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Rising Sun officials warn proposed state zoning bill would limit local control over lot size, setbacks and impact fees
Summary
Town officials said a pending state measure would cap minimum lot sizes at 5,000 square feet, limit setbacks to about five feet, allow subdivisions of previously undivided property and bar impact fees — changes they say would shift infrastructure costs to current taxpayers. The town plans to send a letter to the legislative housing committee and join Maryland Municipal League opposition.
Rising Sun officials warned that a pending state bill would significantly curtail local zoning authority by restricting lot sizes, setbacks and impact fees, and they said the town will push back through a letter to the state housing committee and coordination with the Maryland Municipal League.
Town Administrator Cal described specific elements he said are in the proposed state legislation: a prohibition on communities requiring lot sizes larger than 5,000 square feet, limits on required setbacks that would allow homes as close as five feet from property lines, a rule allowing any residential property not subdivided in the previous three years to be subdivided, and a bar on charging impact fees. "The new legislation is going to be no community can require a lot size larger than 5,000 square feet," Cal said.
Cal argued these changes would enable denser development and higher profits for developers while leaving existing taxpayers to cover previously paid infrastructure costs for sewer and water. The Mayor said he and another official would draft a letter to the housing committee in the general assembly to explain how the changes would affect a rural community like Rising Sun. Cal said the Maryland Municipal League is also preparing opposition.
Officials urged residents to be aware of the potential changes and noted the town is monitoring the state legislative session; no formal local policy change was made at the meeting.
