Planning Commission recommends County Council adopt Bill 25-14 to streamline land-use table

The Frederick County Planning Commission voted 7-0 on Jan. 14 to recommend County Council adopt Bill 25-14, an amendment to Chapter 1-19 of the zoning ordinance that consolidates and clarifies entries in the county land-use table.

Planning staff — Mike Wilkins, Tolson DeSa and Ashley Moore — told commissioners the measure is intended as a cleanup to streamline overlapping categories and to make future state-driven changes (for example to cannabis or alcohol regulation) easier to manage within the table.

Why it matters: The land-use table determines which activities are permitted where across Frederick County. Commissioners said clearer categories should reduce uncertainty for applicants and staff, but sought assurances the change would not generate unintended nonconforming uses on existing parcels.

During review Commissioner Joel Rensberger asked, “does this create any non-conforming use on any parcel?” Planning Manager Ashley Moore responded that the amendment would not create nonconforming uses. Commissioner Craig Hicks urged staff to avoid using the single label “retail” in multiple ways, suggesting a distinct label such as “general retail” to prevent confusion between a use-category header and a specific use entry.

There were no public comments on the bill. After clarifying discussion the Commission moved to recommend adoption to County Council by a unanimous vote.

What’s next: The recommendation proceeds to the County Council for its consideration. The Council will determine whether to adopt the amendment as drafted, adopt with edits, or hold additional public hearings.