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Committee recommends overhaul of open‑space residential rules with townhome and density changes
Summary
The committee recommended approval of a comprehensive amendment to open‑space residential development rules that consolidates options, reduces permitted densities in most districts, adds road and exterior buffers, and creates caps on units unless properties are in higher‑density future‑land‑use areas; members flagged townhouse standards and review timing.
The Planning & Development Committee on Aug. 3 recommended approval of CZ‑2026‑040, a broad amendment to the county's open‑space residential development rules that would consolidate multiple options, reduce permitted densities in affected districts, require roadside and exterior buffers, and cap the number of units for attached housing unless the property is already planned for higher densities.
Staff described the proposal as a compromise to address concerns from residents worried about infill and higher densities while offering a clear path for property owners and developers. Key changes include elimination of unique standards for single‑family attached dwellings in certain zones, consolidation of open‑space options into a single standard, mandatory roadside buffers (20 feet) and exterior setbacks, and units‑per‑acre caps except where the comprehensive plan designates higher density.
Several council members raised worries that the changes could allow 100% townhome developments in some districts and that design standards for townhomes had been partially removed. Staff noted the draft includes a six‑month review with mandatory reviews thereafter and recommended that any council‑level amendments be considered when the zoning and land development regulation (LDR) tracks are merged at full council. The committee voted to recommend the amendment to County Council while asking staff to coordinate LDR and zoning provisions and to consider townhouse design standards before final council action.
Next steps: County Council will review the committee recommendation and the consolidated zoning/LDR materials at a future session; staff signaled a scheduled workshop and the possibility of council amendments before final adoption.
