Planning commission approves concept plan for Lot 19 in St. Mary’s Industrial Park

The St. Mary’s County Planning Commission on Oct. 23 voted to approve a concept site plan for Lot 19 in St. Mary’s Industrial Park, clearing the way for a one-story 12,920-square-foot office and a 7,000-square-foot warehouse building.

The commission accepted the staff report and a motion finding that the proposal meets the objectives of section 60.6 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, then voted to approve the concept site plan. Commissioner Joe Vankirk moved for approval; Commissioner Hal Willard seconded. The commission voiced no opposition during the roll call vote.

The site, identified as Concept Site Plan 111320003 (St. Mary’s Industrial Park, Lot 19), sits near Airport View Drive and the St. Mary’s County Airport. Consultant Jay Hobson told the commission the parcel is largely cleared, contains delineated wetlands with buffers, and includes a drainage divide with the rear of the site draining toward the airport. Hobson described stormwater measures including three bioretention areas and micro-bioretention behind the building, a 30-foot C-type buffer yard along the western property line adjacent to three residential lots, and a 6-foot chain-link fence set along the parking edge.

Staff told commissioners the property previously received review during an April 14, 2011 Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) cycle and was reviewed by the planning commission in October 2013; the applicant has reduced the proposed office square footage from earlier submissions and added a 7,000-square-foot warehouse for a new total of about 19,920 square feet. Staff said parking requirements are met (68 spaces provided, 68 maximum permitted on the concept plan) and that final findings regarding adequate public facilities will be made administratively by the planning director before final site plan approval. Staff also noted that Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) approval for any wetland crossings will be required prior to final approval.

Commissioners asked questions about the nature of the tenant’s business (consultant/agent Jay Hobson described electronics/audio-visual governmental and church work and said the rear loading area would likely see roughly one shipment per day) and whether future building placement could be shifted to avoid wetlands. Hobson confirmed prior permits for wetland disturbance had expired and that the current plan disturbs less area than previously permitted. No members of the public testified during the hearing.

The commission’s approval at concept stage does not itself authorize construction; staff emphasized several outstanding administrative requirements—MDE wetland permit(s) and administrative final findings for adequate public facilities—must be satisfied before final site plan approval.