Taking these issues one by one, first there was much discussion and debate over how to encourage Frederick County to make use of accessory dwelling units (sometimes known as in-law suites). We heard from the county that only a handful of these have been approved over several years. Especially in these times, we need to keep families close. A bill passed unanimously a few weeks ago that allows these in-law suites to be up to 1,000 square feet and exempts things like porches and patios from that limit. I am proud to sponsor another change that will exempt all in-law suites from the impact fee. This legislation is still being debated, but the penalty for not exempting these units is severe. If my amendment does not pass, residents putting in these in-law suites will be forced to pay over $7,000 in fees, which is a huge disincentive and will push up the cost of housing even further.

The Council is also debating how to exempt farmers from having to pay this more than $7,000 impact fee for housing that they build on their own farms for family members. I would like to see the exemption expanded and allow more families to live together without having to face these significant fees. I have several amendments pending that will make it easier and cheaper for families to live together in this way to support the farming community.

Council Member McKay has introduced a measure that would permit farmer’s markets in certain areas of the county explicitly. There are farmer’s markets in towns and in Frederick city, but it is somewhat unclear how to set one up in the county. This legislation will make it official that farmer’s markets can operate in the county and is one small way to help support community agriculture.

We have debated the issue of water body buffer extensions. The Council is discussing a proposal to extend the distance that one cannot build a structure on one’s own property by 25 additional feet (from 150 feet to 175 feet). I am a strong supporter of property rights. I don’t believe that there is any science to the 175 feet being the magic number. I believe that it is another step in a continual encroachment on property rights. There’s nothing to stop 175 feet from becoming 200 feet or 500 feet. While final action needs to be taken on this bill, I am very skeptical.

Finally, we heard from our Elections Director in Frederick County about the upcoming general election in November. There will be a number of early voting sites and election day sites, but they will be different sites than the ones voters are used to. Additionally, every registered voter will be receiving an absentee ballot application in the mail by the first week of September. Voters wishing to vote by mail will have to fill out the application and mail it back in order to get a ballot in the mail. Please continue to check your mail for the absentee ballot application, and the up to date voting information. Make sure your voice is heard.