Council adopts amendment easing set‑aside requirement for minor farm subdivisions after public plea

The Wicomico County Council unanimously adopted legislative bill 202603 on April 7, 2026, a revision to chapter 200 of the county code that removes a required open‑space set‑aside for certain minor subdivisions in agricultural and rural zoning districts. The council reconsidered the measure after a public hearing earlier in the meeting and a public commenter outlined how the present rule would force a 71.5‑acre farm to set aside roughly half its acreage.

During the meeting planning staff (Tracy Taylor) described the scope of the amendment and advised council on its effect on minor subdivisions. Resident Ron Bash said the existing rule would require him to designate about 35.75 acres — half of his 71.5‑acre property — as open space if prior lot‑history triggered the set‑aside, preventing the three‑lot division he seeks for family and farm use. Bash asked council to act to avoid what he called an unfair burden on small farmers.

Council members debated the procedural options and then voted to place the bill on the current agenda. After roll call, council passed the amendment unanimously. Administration noted the measure had already received a favorable recommendation from the planning and zoning commission. The council did not indicate an emergency enactment; the change will take effect under the normal schedule for non‑emergency ordinance enactments.

The action followed public‑comment procedures and the council’s vote concludes the legislative process for this item unless administrative steps are required to publish the amended code. The speaker who raised the example thanked the council after the vote and offered additional comments during the public‑comment period.