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Howard County speakers warn HB239/SB36 could strip local zoning controls and spur investor-driven density
Summary
Speakers from People's Voice in Columbia and the Howard County Citizens Association told delegates HB239/SB36 (Starter/Silver Homes Act) would remove owner-occupancy and setback controls, bypass local adequate public facilities ordinances, and risk straining schools, water and stormwater systems.
Lisa Markovitz of People's Voice in Columbia told the delegation that HB239/SB36 removes important local safeguards — including owner-occupancy requirements and exemptions for infrastructure planning — and could incentivize investors to buy single-family homes and convert them to multi-unit rentals, pushing rents higher.
"If owner occupancy is not required...investors will be too incentivized to buy up single homes," Markovitz said, urging amendments to preserve local planning tools and require affordability measures for new units.
Christie Mumma of the Howard County Citizens Association argued the bills are "a direct assault on local home rule and single family home zoning," warning they would bypass adequate public facilities ordinances and could increase impervious surfaces and runoff that undermine Chesapeake Bay restoration goals.
Both organizations asked the delegation to consider local planning impacts, infrastructure capacity and environmental consequences before supporting the statewide mandate.
