HomeMy WebLinkAbout072-26 (ProposedOrdAmendmentChapter165Zoning(Buffer&ScreeningRequirements)) RESOLUTION
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Action:
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: March 11, 2026 Adopted
DIRECTING THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING
CHAPTER 165,ZONING ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 165
ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE II
SUPPLEMENTARY USE REGULATIONS; PARKING; BUFFERS; AND REGULATIONS FOR
SPECIFIC USES
PART 203—BUFFERS AND LANDSCAPING
§165-203.02 BUFFER AND SCREENING REQUIREMENTS
WHEREAS, a proposal to amend Chapter 165 — Zoning Ordinance to evaluate and modify the residential
separation buffers relative to multifamily structures to: ensure the current standard is not overly restrictive, in
keeping with best practices,and ensure that dissimilar adjoining housing types are still adequately buffered; and
WHEREAS,the amendment will be referred to the Development Review and Regulations Committee(DRRC)
for review at their next regular meeting; and
WHEREAS,the Board of Supervisors discussed the proposed changes on March 11, 2026; and
WHEREAS,the Frederick County Board of Supervisors finds it appropriate in public necessity,convenience,
general welfare,and good zoning practice to direct the Frederick County Planning Commission to hold a public
hearing regarding an amendment to Chapter 165;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT REQUESTED by the Frederick County Board of Supervisors, that in the
interest of public health, safety, general welfare, and good zoning practice, the Frederick County Planning
Commission hold a public hearing to consider changes to Chapter 165-203.02 Buffer and Screening
Requirements.
Passed this 11'day of March 2026 by the following recorded vote:
John F. Jewell, Chairman Aye Jason C.Aikens Aye
Albert L. Orndorff Aye Robert W. Wells Aye
Michael D. Guevremont Aye Robert T. Liero Aye
Gary R. Oates Aye
A COPY A EST
Michael L. BollhoAllinistrator
Frederick County
No. 072-26
1 V
COUNTY of FREDERICK
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w B ® Department of Planning and Development
540/ 665-5651
158 Fax: 540/ 665-6395
MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Wyatt Pearson,AICP,Director of Planning and Development
SUBJECT: Ordinance Amendment—Residential Separation Buffers Multi-Family
DATE: March 0%2026
Proposal:
This is a proposal to amend Chapter 165 - Zoning Ordinance to amend residential separation buffers for
multifamily structures contained in §165-203.02. The purpose of this amendment is evaluate and modify
the residential separation buffers relative to multifamily structures to: ensure the current standard is not
overly restrictive,in keeping with best practices,and ensure that dissimilar adjoining housing types are still
adequately buffered.
This ordinance amendment was requested in relation to a development proposal on property zoned
Residential Performance (RP).
Current Standard:
As stated in the ordinance,"Residential separation buffers shall be established to adequately buffer different
housing types from dissimilar housing types within adjacent separate developments."The current standard
imposes a Category C buffer between multifamily structures and single family detached structures (100-
100' Full Screen/150' Landscape Screen/200' No Screen).
Summary& Requested Action:
This item is presented for information and discussion. Staff is seeking direction from the Board of
Supervisors on desired changes.Following a discussion,staff is seeking consensus from the Board to move
forward with this amendment and to authorize staff schedule public hearings(TBD).
WGP