Earlier this year I introduced Bill 21-22, an 11 page re-write of Cluster Development regulations. This bill was the culmination of 18+ months of work with stakeholders and county departments.
Unfortunately, the bill didn't have the support necessary, or legislative time to amend before it would expire, so I made the decision to withdraw the bill.
Cluster Development, when done as intended, is a great smart growth tool. In essence, instead of developing an entire parcel with standard lots, lots are developed on a portion of the entire parcel, using smaller lot sizes and designs, and conserving the remaining portion of the parcel's natural features in open space, forest conservation etc. Often times more acreage is preserved, and fewer lots are yielded.
In the cluster example attached, nearly all of the wooded area could be used for lots in a standard subdivision. However, you will see in the plan there is more preservation than what is required and fewer units than could possibly be built. This is appropriate use of Cluster Development.
Unfortunately, there have been developments that have been built not using the cluster tool as intended, yielding little to no conservation or open space areas, and with backyards running right up to high traffic arterial roads with little to no screening.
This month I introduced bill 73-22 which re-defines Cluster Development and requires landscape screening and buffers along adjacent roads. While this is a much smaller bill, it's one important step in preventing the misuse of cluster development in the future; a commitment I made to District 5 residents.
The bill will now work through the legislative process with the Council.
Thank you to the Greater Severna Park Council, Broadneck Council of Communities, and Arnold Preservation Council for the many hours dedicated to the discussion on this area of our code.
https://www.aacounty.org/departments/county-council/legislation/bills-and-resolutions/73-22