MONTGOMERY COUNTY
COUNCIL COULD SHRINK "BUILDABLE" HOUSING FOOTPRINT
An amendment to Montgomery County’s zoning ordinance as introduced
by Montgomery County Councilmember Roger Berliner may further restrict
the size of homes that can be built on lot sizes between 6,000-20,000
square feet.
The legislation is an attempt to limit “mansionization” from
occurring in Montgomery County neighborhoods and is estimated to
reduce the “buildable” footprint for homeowners by 15-40
percent. The unintended consequence of this legislation is
that it will prohibit small lot owners (6,000-9,000 sq. ft.) from
making essential first floor improvements. People who are physically
challenged and require enhanced first floors to accommodate their
needs, or seniors who want to “age in place” and will
need first floor bedrooms and baths, will inevitably be affected
if this legislation passes.
On June 17, 2008, the Montgomery County Council held a public hearing
on Bill 15-08 that would require applicants for certain building
permits in small lot residential zones to notify their neighbors
of any planned development projects planned for to their property.
Residents and civic associations currently learn of a building permit
only after it is issued and posted on a property.
More than 25 people spoke at the public hearing. It can be
viewed in its entirety on the County’s Web site (www.montgomerycountymd.gov) Click
on the “County Cable 6” button on the left panel.
However, one day prior to the public hearing, the Montgomery County
Infill Development Task Force agreed in principle
on revisions to the originally proposed legislation and ZTA that
comprises the Infill Development Reform Act of 2008. The details
of the agreement can be downloaded
as a PDF, as provided directly from the County Council.
To provide feedback on these proposals to the County Council, you
can e-mail Council President Michael Knapp at 240-777-7955 or councilmember.knapp@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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