Somerset council extends permit for 5529 Surrey, approves tree removals and two environmental ordinances, tables building‑line changes

The Somerset Town Council took several operational and regulatory actions at its July 7 meeting, including a permit extension for work at 5529 Surrey, multiple approved tree removals, adoption of two ordinances restricting pesticide use and removing vegetation from town property, and tabling a separate, broader ordinance on the established building line and curb cuts for further work‑session discussion.

Permit extension: Council approved a motion to grant an additional four‑month extension for the building permit at 5529 Surrey (applicant Robert Herman), moving the proposed expiration to Oct. 15, 2025. Staff noted the extension does not lift the stop‑work order; the applicant must still resolve fence code issues and submit an amended stormwater plan for council review. Neighbors asked whether the stormwater amendment would delay other work; staff said stormwater features cannot proceed until amendment approval.

Trees: The town arborist, Dr. Talbert Feather, recommended removal of a hazardous town tree at 5602 Warwick Place and three failing trees in Capela Park because of decay and structural hollows; the council approved those removals by voice vote. The council also approved a private tree‑removal permit for a deteriorated 34‑inch tree at 5520 Greyston Street.

Ordinances: The council adopted an ordinance to prohibit use of registered pesticides on town property and parkland, implementing Somerset’s prior voluntary opt‑in to Montgomery County’s pesticide rules and extending the prohibition to town‑owned land. The council also adopted an ordinance expressly prohibiting unauthorized removal or modification of vegetation and biomass from town parklands.

Building‑line/curb‑cut ordinance tabled: Councilmembers raised concerns that the draft ordinance and the town’s variance criteria are currently too broad and subjective (questions included whether curb‑cut variances and grandfathered apron widths were being handled consistently). The mayor recommended tabling the ordinance to the September meeting, and the council voted to table to allow detailed work‑session review and circulation of proposed amendments.

Public comment & one fee noted: At the start of the meeting a resident who said he does pro‑bono landscape cleanup in town objected to a $325 chipping fee the town intended to charge for debris he removed; the mayor asked him to submit a written appeal for the September agenda. Staff recommended that the resident put his request in writing so council can consider it formally.

Next steps: Staff will process the permit extension paperwork, review tree‑removal logistics, and prepare amended ordinance drafts and public‑notice language ahead of the September work session.