SILVER SPRING, MD – As the Planning Board prepares to overhaul the Montgomery County Zoning Code, its professional planning staff will again go out to the public to provide anyone interested in zoning a chance to see what’s in store.
The zoning code regulates development throughout the county by specifying what, where and how property owners can develop. The 1,076-page, decades-old code is viewed as antiquated and hard to use, and Montgomery County has changed much since it was last rewritten in 1977. The current rewrite, expected in 2011, will lay the framework for more strategic, sustainable development and make the document simpler to use.
At two informational open houses scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 20 and noon Wednesday, April 21, planners will update visitors on the project’s progress and explain what needs to be done. At display stations illuminating key elements of the Zoning Code Rewrite Project, staff will respond to questions from the public throughout the two-hour events.
Among the displays is a visual presentation of what’s allowed in different zones, such as the mix of land uses, building design and public amenities. The new code looks to protect established neighborhoods and the Agricultural Reserve, while in other areas codifying a property’s owner’s ability to build a mix of land uses and providing policy-makers an opportunity to regulate density, height and public amenities such as street trees and public space.
Other displays shed light on how zoning can help achieve sustainability goals, how to simplify the listing of land uses allowed in zones, and better define development standards like landscaping, lighting or parking to improve overall project quality.
The Zoning Code Rewrite project will continue to offer opportunities for public input. Recently, planners collaborated with its professional consultant team, Code Studio, on a project approach and outline. Interested people are welcome to comment online.
Who:
Montgomery County Planning Department
What:
Zoning Montgomery Open Houses
When & Where:
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 20
Park and Planning Headquarters auditorium
8787 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring
Noon Wednesday, April 21
Rockville Library
21 Maryland Ave., Rockville