The Anne Arundel County Council has been busy with legislation, some bills getting the attention of residents across the county. As we enter the month of April, there are two bills that will be reaching the end of their legislative life, and the council will be taking a vote on each of them.
Bill 6-23 would allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) in the county. Currently an ADU is only permitted if the ADU is located inside the primary residence of a property. These are often in the form of basement apartments. Garage apartments and separate structure apartments on the same property as a residential home, are not permitted by current county law. The sponsor has expressed a need for residents to have affordable housing, housing for aging family members and options for income (short and long term rentals). Under Bill 6-23 a detached ADU would be permitted, but limited to 50% of the floor cover area of the primary residence, or 800 square feet, whichever is less. A considerable amount of discussion has focused on the removal of an off street parking requirement, and the potential of more short term rentals than affordable housing units. I was happy that the council passed my amendment that prohibits the waiver of setbacks to adjacent residential lots for new construction. This means that someone could not build a new ADU closer to their neighbors lot, than is currently allowed by law. However, a property owner could turn an existing structure (like a garage) into an ADU, regardless of setbacks.
The idea of detached ADU’s is not new, as they are permitted in other counties in our state. Making sure this bill considers all areas of Anne Arundel County and each neighborhoods unique characteristics is important. Currently, community covenants and bylaws would supersede any county law regarding ADU’s. While the Maryland General Assembly has considered legislation in the past to remove the authority of community covenants and bylaws with respect to ADU’s, that legislation did not pass and there is no current bill being considered.
Bill 13-23 is a bill that will require a special event permit for any gathering of 50 people or more that would have the exclusive use of public streets, alleys or right of ways, county water or other public property. The requirement for a permit would also apply if the special event creates a physical impediment to the safe flow of traffic and/or blocks access to all or part of a roadway. If the use of county personnel exceeds normal limits for a special event a permit would also be required. The intent is to ensure the life and safety of the public for those events that have the potential for large or small scale safety emergencies. The details that would necessitate a special event permit, does limit the number of potential events that would fall under the bill, however there are concerns from those who would be impacted, as the bill gives the county the authority to reject an event application under certain conditions that may seem subjective. As I consider this legislation with my colleagues I want to ensure that we are balancing the life and safety of residents and general public, without deterring some of our most beloved events from returning each year to Anne Arundel County. From the Let’s Go Music Festival, to the County Fair, to school based running races in our communities. These are just a few examples of the variety of opportunities to gather as a community, enjoy the arts, entertainment, food, and raise money for a cause. Permits are cumbersome. Safety of the public is critical. Getting this bill right, is important for everyone.
Public safety was also the impetus for Bill 15-23 that I introduced in February. This bill came after years of communications with the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company (EHVFC), touring their building and understanding the years of efforts they have made to raise enough money to build a new fire station. The EHVFC has been a part of our community for 100+ years with generations of volunteers living right here in the fifth district. The volunteers own the land, the building, the fire apparatus inside and they support our fire department in a variety of ways. Both career and volunteer firefighters work out of the EHVFC daily, living there for their scheduled shifts. The building is old, the repairs are just band aids. Every year the EHVFC holds a variety of events (summer carnival, food truck Tuesday, Bingo, etc.) to pay the bills and save for a new fire station. It is an unattainable goal, as the cost of building a fire station is roughly $25-$30 million. For years the EHVFC has attempted to change their zoning from “residential” to “commercial” to coincide with the other three corners of the Rt 2 intersection where they are located. In 2021 the County Council supported my amendment in the General Development Plan to grant them commercial land use, setting the stage for a zoning change. Since 2021 the volunteers have invested nearly $200,000 in repairs to the building, but those repairs do not extend its life. Most recently, volunteer leadership has identified very promising funding opportunities (both state and grant funds) that will help make replacing their fire station more affordable. Partnering with a commercial business for the partial use of their land makes a new fire station possible. Without Bill 15-23 a zoning change through comprehensive zoning could come too late, and an uncertain future in the existing building would loom. The EHVFC is one of the most central fire stations in our county, and a critical piece of emergency response system. Ensuring their longevity in our community, and continuing their rich history serves our district now, and for generations to come. Bill 15-23 passed unanimously.
Mark your calendars. The County Executive will be presenting his proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget at 11am on May 1.
I always welcome your thoughts on legislation and issues in the community. It is an honor to serve you and your family. Do not hesitate to reach out to me at Amanda.fiedler@aacounty.org and be sure to visit the council website for more information. https://www.aacounty.org/departments/county-council/