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Planning commission forwards package of zoning text amendments — including airport‑area boat sales, FAR change and conservation tweaks
Summary
On April 9 the Planning Commission recommended favorable votes to the county commissioners on multiple citizen‑ and commission‑sponsored text amendments: 26‑04 (boat sales/repair and marinas in APKIG), 26‑07 (increase WVC FAR to 40%), 26‑08 (commercial apartments on same floor), 26‑09/26‑10 (TDR/NCD administrative subdivision fixes), and 26‑12 (Forest Conservation Act updates). Two citizen‑sponsored amendments (2605, 2606) were deferred to May.
The Queen Anne’s County Planning Commission on April 9 voted to forward favorable recommendations on a package of zoning text amendments and code updates to the Board of County Commissioners, while deferring two applications to the May agenda.
Key votes and items
- County Ordinance 26‑04 (citizen‑sponsored): The commission recommended adding boat sales, repair and marinas to the list of uses that may exceed a 65,000 square‑foot gross floor‑area cap in the Airport Protection and Kent Island Gateway (APKIG) District. Senior planner Mary Ellen Gray noted the county comprehensive plan supports maritime industry activity and cited an $80.3 million annual economic contribution. Ryan Showalter, speaking for Hinkley BB Holdings, said a proposed indoor boat storage and repair facility near the airport requires larger floor area; FAA and Maryland Aviation Administration coordination on height and temporary construction equipment was discussed. The commission voted unanimously to recommend the amendment.
- County Ordinance 26‑07: Staff recommended increasing the by‑right non‑residential floor‑area ratio (FAR) in the Waterfront Village Center (WVC) from 0.30 to 0.40. Applicant counsel Jody Schultz told the panel the change aligns WVC with other commercial districts and reduces reliance on the bonus‑density process. The commission forwarded a favorable recommendation.
- County Ordinance 26‑08: The commission recommended allowing commercial apartment dwelling units to occupy any full floor (including first floor) in the WVC district to provide leasing flexibility in Kent Narrows; staff emphasized existing design, parking and supplemental standards will continue to apply.
- County Ordinance 26‑09 and 26‑10 (TDR / NCD amendments): The commission recommended changes allowing transferor parcels (TDR) and non‑contiguous development parcels designated as open space to be subdivided via the administrative subdivision process to effect lot‑line adjustments. Staff and applicants said deed restrictions and use limitations would remain unchanged and that the change would let adjacent owners
