Commissioners introduce amendment to gas-station standards allowing 75-foot variance, critics warn of safety risks

The Queen Anne's County Commissioners introduced Amendment #1 to Ordinance 26-05, a change to the county's supplemental standards for gas stations that would allow the Board of Appeals to grant a variance permitting the distance between a gas-station entrance or exit and any intersection to be as little as 75 feet. The amendment was introduced for referral to the planning commission for review and a recommendation within 60 days.

In public comment, Laura Davis of Churchill urged commissioners to reject the change, saying it would lower longstanding safety standards. "Ordinance 26 0 5 isn't just about one property," Davis said. "If approved, it changes the county standard that will apply to future development across Queen Anne's County." She told the board the county should pursue intersection improvements with the State Highway Administration rather than reduce setbacks.

Jay Falstad of the Queen Anne's Conservation Association raised process concerns, arguing recent text amendments have appeared tailored to benefit individual landowners and called for a top-down legislative review. Local resident Chris Blatt, while saying he supports local business, warned that placing a gas station closer to US 301 could encourage out-of-town drivers to enter at a dangerous point. "If you change rules, the second there's another collision, the county will be to blame," he said.

County staff told commissioners the amendment was drafted by planning staff and recommended introduction and referral; no final vote on the ordinance was taken. The planning commission will review the amendment and return a recommendation to the board before any ordinance adoption vote.