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Council introduces six-month moratorium on multi-family zoning while Master Plan is reviewed
Summary
Bill No. 5496 would impose a temporary moratorium (legally limited to six months) on multi-family residential zoning in unincorporated St. Charles County to give the Master Plan Committee time to reassess where higher-density housing should be allowed; some council members criticized timing and scope.
Councilman Mike Elam introduced Bill No. 5496 on June 8, proposing a temporary moratorium on multi-family residential zoning applications in unincorporated St. Charles County so the Master Plan Committee can evaluate whether apartments, duplexes, condos and townhomes fit the county's future development strategy.
County Executive Steve Ehlmann presented a spreadsheet showing apartment-unit approvals across political subdivisions over the past 19 years and said the moratorium would provide breathing room to assess future needs. Acting County Counselor Rory O'Sullivan told the council state law limits moratoria to a six-month maximum.
Councilman Joe Brazil criticized the timing, saying a six-month moratorium that lapses shortly after the November election could appear politically motivated, and questioned why the county hired an out-of-state master-plan consultant that did not attend a steering committee meeting in person. Councilman Tim Baker joined Brazil in arguing the six-month cap may be insufficient and urged clearer language if the council intends a longer pause.
No final vote on Bill No. 5496 was recorded the evening of June 8; the ordinance was introduced and placed on the council's agenda for future consideration.
Next steps: Bill No. 5496 will return for further consideration; council members requested additional Master Plan committee input and clarification of intended moratorium length.
