Plan updates 50-year old zoning with recommendations for residential, commercial and mixed-use zones
SILVER SPRING, MD – The Montgomery County Planning Board, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, approved the Germantown Plan for the Town Sector Zone on Thursday, November 7, 2019 for transmittal to the County Council and County Executive.
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.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.
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.
These recommendations include the following:
- 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.
Review the entire Planning Board draft here. https://montgomeryplanning.org/planning/communities/area-3/germantown/germantown-plan-town-sector-zone/
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.