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Council approves Covington Oaks preliminary plan and detailed site plan for 48 stacked two‑family units
Summary
The Bowie City Council voted Oct. 6 to approve a preliminary plan and detailed site plan for Covington Oaks, a 48‑unit stacked two‑family condominium development at 3610 Outer Oaks Boulevard in the RMF‑20 zone.
The Bowie City Council voted Oct. 6 to approve the preliminary plan of subdivision (PPS‑2024‑010) and the detailed site plan (DET‑2024‑005) for Covington Oaks, a 48‑unit “2‑over‑2” stacked two‑family condominium project proposed on approximately 2.34 acres at 3610 Outer Oaks Boulevard.
City staff described the application and said the site is in the RMF‑20 zone and the proposed use complies with applicable standards. Verdua Wancoker, the city planner introducing the item, said the Bowie Advisory Planning Board unanimously recommended approval with staff conditions. Attorney Matthew Tedesco presented for the applicant, Collington Place LLC (a Calivas Group subsidiary), and emphasized the project’s history: the owner withdrew an earlier commercial use in response to community concerns and supported the county map amendment that rezoned the parcel to RMF‑20 to allow this residential development.
Project details: The proposal calls for 48 dwelling units in stacked two‑family configuration (commonly described as 2‑over‑2), with a total of 105 parking spaces that include garages for each unit plus guest parking. Developer Jim Schaeffer (Schaeffer Homes) said Maryland building code requires an electrical outlet in each garage to support electric vehicle charging. Units were described as owner‑occupied condominiums; an HOA will be responsible for common‑area maintenance.
Public comment and council discussion: Lisa Baban, a Covington resident, spoke in support, citing improved community engagement by the developer and calling the project socially and economically sustainable for a range of buyers. Councilmembers asked about EV readiness, HOA responsibilities and pedestrian/bicycle improvements. Staff said the county certificate of accuracy requires bike/pedestrian improvements including ADA ramps and crosswalks along Oaks Boulevard.
Council action: Councilmember Truesdale moved to approve both the preliminary plan and the detailed site plan; the motion was seconded and the motion carried by unanimous voice vote. (All councilmembers present voted aye.) The council’s approval concluded with the planning board’s county hearings scheduled for Oct. 9 (preliminary plan) and Oct. 23 (detailed site plan) as part of the county review process.
Ending: The development team said they will continue working with city staff and community stakeholders on implementation details; staff will track required county reviews and condition compliance before permits are issued.
