Frostburg council approves first reading of zoning change to allow artisan small-scale manufacturing in residential areas

The Frostburg Mayor and City Council approved on first reading Ordinance 2026-01, which would amend the city zoning code to add 'artisan small-scale manufacturing' in residential districts as a permitted use and reclassify it in commercial districts.

City staff and the planning commission recommended the amendment as a measure to promote low-impact economic development; the planning commission reviewed the proposal at its Nov. 12, 2025 meeting and recommended adoption. The ordinance text presented at first reading defines the artisan small-scale uses in section 8.2, and amends multiple subsections of Appendix A of the Frostburg code. The ordinance would take effect 20 days after passage and staff said it is intended to allow home-based, low-impact activities such as home bakeries, crafting and small woodworking while excluding noxious, excessively noisy, or traffic-generating uses.

Mr. Miller and other councilmembers said the changes are intended to clarify existing home-based activities, provide a legal pathway for those businesses, and encourage entrepreneurship while protecting residential character. "Things that would create excessive amounts of traffic in residential areas" were described as not permitted; proponents said this mainly captures low-impact home businesses already operating in neighborhoods.

The council voted to approve the ordinance on first reading and set the required public hearing for Jan. 20, 2026. The measure will return for final action after the public hearing; the council invited public comment at that hearing.