Council refers land-use table to Planning & Zoning, orders expedited review of ADUs and short-term rentals

The Chesapeake Beach Town Council voted Nov. 20 to formally refer the town’s land-use table — including conditional and special-exemption provisions and attachments — to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a comprehensive review and recommendation.

Councilmember Jamie, who made the referral motion, asked that the commission provide a clear timeline within the current budget year and prioritize three focus areas: accessory dwelling units (ADUs) within six months, short-term rentals within six months, and home-based and cottage businesses within 90 days. After extensive discussion about consistency with the town’s comprehensive plan, parking concerns and the need for a clear council vision, the council amended the referral to state its goal: to modernize and make the land-use table less restrictive while safeguarding the community.

Planning & Zoning staff (Sarah) said the commission is already reviewing coastal-resiliency items and that ADU work would require examining parking-waiver procedures, lot-size impacts and consistency with state law. Councilmembers emphasized public engagement: members urged the commission to solicit public input and referenced the town's Zendesk/info portal as a mechanism to collect comments.

The motion passed after an amendment; council instructed staff and the commission to prioritize the stated items and to return recommendations consistent with the comprehensive plan. Council members warned they want thoughtful, not rushed, work but asked the commission to present proposed changes within the requested time boxes so the council may meet state deadlines.

The referral is procedural: amendments to the zoning article require a Planning & Zoning recommendation; the council's direction provides a prioritized scope and time frame for that review.