Frederick County OKs rear‑loaded townhouses in RP district after public hearing

The Frederick County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 28 approved a zoning text amendment to allow rear-loaded townhouses in the county’s RP Residential Performance district.

Planner Eric Binner told the board the amendment, requested by a private engineering firm, would permit reduced rear setbacks and narrower side setbacks when units are served by a rear alley. He said the modification aligns with approaches used in other localities and that the district’s 30% open-space requirement would remain unchanged.

Binner noted concerns flagged by Frederick Water about utilities and easement sharing if utilities are placed in rear yards, and he told the board those technical issues would be resolved at the site-plan review stage. He also flagged how parking and garage configurations could affect whether reduced setbacks are practical for some sites.

During public comment Leslie Spencer Gainsborough asked staff to estimate how much impervious surface the rear-loaded townhouse option might create and to consider increasing required open space if needed. David Frank, representing part of the land-development community, spoke in favor of the amendment as a modern housing option.

After discussion the board voted to adopt the amendment as presented. Staff said any specific issues (utility easement layouts, fire access and parking) will be handled during site-plan review and through required agency approvals.

The amendment adds a design option intended to broaden housing choices in the county’s urban development area while keeping review safeguards in place at the project stage.