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Residents urge caution on "Silver Housing" zoning; council schedules more hearings
Summary
Two residents testified at a public hearing on Ordinance 12-17 (creating a Silver Housing Communities zoning article), raising concerns that HOA requirements could burden small subdivisions and that parking reductions may worsen off-street parking problems; council set another hearing on March 2.
Havre de Grace — At a Feb. 17 public hearing on Ordinance 12-17, which would add an Article 11-A to the city zoning code to create a category for "Silver Housing Communities" aimed at older-adult housing, two residents told the council the draft ordinance needs additional review.
Carol Zimmerman, who identified herself as a board member of one homeowners association, said the ordinance’s requirement that a homeowners association administer a silver housing subdivision could impose significant legal and financial burdens — especially on very small subdivisions. Zimmerman said HOAs must meet ongoing requirements such as electing a board, holding meetings, maintaining records, purchasing insurance and preparing budgets, and that small subdivisions (she cited a recent five-unit subdivision on St. John Street) may struggle to bear those obligations without hiring property-management firms.
"Given the amount of effort required to comply with these regulations, HOAs typically hire property management companies," Zimmerman told the council, and she urged the city to consider incorporating a minimum subdivision size so small infill projects are not saddled with perpetual HOA administration costs.
Carrie Parsons testified that allowing single infill lots within residential (R) districts to be designated as a type-S senior house risks creating standalone "postage-stamp" homes that do not function as a community. Parsons also warned that the ordinance’s proposed reductions to parking requirements (referenced by line number in the draft) could compound off-street parking problems in neighborhoods with two or more vehicles per household.
Council members asked the speakers whether they could suggest a specific minimum size; Zimmerman said she had no exact number and suggested planning staff research what would be financially sustainable. The mayor and staff noted the ordinance and two related zoning items will return for another public hearing at the council’s March 2 meeting for additional public input.
No council votes were taken on Ordinance 12-17 at the Feb. 17 meeting.
