Commissioner Langford urges 5-acre minimum for rural parcels; resolution introduced

Commissioner Jason Langford (name taken as presented in transcript) introduced Resolution 25 5 6 asking the Regional Planning Commission to amend Montgomery County's zoning resolution to require minimum parcel sizes of five acres in agricultural zoning districts in the rural area of the growth plan.

Langford said the current regulation allows smaller splits too easily and that land is being divided into small lots "not for true ag use" but to create development pockets that skirt the intent of zoning. He said raising the minimum parcel size would preserve rural character, require a more intentional rezoning process and give the commission a greater voice in development in rural areas. "This isn't about stopping growth, but it's about guiding it responsibly," Langford said.

Commissioner Burkholder spoke in support and described the change as a reasonable check on development that would not be overly burdensome to property owners. Commissioner Harper said the measure would discourage the use of flag lots.

Langford acknowledged the county is engaged in a broader zoning rewrite with the Regional Planning Commission but said that process is likely a year away and that this particular issue merited earlier action. The resolution as introduced asks the RPC to prepare an amendment and set an effective date; the transcript shows discussion and support but no recorded final vote on the resolution during this meeting.