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Council advances ADU and group-housing zoning changes; Planning Commission response pending
Summary
Havre de Grace council approved first readings of Ordinances 11-67 (ADUs) and 11-68 (group housing definitions and conditional use in RO). Council discussed definitions, Historic Preservation review, and waiting for a formal Planning Commission response before second reading.
Havre de Grace
The Havre de Grace City Council on Oct. 21 introduced and approved on first reading two zoning ordinances that would change Chapter 205.
Ordinance 11-67 would amend Chapter 205 to add or clarify definitions and rules related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Ordinance 11-68 would add a formal definition for "group housing" and create a mechanism for the Historic Preservation Commission to review site plans when properties subject to those changes come before the Board of Appeals; the change would also add a conditional use provision in the RO zoning district for certain conversions or uses.
Council members debated scope and timing: Councilman Robertson and others said the definitions primarily add regulatory clarity rather than creating new uses. Council Member Boyer asked whether adding definitions could produce a "slippery slope" effect across zoning districts; the city attorney and staff suggested the definition would apply across Chapter 205 and that the conditional-use change specifically targets the RO district. Robertson noted the council had not yet received a formal Planning Commission opinion; council members agreed to proceed with first reading and to await the Planning Commission response and a formal presentation prior to second reading and public hearing.
The ordinances passed first reading unanimously (6-0). The council discussed scheduling public hearings; Ordinance 11-67 was scheduled for Nov. 4 and Ordinance 11-68 is expected to have a public hearing Nov. 18, pending formal notice and Planning Commission feedback.
What's next: the Planning Department will request a formal opinion from the Planning Commission and staff will prepare materials for the public hearing and second reading. The council indicated any necessary amendments could be considered after Planning Commission review.
