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Leonardtown introduces several land-use ordinance updates; public hearings set for June
Summary
Council introduced ordinances May 12 to update floodplain management regulations to meet NFIP standards, to amend the zoning code (including adding townhomes as a separate use), and to repeal a 2008 ordinance that rationed wastewater EDU allocations; public hearings are scheduled next month.
The Town Commissioners introduced three land-use ordinances May 12 and scheduled public hearings for the June meeting: an update to floodplain regulations to comply with FEMA/NFIP standards, an amendment to the zoning chapter that adds townhomes as a distinct use, and an ordinance to repeal a 2008 rationing ordinance tied to wastewater treatment capacity.
Planning staff said the proposed floodplain ordinance (Ordinance No. 229) revises dates, adds language for non-tidal waters, clarifies prohibited basement floors and square-footage references, and implements the National Flood Insurance Program standards in 44 CFR part 60.3(d). Staff said FEMA completed a study and provided a checklist identifying deficiencies the town needed to correct; the ordinance introduction is the first step and staff will send the draft to FEMA/state reviewers and hold a public hearing in June.
On zoning, staff described a broader code update and the immediate change of creating a separate use category for townhomes (single-family dwelling attached). The change removes townhomes from the multifamily classification and adds them as a permitted use in the Commercial Highway District; staff said this aligns local definitions with state standards and the town’s recently adopted comprehensive plan. A comprehensive rewrite of the zoning code remains planned and further changes will follow after the public review process.
The council also introduced an ordinance to repeal Ordinance No. 132 (passed in February 2008), which had rationed available wastewater EDU allocations until the town expanded its wastewater treatment plant. Staff said the plant expansion is substantially complete and the repeal will allow projects in the development pipeline to move forward; a public hearing on the repeal is scheduled for next month.
All three items were introduced for first reading; staff said notices and the public hearing schedule will follow the town’s normal procedures.
