Comments Are Requested Annapolis, MD (June 30, 2004) - The Office of Planning and Zoning today announced that the staff has completed its rewrite of the subdivision and development regulations and is soliciting public comment. Comments are sought so that changes can be made prior to the bill being filed with the County Council. This bill will be introduced to the Council at the same time as the redraft of the Zoning regulations because the current zoning code contained subdivision processes and site planning requirements that are more properly located in the subdivision regulations. Both sets of regulations need to be adopted at the same time in order to have a complete set of regulations and to be able to continue the process of review and approval of development plans. The last time a comprehensive review and update of the subdivision regulations was done was in 1969. The goal of this update is to reorganize and streamline the regulations by making the code clearly written, explicit in its standards, and organized so that the user can easily find the requirements that apply to each subdivision or development review process. "My expectation is that this legislation, coupled with the recent reorganization of the Planning Office, will reduce the uncertainty embodied in the current code and reduce the time it takes for a customer to secure development approval for a project," said County Executive Janet S. Owens. "We hope this will address much of the confusion and ambiguity while benefitting all citizens. I would like to thank the staff who worked so diligently to accomplish this. I also encourage public comments." "A clear statement of the development standards and a predictable process is essential for an efficient and effective planning operation," said Joe Rutter, Planning and Zoning Officer. " Professionals in the land development business, and citizens who are interested in development, will now be able to find all the requirements in one document instead of flipping back and forth between the Zoning regulations and the subdivision code to find the correct set of requirements for land development." The new code clearly outlines a single process for subdivision, the process for site development, and the development requirements that apply to both processes. It also uses a chart to indicate what types of development are subject to adequate public facility regulations. The draft subdivision regulations also outline in separate titles, all the development requirements that apply when a property is located in the Critical Area or in the Bog Overlay. The draft regulations propose a significant reduction of development requirements for the creation of owner and children's lots in agricultural preservation subdivisions. Another change will prohibit forest conservation easements from being placed on small individual residential lots. A new requirement will mandate that most residential subdivisions have 30% of the gross area of the site in open space and that the 30 percent be platted on a separate lot. Certain environmental features will be required to be located on these open space lots. These changes should greatly enhance the protection of environmental features on development sites. This draft legislation may be viewed on-line. Copies may be purchased in person from the Office of Planning and Zoning at accost of $20.00 or in CD format at a cost of $5.00. Comments or questions should be directed to the Office of Planning and Zoning in writing at the address Office of Planning and Zoning, 2644 Riva Road, Annapolis MD21401. | 
