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.
Visit here often for updates.
|
