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Havre de Grace council adopts 'Silver Housing Communities' zoning rules with larger lot minimum
Summary
On March 16, 2026 the Havre de Grace City Council adopted Ordinance 12‑17 to add a new 'Silver Housing Communities' zoning article, approving amendments that cap subdivisions at 65 units, require HOAs for shared space or 10+ units, and raise the minimum lot size from 1,500 to 2,800 square feet; the measure passed 6–0.
Havre de Grace — The City Council voted 6–0 on March 16 to adopt Ordinance 12‑17, adding Article 11A, "Silver Housing Communities," to chapter 205 of the city zoning code.
The ordinance, approved on its second reading, establishes a definition for a "silver housing subdivision" and adds several amendments the council accepted during the meeting. Staff read four changes into the record: (1) add a definitions section; (2) limit a silver housing subdivision to a maximum of 65 dwelling units; (3) require a homeowners association for any new subdivision that contains shared or common space or has 10 or more dwelling units; and (4) change numerical standards (including increasing a minimum lot size from 1,500 to 2,800 square feet). Speaker 9, who read the amendment language, summarized one of the new limits: "a silver housing subdivision shall be limited to a maximum of 65 dwelling units." (Speaker 9)
The change to minimum lot size prompted a question from resident Carol Zimmerman during public comment, who asked whether the increase from 1,500 to 2,800 square feet would raise housing costs. Staff (the planner on the record) replied the change was discretionary and was adjusted to fit a then‑proposed development on the hospital property; staff said the city would reconsider lot sizes if a future project warranted it.
Council discussion touched on parking and setbacks. One council member welcomed higher parking standards, saying the increase was "reasonable for vibrant senior living communities" so residents could "have more than one car," while staff explained how historic‑district setback rules would still apply in downtown blocks and that the planning director could require greater setbacks when needed.
Mayor William T. Martin formally called the roll for adoption. The ordinance cites the city's authority under Article 11E of the Maryland Constitution, the Land Use Article and the annotated code of Maryland, and sections 33 and 34 of the Havre de Grace City Charter. The roll call vote was recorded as 6–0 in favor.
What happens next: The ordinance is adopted on second reading and will be part of the city code unless future amendments are proposed. Staff noted the city could revisit minimum lot sizes if different projects come before the council.
