Plan updates 50-year old zoning with recommendations for residential, commercial and mixed-use zones
SILVER SPRING, MD – The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), is pleased to announce that the Germantown Plan for the Town Sector Zone was approved by the Montgomery County Council at their July 21, 2020 meeting. The purpose of this plan is to update the zoning classifications in the area of Churchill Village now regulated by Town Sector (T-S) zoning. The T-S Zone is being phased out due to changes in the county zoning code. View the Germantown Plan for the Town Sector Zone webpage.
The Germantown Plan for the Town Sector Zone addresses the 1,254 acres comprising the village’s T-S Zone, which includes Churchill Lake, parks, walking trails and recreational amenities. In 2014, Montgomery County updated its zoning ordinance and, as a result, the T-S Zone is being phased out.
These recommendations include:
- Maintain existing residential areas and densities.
- Protect community open space and recreational areas.
- Keep neighborhood-serving businesses and grandfather existing commercial uses.
- Allow mixed uses where appropriate.
Additionally, as approved by the original 1968 zoning case that authorized the development of Churchill Village, no new zoning classifications could be considered for 50 years. This zoning control feature expired in 2018 and is the primary reason for the new sector plan. Planners have analyzed existing land uses, densities and open spaces in order to prepare new zoning recommendations that best reflect current conditions, uses and densities.
The plan was approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board and transmitted to the County Council on November 7, 2019. On July 30, 2020, the Planning Board will consider the approval of a resolution to adopt the County Council’s changes before transmittal to the M-NCPPC for its adoption. Planners will then incorporate any changes in the resolution that is provided and create an Approved and Adopted version of the plan. Learn more about the master planning process.
Learn more about the Germantown Plan for the Town Sector Zone by signing up for the plan e-newsletter. For more information, contact lead planner Phillip Estes at Phillip.Estes@montgomeryplanning.org.