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Commission approves preliminary plan for Big Chestnut Phase 2, 13 lots; member recused
Summary
Planning Commission approved preliminary subdivision plan for Big Chestnut (08-12000011) for 13 lots of 22, concluding the applicant's allotment under the Annual Growth Policy; a commission member recused and staff noted wetland permitting and open-space requirements.
The St. Mary's County Planning Commission approved a preliminary plan for Big Chestnut Subdivision Phase 2 (case 08-12000011), authorizing 13 of the remaining 22 lots. The applicant was represented by NG&O Engineering; David Berry presented the staff report and noted no outstanding issues that would prevent approval.
Berry told the commission the parcel is about 189.1 acres, that prior commission actions had allocated nine lots earlier and that the project met the clustering and open-space requirements set by the subdivision ordinance. Staff said the sum of individual open-space parcels equals about 71.5 acres (roughly 3.8% of the total tract), which meets the Schedule 31.2.1 threshold for lots averaging 1.5 acres.
Bob Bowles, also of the Department of Land Use and Growth Management, clarified allotments under the Annual Growth Policy (AGP) and said the RPD (Rural Preservation District) allotment remaining for major subdivisions was approximately 107 dwelling units prior to this meeting; staff noted the Big Chestnut approvals would draw from that allocation.
John Norris, engineer for the applicant, explained that roads within the development have been built and dedicated to the county and that only two additional farmstead lots remain to be developed on the original tract. Commission member McNeil recused herself from this item, leaving the commission one member short for the vote.
Commissioner Evans moved approval, Commissioner Chase seconded; the motion passed unanimously among the remaining members present and the plan was approved as described in the staff report. Staff said any disturbance or construction involving wetlands would require permits from the Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Department of the Environment prior to commencement of activity.
The commission also thanked the developer for contributing to asphalt upgrades on a county road near the project.
Planning staff recorded that covenants to preserve open space must be approved as to form by the county attorney prior to plat recording and that final engineering and agency permits are required before construction.
