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Walkersville planning commission forwards amended zoning map to Burgess and commissioners
Summary
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward an amended town zoning map — including parcel-specific changes and a reclassification of a stormwater pond — to the Burgess and commissioners for ordinance preparation and further public hearings.
The Walkersville Planning Commission voted on Oct. 14 to forward an amended town zoning map to the Burgess and commissioners after line‑by‑line review of owner requests and public comments. The commission approved the motion by unanimous vote.
The discussion reviewed four written comments and one in‑person audience comment received after the last public hearing. Commissioners examined parcel‑level requests including the DeCaro property, several lots on Pennsylvania Avenue and an East Frederick Street block where several owner‑occupied houses are nonconforming under business zoning. Staff member (Speaker 3) noted owner requests and pointed out that some lots are substandard in size and setbacks; the commission agreed to keep three small Pennsylvania Drive lots at R‑1 rather than converting them.
Commissioners also debated classification for parcel 15 — the stormwater pond — and initially proposed open space before amending that motion to mark it institutional, characterizing the pond as infrastructure rather than recreational land. The commission asked staff (Susan) to follow up with State Highway on that parcel.
Chair (Speaker 2) moved to forward the zoning map update as amended to the Burgess and commissioners for ordinance drafting and subsequent hearings; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Staff said the map and accompanying zoning text will be introduced as an ordinance and will return for further public hearings once the Burgess and commissioners prepare the ordinance language.
The commission emphasized that their role is advisory — their vote forwards recommendations, not final enactment — and that the Burgess and commissioners will receive the full package with recommended definitions and map changes for adoption if they choose. The commission also agreed to notify affected property owners about the next steps and public hearing schedule.
The Planning Commission is scheduled to meet again Oct. 28; the Burgess and commissioners will determine the timeline for the ordinance introduction and hearings.
