Commission approves Mill Cove Harbor concept plan to pursue CWSP amendment for 23‑lot subdivision

The St. Mary's County Planning Commission approved a concept development plan for Mill Cove Harbor (Lilypad Investments LLC) that lets the applicant pursue an amendment to the county Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan (CWSP) to change the site water and sewer categories from W6/S6 to W3d/S3d and to seek public water and sewer for a proposed 23‑lot subdivision.

Staff reported the concept plan was reviewed by TEC in September 2007 and that the county supports concept approval for the express purpose of enabling a CWSP category change; findings of adequate public facilities (APF) are not required at the concept stage but will be required at preliminary plan. Staff said two larger previously recorded lots within the study area would be developed on existing on‑site well and septic systems unless future approvals require connection to public utilities; staff noted that developers often design pump stations to allow future interconnection if warranted.

Commissioners and applicant representatives discussed shoreline access, boat slips formula limits in the ordinance, existing easements for adjacent dwellings, and the potential for shared urban driveways and appropriate buffering for immediate neighbors. The commission approved the concept development plan by motion (moved by Mister Thompson; seconded by Mister Chase) and recorded that the plan must return for preliminary plan approval and APF determinations.