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Planning Commission reviews Housing Element, considers New Market request
Summary
Frederick County staff presented the draft Housing Element for a 60-day review; the Town of New Market asked the County not to change land use in its Growth Area to Mixed Use. Commissioners discussed impact fees, a tiered fee approach, and received input from FCPS; two in-person public commenters spoke.
County planning staff presented the Housing Element draft and 60‑day review comments at the Jan. 21 Planning Commission meeting, seeking the Commission’s direction on several edits and on a request from the Town of New Market.
Planner Karin Flom summarized the project history, public workshops and the comments received during the 60‑day review. The Town of New Market requested that the County refrain from designating lands in the New Market Growth Area south of the I‑70 interchange as Mixed Use; staff indicated that the current draft does not make that land-use change and asked the Commission whether to preserve that approach. Flom noted staff had provided the Commission with summarized input from Frederick County Public Schools.
Commissioners discussed impact fees and the possibility of a tiered structure to address equity concerns; Chair Mark Long suggested a review of impact fee inequities. Commissioners also asked staff to provide additional maps and data, including overlaying Agriculture Preservation and Rural Legacy boundaries on proposed zoning maps to better understand potential conflicts.
Two people spoke in person during public comment. Staff said the Planning Commission will consider edits and may schedule a workshop and public hearing (options discussed for March 11 or March 18) as the Housing Element moves forward through the County and state 60‑day review process.
Next steps: staff will bring compiled comments and recommended edits back to the Commission at a future workshop and, if warranted, schedule the public hearing in March.
