City Council Explores Flexible Zoning for Industrial District Amid Solar Development Talks

During the recent Mayor and City Council Workshop held on September 3, 2025, in Taneytown, significant discussions centered around the city’s budget adjustments and potential zoning changes aimed at enhancing local industrial development.

One of the key highlights was the announcement of an increase in the general fund revenue by $486,001. This adjustment comes from a combination of an underestimated tax revenue increase of $250,000 and a transfer of $236,001 from the highway user revenue balance. This financial boost is expected to support various city initiatives and services, although specific allocations were not detailed during the meeting.

The council also discussed the draft of a new streets and stormwater management facilities manual, which is set to be reviewed and potentially adopted in the upcoming month. This manual aims to improve infrastructure management and ensure compliance with environmental standards, reflecting the city’s commitment to sustainable development.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on proposed changes to the zoning code, particularly in the restricted industrial district. Local manufacturers, including FlowServe, expressed a desire for more flexible zoning regulations that would allow for the establishment of amenities such as daycare facilities and other services that cater to their employees. The council is considering an overlay zone that would permit these accessory uses while maintaining the integrity of the industrial district. This approach aims to balance the need for industrial growth with the community's needs for supporting infrastructure.

Additionally, the topic of solar energy use in industrial zones was extensively debated. The council is exploring regulations that would allow solar installations as accessory uses to manufacturing facilities, ensuring that these developments do not overshadow the primary industrial purpose of the land. The discussions highlighted the importance of setting clear guidelines to prevent the potential proliferation of solar farms, which could detract from the intended use of industrial land.

As the council moves forward, they aim to refine these proposals and gather further input from stakeholders, including local manufacturers and developers. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to shape the future of Taneytown’s industrial landscape, aligning economic growth with community needs and sustainability goals.