Frederick County approves site plan for 1435 West Patrick Street amid stormwater concerns

The Frederick Planning Commission convened on June 9, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items related to stormwater management and site plan approvals. The meeting focused on modifications to existing regulations and the final site plan for a development project at 1435 West Patrick Street.

The first item addressed was the approval of a modification to section 601(f) regarding access separation. The commission considered a request to reduce the required separation distance along Old Camp Road to 140 feet. Staff recommended approval, noting that the request aligns with the existing entrance to a nearby 7-Eleven and is consistent with the 2020 Comprehensive Plan.

Next, the commission reviewed a modification to section 605(g) concerning parking lot interior landscaping requirements. The proposal sought to allow less than 10% of the parking lot to be landscaped. Staff found this request acceptable, citing the adjacent forest conservation area that provides necessary shade cover, thus supporting the recommendation for approval.

The final item was the approval of the site plan for the development at 1435 West Patrick Street. Staff confirmed that the plan meets the criteria outlined in the Land Management Code and the 2020 Comprehensive Plan. Conditions for approval included adding notes regarding modifications and updating specific details related to the site.

During discussions, concerns were raised about stormwater management, particularly regarding a waiver granted due to the presence of a floodplain on the site. Staff clarified that while some stormwater management requirements were waived, adequate measures were still in place to manage runoff effectively. The applicant provided visual evidence of the floodplain's impact and assured that the proposed solutions would not exacerbate flooding issues.

The commission concluded the meeting without public comments and moved forward with the recommended actions. The overall consensus was to approve the modifications and the site plan, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety and environmental standards. The next steps will involve monitoring the implementation of the approved plans and ensuring compliance with the outlined conditions.