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Commission grants preliminary approval to Snow Hill Estates 24‑lot subdivision
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a preliminary plan for Snow Hill Estates (24 lots) after staff found the design complies with subdivision standards and required open‑space and access provisions; the approval included an archaeological preservation condition.
The St. Mary's County Planning Commission on Jan. 28 approved the preliminary subdivision plan for Snow Hill Estates (case P SUB 061200012), a proposed 24‑lot major subdivision, concluding the plan meets the comprehensive plan, subdivision design standards and required open‑space provisions.
Staff reported the 237.92‑acre parent tract includes approximately 47 acres in the critical area; the applicant’s design clusters lots and preserves more than the minimum required open space. The plan proposes multiple access points—Martin Court, Elizabeth A. Way, Lawrence Way, Anna B. Way and Squirrel Court—with Douglas Way serving additional lots; staff found the access layout meets the subdivision ordinance limits on maximum lots served by single access points. Staff also reported adequate public‑facility findings based on information submitted and noted that final engineering, drainage and erosion control reviews would be handled in subsequent technical review cycles.
The commission discussed historic resources on the property. Staff and the applicant explained the historic inventory indicates the likely location of an original manor on the parcel and that archaeological monitoring and coordination with the county historian will be required if archaeological resources are encountered during development. The applicant agreed to cooperate with historic‑preservation authorities.
A motion to approve the preliminary plan, amended to require notification of the state historical authority and measures to preserve known archaeological resources and to coordinate with county historic staff, passed unanimously by voice vote. The plan will proceed to final engineering and recordation steps with conditions specified by staff and the county attorney’s office for homeowners association documents and open‑space maintenance.
