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Council approves remanded Wheaton map amendment with new height restriction and adopts two zoning text amendments
Summary
The council unanimously approved Local Map Amendment H-149 on remand, adding a binding element that limits building height along a Randolph Road frontage, and also adopted ZTA 25-14 and ZTA 26-02 to align overlay zones with the optional method public benefits system and to adjust rules for Regional Shopping Center overlay zones.
The Montgomery County Council took several land-use actions on March 24, approving a remanded local map amendment for a Wheaton site and adopting two zoning text amendments.
On Local Map Amendment H-149 (property at Randolph Road and Georgia Avenue), the hearing examiner reported that parties reached a settlement that adds a binding element to restrict building height to a maximum of 45 feet along a defined Randolph Road frontage and depth to protect the adjacent neighborhood. The hearing examiner said the remand hearing included additional exhibits on school adequacy and transportation and that the added binding element was negotiated during the hearing.
Following presentation of the record and the hearing examiner's recommendation, the council approved the resolution by roll call; the chair noted the vote was unanimous.
Separately, the council adopted Zoning Text Amendment 25-14 to amend several overlay zones so they align with the county’s new optional-method public benefits system. Committee materials said the measure updates the public benefits menu, grandfathering rules and source data for biannual payment-in-lieu adjustments. The Planning, Housing and Parks committee recommended approval with an amendment; the council voted to adopt the amendment unanimously.
The council also adopted ZTA 26-02 to modify the Regional Shopping Center (RSC) overlay. The change allows multifamily residential development to exceed the existing 30% cap in the RSC overlay zone if the mall or district retains at least 600,000 leasable square feet of retail; the committee expanded allowable housing types and clarified references to gross leasable area. The council approved this measure by roll call as well.
Each vote was recorded as unanimous during the March 24 meeting; council members and staff emphasized that these actions follow committee review and public engagement. The LMA approval incorporates findings from the prior resolution with the newly negotiated binding element; the two ZTAs implement committee and staff clarifications to reflect the county's policy goals for public benefits and mixed-use redevelopment.
