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Rising Sun establishes zoological zoning district to support Plumpton Park Zoo partnership
Summary
The board approved Ordinance 2025‑05 to create a zoo‑focused zoning district and facilitate a public–private partnership with Plumpton Park Zoo, including performance standards, master‑plan requirements and potential resident discounts; a public question clarified the town does not currently supply water to the zoo.
The Town of Rising Sun voted Nov. 18 to adopt Ordinance 2025‑05, which creates a zoological district intended to support Plumpton Park Zoo in a potential public–private partnership.
Town staff said the change would let the municipality apply for parks and recreation and community development grants with the zoo under the town’s umbrella, offer residents potential discounted admissions and enable zoning for visitor‑related uses. The ordinance lists permitted zoo uses and accessory structures, allows renewable‑energy installations to support self‑sufficiency, and sets conditional‑use review for large amphitheaters or high‑capacity events so the town can assess traffic and safety impacts.
At the public hearing, resident Kristen Shepherd asked whether the town already provides water to the zoo; town staff replied that the town does not currently supply water but would do so if the zoo annexes and the parties enter an agreement. The administrator also said the zoo site may qualify for Maryland Department of the Environment grants for water‑quality work.
The board approved the ordinance by voice vote after the public hearing. Town staff said the zoning will require a master park site plan before larger improvements proceed and that performance standards—such as noise limits and public‑safety measures—are built into the code.
