Commission approves concept plan for Mill Cove Manor to seek CWSP water/sewer category change

The St. Mary's County Planning Commission approved a concept development plan for Mill Cove Manor (Liberty Home Builders) to proceed with a amendment request to the Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan (CWSP) that would change the site from W6/S6 to W3d/S3d, enabling access to public water and sewer for a proposed 33‑lot major subdivision.

Bob Boles of the Department of Land Use and Growth Management told the commission that TEC agencies reviewed the project in June 2007 and staff supports concept plan approval for the narrow purpose of permitting the CWSP category change. The site (11.73 acres; zoned RL/LDA/AE and within the county critical area overlay but outside the 200‑foot buffer) would require later findings of adequate public facilities, including schools, at preliminary‑plan stage. Staff noted stormwater, forest conservation and critical‑area imperviousness are design challenges for sites close to water and that shared driveways and pervious materials may be needed to meet impervious‑surface limits.

Representatives for the project discussed shared‑driveway construction, pump‑station and MetCom coordination for sewer, and the need to design small cottage‑style homes with conservative footprints consistent with critical‑area impervious limits. Commissioners asked questions about potential piers, water access and whether shared driveways would be developer‑built (staff and the applicant confirmed the developer normally installs shared urban driveways). The commission voted to approve the concept plan so the applicant may pursue the CWSP amendment; the motion was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote.