Public Hearings for Draft Countywide Comprehensive Plan

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The Division of Planning has announced the release of the Frederick Board of County Commissioners’ (BOCC) Draft Plan for the Countywide Comprehensive Plan titled, “Frederick County’s Future:  Many Places, One Community.”  The plan was developed at the request of the Board, whose growth management initiative launched in January 2008 directed the Division of Planning to update the Countywide Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map.  The initiative also revised and strengthened the County’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. With guidance from the Division of Planning, the BOCC completed their review of the Planning Commission’s Recommended Plan in early December and has released the BOCC Draft Plan for review and comment.  The BOCC Draft Plan includes the plan document, land use plan map and a draft zoning map. 

The Division of Planning will hold three public open houses where the land use plan and zoning maps will be available for review and staff will be available to answer questions.  All of the open houses will run from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:

Thursday, January 7:  Middletown High School, 200 School Drive
Monday, January 11:  Oakdale Middle School, 9840 Old National Pike
Thursday, January 14:  Walkersville Town Hall, 21 West Frederick Street

The BOCC will hold a joint public hearing with the County’s Planning Commission to receive comments on the BOCC Draft Plan on Tuesday, January 19, at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium of Frederick High School, 650 Carroll Parkway, Frederick, Md.   A speaker sign-up sheet and display maps will be available starting at 5:00 pm.  A snow date is scheduled for January 26 at Thomas Johnson High School, 1501 North Market Street, Frederick.

The public may submit comments directly to the Division of Planning prior to the hearing at planningandzoning@FrederickCountyMD.gov or by mail to the division at Winchester Hall, 12 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701. Board President Jan Gardner said, “The County Comprehensive Plan provides a blueprint and long-term vision for the future of Frederick County, defining growth areas, priority preservation areas, protection of environmentally sensitive features as well as cultural and historic assets, and plans for infrastructure.  Citizens are encouraged to attend the open houses and public hearings to help shape the future of the County."

After reviewing the public hearing comments during public work sessions, the Board of County Commissioners will consider public input, incorporate changes and ultimately finalize and adopt the Countywide Comprehensive Plan and the comprehensive zoning map.
 
The Countywide Comprehensive Plan was previously updated in 1998 and has served as the guiding policy document for growth and development in the county.  Since 1990, the detailed land use plans and zoning maps have been updated and maintained as part of the individual Region Plans for each of eight planning regions.

The Comprehensive Plan update includes a countywide land use plan map and a plan document that addresses elements such as:  environmental and natural resources; cultural and historical features; agricultural preservation; transportation; infrastructure and community facilities; growth management, and land use.  Corresponding goals, policies and action items are identified as part of each element.

The BOCC Draft Plan is available through the Division of Planning website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/planning.  Copies will also be available at the Division of Planning. Additional information will be posted on the planning website as it becomes available. For further information, call the Division of Planning at 301-600-1138.