Concepts
Interactive Zoning Map
The creation of an interactive online zoning map will allow users to access detailed zoning information from anywhere. They will be able to see how a property is zoned, what zoning cases affect it, how it fits in with a master plan, and other helpful information.
Mixed Use Infill Development
With only four percent of the County’s land left for development, single purpose commercial areas are no longer relevant. Instead, commercial areas should have a mix of uses that serve customers who travel by foot, transit, and bicycle. Surface parking lots are prime sites for this mixed-use infill development.
Simplification of Uses
The 425 residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional use designations in the code should be condensed to weed out redundant and outdated uses. The remaining relevant uses should then be organized into consistent groups. The end result should be a list of uses specific enough to ensure adverse impacts are acknowledged but broad enough to cover insignificant differences and allow for future uses we might not have even thought of yet.
Sustainability
The current zoning code fails to comprehensively address 21st century problems of globalization, climate change and resource scarcity. Montgomery County must tackle these challenges now to enable citizens, businesses and institutions to realize their potential in ways that enhance both society and the environment. An internal work group has been formed to identify opportunities to incorporate sustainable practices through a new zoning code as well as MNCPPC policies.
Preservation of Existing Neighborhoods
Since there is limited room to keep building more single-family suburban style housing, the new code should allow for denser development in specified growth areas in order to maintain the established residential neighborhoods.
Montgomery County Planning Department