On November 7, the Council confirmed Mr. Mark Long to the Frederick County Planning Commission. The Frederick County Planning Commission was established in July 1955 and consists of seven members serving five-year terms appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. The Planning Commission approves site plans, subdivisions, modifications to the subdivision regulations, and makes determinations of adequacy related to the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. The Frederick County Planning Commission also makes recommendations to the County Council on County Code amendments, rezonings and comprehensive plans.

On November 21, the Council adopted two pieces of legislation. The first one, Limited Landscape Contractor Parking and Storage. This bill allows for limited landscape contractors parking and storage use on smaller parcels – specifically 80,000 square feet (just under 2 acres), instead of 5 acres. The use will also allow for limited parking within the setback area, as long as certain screening and distance criteria are met. Like the current "Limited Landscape Contractor" use, this use will be a principally permitted use, limited to the Agricultural District, and subject to site plan approval.

The second bill was to add cannabis dispensary, cannabis growing facility, and cannabis processing facility as new uses. This bill established regulations for new cannabis production, processing, and sales facilities pursuant to Senate Bill 516 (Cannabis Reform) signed into Law on May 3, 2023, by Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

On December 12, at 7 p.m. the Council will hold a public hearing on the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan Amendment concerning the Sugarloaf Rural Heritage Zoning Overlay District.

Back in October 2022 the Council adopted the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan. The Council also adopted zoning changes and added "Private Park" as a new use. The Council had remanded or sent back to the planning Commission three plan elements for further review and action: (1) the overlay description, (2) overlay map, (3) draft overlay regulatory framework.

After numerous work sessions the Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 20, 2023, then voted on October 11, to forward their final actions and recommendations on the zoning overlay district to the County Council.

Under Maryland law the Council now has four options. To (1) approve, (2) modify, (3) remand, or (4) disapprove the amendment. The amendment is deemed adopted if no action is taken by the Council within 90 days of receipt, which will be January 21. A 60-day extension is allowed in exigent circumstances. This would extend the final adoption to be required by March 21. A public hearing is required prior to adoption or modification.

I encourage you to regularly check the Council’s upcoming agenda’s webpage on the County’s official Website. You can also sign up to receive regular notices on Council, Planning Commission, and other County notices.