Press Releases

Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee holds virtual meeting on June 23 at 10 a.m.

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 22, 2021

The Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 23 at 10 a.m. to discuss Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 21-01 which would exempt bus shelter advertising that is licensed by the County from the sign ordinance.

The Committee will also review Subdivision Regulation Amendment (SRA) 21-01 which would exempt agricultural land used for farm alcohol production or agritourism from the requirement to record a plat before a building permit is issued.

The members of the PHED Committee include Chair Hans Riemer and Councilmembers Andrew Friedson (Lead for Parks) and Will Jawando.

Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 21-01 Sign Ordinance - Bus Shelter Advertising

Review: The PHED Committee will review ZTA 21-01, which would exempt bus shelter advertising that is licensed by the County from the sign ordinance.

Until 2019, the County was a party to a franchise agreement with a private firm that provided bus shelter advertising as well as bus shelter maintenance in exchange for a share of the advertising revenue. The previous franchise agreement lapsed, and the County Executive now recommends entering a licensing agreement for advertising and separately contracting out maintenance.

The lead sponsor is Council President Hucker, at the request of the County Executive.

Those expected to attend and provide information include Casey Anderson, chair, Montgomery County Planning Board; Jason Sartori, chief, Countywide Planning and Policy, Planning Department; and Benjamin Berbert, planner coordinator, Countywide Planning and Policy, Planning Department.

Subdivision Regulation Amendment (SRA) 21-01, Exemptions - Alcohol Production and Agritourism

Review: The Committee will also review SRA 21-01, which would exempt agricultural land used for farm alcohol production or agritourism from the requirement to record a plat before a building permit is issued.

Under current regulations, when property owners add an agritourism accessory use they may need to obtain a commercial building permit for the building that will house that use. The building must be on a lot shown on a record plat or be on property that is exempt from the subdivision process before the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) can issue the commercial building permit.

According to the Office of Agriculture, the subdivision process is cost prohibitive for most agritourism businesses that are looking to diversify their operations. The exemption to platting allowed by SRA 21-01 would further support agritourism uses by removing these prohibitive costs. Efforts to support agriculture and agritourism promote the County’s economy and provide opportunities for venues designed to encourage residents of Montgomery County to experience the Agricultural Reserve and connect with the County’s agricultural community.

The lead sponsor of SRA 21-01 is Council President Hucker, at the request of the County Executive. Those expected to attend and provide information include Casey Anderson, chair, Montgomery County Planning Board; Jason Sartori, chief, Countywide Planning and Policy, Planning Department; and Benjamin Berbert, planner coordinator, Countywide Planning and Policy, Planning Department.

The Committee meeting schedule may change from time to time. The current Council and Committee agendas, Council staff reports and additional information on items scheduled for Council review can be viewed at: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/ondemand/index.html.

The virtual Council and Committee meetings will be streamed live on the Council’s web page via YouTube and on Facebook Live and can be watched on County Cable Montgomery on Xfinity/RCN 6 HD 996/1056, Fios 30, and on the CCM live stream.

Release ID: 21-265
Media Contact: Sonya Healy 240-777-7926, Benjamin Sky Brandt 240-777-7884