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Commission approves preliminary plan for 24‑lot Lightfoot Manor subdivision, with school APF caveat
Summary
The planning commission approved the preliminary plan and phasing for Lightfoot Manor (24 lots) subject to future findings of adequate public facilities (APF) for schools for each phase and standard TEC/plan review conditions.
The St. Mary's County Planning Commission approved the preliminary plan and phasing for the Lightfoot Manor major subdivision, a proposed 24‑lot clustered community on approximately 83 acres in the Rural Preservation District (RPD).
David Berry of the Department of Land Use and Growth Management reviewed staff findings: the plan uses clustering and approximately 45.5 acres of common open space to maintain rural character, provides a single access point to Maryland Route 5 that meets subdivision standards for a single access, and proposes sidewalks/hike‑bike path along Lightfoot Road and open‑space parcels to provide passive recreation. Staff said site drainage, erosion control and construction will comply with accepted engineering practices; other Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) agencies reviewed the concept and preliminary plans in prior cycles. The project abuts St. Mary's Lake State Park and a stream buffer on the west, which limits interparcel connection in places; an interparcel access easement is provided where practicable.
Berry noted that the commission must make findings under Section 30.5.5 of the subdivision ordinance. Staff recommended approval with one explicit condition: the applicant must return to the planning commission for a finding of adequate public facilities for schools and compliance with the annual growth policy before approval of any successive phases or when required by the annual growth policy.
The applicant's engineer, John Norris of NG and O, and project representatives answered commissioners' questions about right‑of‑way widths, future phases and transfer‑of‑development‑rights (TDR) needs. Staff said the project requires about 12 TDRs; the applicant has acquired TDRs and expects to use them. Commissioners noted the project's large contiguous open spaces and wildlife corridor adjacency and complimented the design. The motion to approve the preliminary plan (moved by Mister Thompson; seconded by Mister Hayden) passed by voice vote.
