Council enacts six‑month moratorium on multifamily zoning applications in unincorporated county

The St. Charles County Council on June 29 voted to adopt Bill 5496, a temporary moratorium on multifamily residential zoning applications within unincorporated county areas, citing the ongoing master plan review and the need to evaluate density and infrastructure implications.

Councilman Joe Brazzle proposed removing the six‑month expiration and leaving the moratorium open-ended, but council members and legal counsel advised that moratoria should include a specific end date. After debate about master plan draft maps, small-lot designations, and whether recent apartment development reflects market demand or affordability pressures, the council decided to keep a six‑month term and revisit the issue later.

Councilmembers framed the moratorium both as a pause to align zoning approvals with the master plan and as an opportunity to study whether apartment construction reflects residents' preference or a shortage of starter homes. Councilmembers raised legal limits on moratoria and emphasized the need to avoid passing an ordinance vulnerable to legal challenge.

The ordinance passed by roll call with Councilmembers Brazzle, Hammond, Elum, Hollander, York, Baker and Swanson voting yes.

What happens next: The moratorium takes effect immediately for six months; staff and the planning department will undertake study and bring recommended zoning or policy changes back to the council. Councilmembers signaled willingness to reconsider the moratorium at its end date if conditions or legal guidance warrant.