Planning commission approves concept site plan for six‑unit cottage apartments in Mechanicsville

The St. Mary's County Planning Commission on Feb. 24 approved, by a unanimous vote, a concept site plan (CSP 24‑0345) for a six‑unit multifamily rental building proposed near Three Notch Road (MD‑235) at Old Village Road in Mechanicsville. The commission’s approval was conditional: required road improvements identified by state or county agencies must be completed concurrent with issuance of certificates of occupancy, and the applicant must obtain a variance from the Board of Appeals to reduce a B‑type buffer yard to a C‑type buffer yard adjacent to a neighboring parcel.

Staff described the property as located in the county’s Mixed Use Medium Intensity land‑use area with TMX zoning, and confirmed that the proposed use (multifamily residence, use type 16) is permitted in TMX. The staff report summarized applicable development standards (lot coverage, minimum open space and landscaping), resource protection findings and that the project as shown met ordinance requirements for a concept site plan. The staff presentation also noted the plan required transfer of development rights (TDRs) and certain landscaping and buffer yard elements.

App…