated turnout gear from living and kitchen areas, and that the department is now certified as an EMS training facility by the State of Maryland and needs space to host classes locally.

The commission considered five waiver requests that included exemptions from sidewalk requirements (Section 16B(2) and 16B(3) of the county guidelines), elimination of seating areas and limits on providing formal off‑site public congregation spaces on the property. The project team argued that sidewalks around the parcel were unnecessary because Ocean Parkway lacks continuous sidewalks on that side and because pedestrian crossings adjacent to the site are unsafe; they said a walking trail and existing pedestrian routes are about 100 feet away. The applicants also said routine large public gatherings are not planned and that any special events would be coordinated in advance, using nearby Veterans Memorial parking and shuttles if needed.

Other items discussed included on‑site trash handling (project representatives said Republic Services or county public-works facilities would be used), relocation of an existing department memorial to a planned site on the property, and vehicle circulation and apparatus-drive-through bays. The presenters estimated a construction schedule of roughly 66 weeks, weather permitting.

Commissioners asked questions about neighborhood notification and garbage removal; the applicants said neighbors received mailed notice of the public hearing and that the department plans to use nearby public-works or Republic Services dumpster facilities during construction and operation. County staff told the commission the application was largely complete and, if no substantive changes were required, could be stamped for approval promptly.

Following a motion to approve the waiver requests taken together and a second, the commission voted unanimously in favor of the waivers and then voted to give a favorable recommendation to the site plan. The record did not specify individual roll-call vote counts.

The recommendation now moves the project forward in the county review process; further permits and county approvals will be required before construction begins.