Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners set new town‑center density policy, cutting many maximums to four units per acre
Summary
After an extensive presentation and debate, the board directed staff to reduce many town‑center maximum residential densities to 4 dwelling units per acre (unless already lower), adjusted TDR discussions, and allowed limited electronic message center replacements for churches with existing reader boards.
Calvert County planning staff and the board revised key elements of the 2024 zoning-ordinance update, including maximum residential densities for town centers, transfer-of-development-rights (TDR) requirements, and rules on electronic message centers (EMCs).
Mary Beth Pope, director of planning and zoning, and staff presented proposed changes to town-center subareas and residential-density limits tied to the county’s comprehensive plan. Staff outlined town-center examples and current versus proposed densities, and showed recent local projects to illustrate how permitted density translated into actual units built.
Commissioners debated TDR requirements, exemptions, and whether senior and low‑income housing should be exempt. Commissioner Crossley (speaker 4) proposed reducing the maximum density in town centers from the draft 14 dwelling units per acre to 4 dwelling units per acre unless an area was already set lower; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
Commissioners spoke at length about infrastructure capacity, school and road impacts, and whether lowering the density would push development to rural areas. Staff noted built-in exemptions and sunsets for projects already in process and said final ordinance language would clarify grandfathering and timelines. The board also considered EMCs and voted to permit churches with existing reader boards to replace them in kind with EMCs subject to limitations; staff was directed to recommend timing and display limits.
Public comment at the meeting reflected strong local concern for high-density projects (several speakers urged delays or additional studies for Lusby‑area projects). The board instructed staff to finalize draft ordinance language and bring it back for public review; staff expects to release the second draft for public comment at the end of the month and return with comments in October.
Next steps: staff will translate board direction into ordinance text, produce the second draft for public review, and schedule public hearings as part of the formal adoption process.
