Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the State Legislation Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Washington Grove preservation commission to draft comments on state bill that could limit local zoning controls
Summary
On Jan. 20 the Washington Grove Historic Preservation Commission agreed to draft comments on a proposed State Senate bill that would restrict local dimensional and design controls for single‑family housing; members will coordinate with the Planning Commission and seek input from State Senator Nancy King.
The Washington Grove Historic Preservation Commission on Jan. 20 discussed a proposed State Senate bill that would restrict local jurisdictions’ authority to adopt or enforce certain zoning provisions for single‑family housing, including minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage and architectural or aesthetic standards. The commission noted the bill also touches townhouses and certain subdivisions and could preempt local design controls that protect the town’s historic character.
Commission members raised concern that Washington Grove’s listing on the National Register may not meet the bill’s apparent exemption, which the members said appears to reference state‑recognized local historic districts rather than federal listings. Members warned the difference could leave the town’s locally applied dimensional and design protections vulnerable if the state language preempts them.
The commission agreed to coordinate with the Planning Commission and to prepare a written comment letter early in the legislative session. Chair Bob Booher was assigned to draft the comment and to coordinate with Planning Commission members for input or parallel submission. Members also asked to seek additional context and assessment from local contacts, including Maryland State Senator Nancy King, about the bill’s status and any potential amendments.
Members discussed local context they want reflected in comments, including the town’s ongoing efforts to address housing needs through accessory dwelling units and consideration of apartments in the commercial zone; they emphasized that those local policy actions do not eliminate the need to preserve dimensional and design standards that support the town’s historic integrity.
The commission did not take a formal vote on a final position at the Jan. 20 meeting but recorded assignments to prepare a coordinated response and to gather further information before submitting comments to District 39 legislators and other relevant offices. The commission expects to pursue this coordination with the Planning Commission in a public joint working meeting planned for February.
