Squeezing new houses into existing communities in Howard has one County Council member pushing for changes to curb certain developments.
“We are trying to make sure anything new built in older neighborhoods is compatible in size and scale and design,” said Courtney Watson, D-District 1.
Watson proposed a zoning regulation amendment that would eliminate two-family dwellings as a conditional use for a residential lot of at least 12,000 square feet.
The move responds to an Elkridge proposal, scrapped amid public outcry, that would have created 20 duplexes on 20 lots, essentially creating houses for 40 families.
Developers are trying to skirt development limitations, such as adequate public facilities and schools, by relying on regulations allowing two-family dwellings on certain residentially zoned land, Watson said.
Despite its reputation, so-called infill development isn?t a dirty word, Watson said.
“It?s how it?s done,” Watson said, adding it should be compatible.
In fact, “it?s a good thing,” but it often receives an emotional response from neighbors next to proposed infill development, said local economist Anirban Basu, who serves as both chairman and chief executive officer of the Sage Policy Group.
Infill development means shorter commutes, less sprawl and more protected open space, he said.
Howard follows the state?s Smart Growth policy, concentrating development in the east, where infrastructure is in place, Department of Planning and Zoning Director Marsha McLaughlin said.
However, the state doesn?t make a distinction between infill as planned communities and the “tiny projects wedged into existing established communities,” she said.
The latter catches heat, she said.
The initial zoning rules, developed to allow for secondary apartments or in-law suites, may need revisions to reflect the county?s intent, and “infill in general needs to be fine-tuned,” McLaughlin said.
Complex and antiquated regulations make curbing infill development difficult, and Watson likened it to peeling back layers of an onion.
“This is the layer we are looking at now,” Watson said.
IF YOU GO
» What: Planning board hearing on zoning amendments
» When: 7 p.m. Thursday
» Where: Banneker Room, Howard Building, Court House Drive, Ellicott City
