Forest mitigation banks are an off-site method commonly used to meet certain environmental requirements under the Maryland Forest Conservation Act (the “Act”). A recent Office of the Attorney General opinion established that off-site existing forests encumbered with a protective easement do not qualify as forest mitigation banks. This strict interpretation of forest mitigation banks has the potential to have significant effect on development moving forward, particularly for developers in heavily urbanized jurisdictions. House Bill 991 was recently introduced in an … Continue Reading
Category Archives: Zoning
Update: Thrive Montgomery 2050
Stacy Silber, PrincipalThe Montgomery County Planning Board continues to consider changes to the County’s General Plan – or what they are calling Thrive Montgomery 2050. The Plan’s goal is to shift from the former Wedges and Corridors Plan to one that “recognizes the County’s assets. . . [and] focuses on remedying our shortcomings and harnessing growth to create economically competitive, environmentally resilient and socially equitable communities.” See Staff Report.
The Plan is ambitious, but also includes guidance regarding implementation, including … Continue Reading
ALERT: Proposed Housing Related Legislation in Montgomery County
Bob HarrisCounty Councilmember Will Jawando has introduced two pieces of legislation relating to affordable housing. One is aimed at expanding housing development potential in certain areas, while the other would impose rent control measures for various properties. Both were the subject of a County Council hearing on February 11.
Zoning Text Amendment 20–07 would allow owners of R-60 zoned property, located within 1 mile of a Metro Station, to build duplexes, townhomes and multifamily structures provided the construction remains within the … Continue Reading
Attorney Marrisa Rose Joins Lerch Early’s Land Use Practice
Land Use GroupLerch Early is pleased to welcome attorney Marrisa Rose as an associate in the Land Use/Zoning practice.
“Lerch Early’s Land Use Practice Group is excited to welcome Marrisa,” said Christopher Ruhlen, chair of the Land Use practice. “We’re looking forward to her becoming an important part of the team serving our clients and the firm.”
Marrisa earned her law degree from The George Washington University School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Policy from the … Continue Reading
UPCOMING EVENT ON FEBRUARY 4: Housing Production and The Impact on Regional Economic Competitiveness
Elizabeth Rogers, AttorneyLast fall, the Land Use Group at Lerch, Early & Brewer held a Regional Housing event, focused on the state of the housing market in the DMV. The event explored how the Region’s housing market was responding to the housing shortage identified by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and the associated housing targets established by local jurisdictions (like Mayor Bowser in DC and the Montgomery County Council), especially in light of COVID-19.
Lerch, Early & Brewer Land Use Attorney Liz Rogers … Continue Reading
Montgomery County Council to Expand in 2022
Councilmanic Districts to be Revised to Add New Members
Chris Ruhlen, PrincipalIn the 2020 General Election, Montgomery County voters approved a fundamental change to the structure of the Montgomery County Council, the legislative branch of the County’s government. By approving “Question C,” voters have initiated a process whereby the County will create two new councilmanic districts, adding two new members to the Council’s legislative body. Significantly, this will represent the first change to the Council’s composition in more than 30 years, affecting the disposition of certain land use matters that come … Continue Reading
WEST HYATTSVILLE – QUEENS CHAPEL SECTOR PLAN UPDATE
Vincent Biase, Attorney
The Prince George’s Planning Department has officially initiated its West Hyattsville-Queens Chapel Sector Plan Update. The public planning process began in October, when the Prince George’s County Council adopted Resolution CR-102-2020 to effectively authorize initiation of the Sector Plan Process. Shortly after, the Planning Department held its virtual Kickoff Meeting for the Sector Plan Update to outline general themes and objectives of the Plan update. Some of the key objectives, themes, and takeaways from the Kickoff Meeting are listed below:… Continue Reading
Rockville 2040: Comprehensive Plan Update
Pat HarrisMore than two years ago, the City of Rockville commenced its “Rockville 2040: Comprehensive Plan.” The first step involved the Planning Commission’s review of Volume 1 of the draft Comprehensive Plan, which was a “30,000 foot view” of planning issues and elements effecting the City. The substantive recommendations guiding future development within the City are set forth in Volume II of the Plan. Volume II addresses the key planning issues for each of the City’s 17 Planning Areas and identifies … Continue Reading
Montgomery County Council Adopts 2020-2024 Subdivision Staging Policy
Elizabeth Rogers, AttorneyOn November 16, 2020, the Montgomery County adopted the new, four-year Subdivision Staging Policy, to be renamed the Growth and Infrastructure Policy, controlling growth and development for the next four years. Lerch, Early & Brewer was pleased to have had a significant role in working with Park and Planning Staff, the Planning Board, County Council Staff and the County Council itself on a policy that will better accommodate new development.
Most significantly, the new SSP eliminates the school moratorium policy, county-wide. … Continue Reading
Montgomery County General Plan Update
"Thrive Montgomery 2050"
Elizabeth Rogers, AttorneyThe Montgomery County Planning Department is in the process of updating the County’s General Plan – titled “Thrive Montgomery 2050.” The General Plan serves as a foundation for all planning, land use policies, and development in the County. The General Plan was initially drafted in 1964 (with updates in 1969 and 1993). Given the substantial evolution in the County’s demographics, employment base, and development characteristics in the last 50 years, an update is certainly in order. While the Plan seeks … Continue Reading