Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Help with zoning for cohousing

[Merlin Porter-Borden (merlpb]

    We inspired Frederick County, Maryland, to pass a Text Amendment for
Zoning six years ago which was specific for development of Cohousing
(60% green space, 35 homes, etc.).  Unfortunately, even though the Text
Amendment specified a maximum 35 homes, when it came time to rezone for
adequate house numbers, the New County Commissioners refused to link the
Text Amendment and the rezoning.  This county has designation of R-1
(one house per acre) and R-3, but not R-2.  We needed R-3 in order to
get 35 units on 27 acres.  The County would not give us the necessary
R-3 and, essentially, forced us to take the PUD route.  Their rational
was that we could sell our property to a builder who could build 81
units (with R-3).
    The PUD process allowed us to include a design feature which
enhanced site layout  -  building lot-line setback was squeezed to 15 ft
versus 30 feet w/o the PUD.  The down side was the extra year it took to
get to where we are now (construction).
    We will share this Text Amendment with anyone who asks for it.  Of
course, as written, it "fits" only a site with at least 60% green space.

Merlin Porter-Borden, Liberty Village, Maryland