Commission forwards text amendment removing accessory residential use from planned commercial centers

On March 17 the Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-0 to forward a favorable recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners for a text amendment that would remove language allowing residential dwellings as accessory uses in planned commercial centers.

Staff explained the amendment would excise section d (items 1 through 6) of development and subdivision regulation 155.092 and amend zoning section 158.083 to prevent new accessory residential uses while preserving existing projects. To avoid creating nonconforming situations for completed projects, staff proposed a grandfather clause allowing accessory dwellings approved prior to Dec. 18, 2025 to continue in existence.

The commission discussed whether the county should instead add stronger design guidance to make accessory residential units more attractive and appropriate. Commissioners noted mixed-use design standards, differentiation between ground-floor retail and upper-floor housing, required common open space, and circulation and lighting standards could improve outcomes. Staff said a consultant working on deferral-related code revisions will prepare design guidance examples and potential regulatory language.

A motion to approve the redlined amendment and forward a favorable recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners was made and seconded; roll call recorded four yeas and zero nays. Staff said the board may choose to hold a public hearing on the amendment during its review.

Staff will present the commission's recommendation to the Board and follow the usual text-amendment process if the board moves the item forward.