Hearing the Public

Smart growth advocates, environmentalists, and other opponents of sprawl have an important opportunity this evening to make themselves heard at the County Council Meeting (7pm, Arundel Center, Annapolis). Tonight, the Council will hear public comments on both the Subdivision and Zoning Code revisions. These two documents effectively represent the Old and New Testaments of the Planning and Zoning Bible. That is to say, while weighty and archane, they are generally open to loose interpretations by many of those seeking to implement their will. Variances here, special exceptions there, all too often tear at the fabric of the original intention.

Since he was first appointed Director of Planning and Zoning, Joe Rutter, has sought to hone down the Codes, neither of which has been revised in many years, and clarify the intent of each to reduce confusion. This revisiting of the Codes presents an opportunity to potentially get beneficial language inserted in the Codes at the same time. For instance, having unbuildable steep slopes and critical area portions of lots removed from density calculations for zoning. Trying to harness in the oft exploited "family conveyance" rules for agricultural properties. And, making sure that all new development has adequate facilities (e.g., schools, water, sewer, etc.) before being permitted. Finally, it's important that we all make sure there are provisions in the bills to allow sufficient public feedback on projects that come before P & Z. Hope you can make it tonight.