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Laurel gets pre-emptive on McMansions
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Related Topics: LAUREL, Md.
 introduced legislation this month that would make it more challenging to construct oversized homes on smaller lots.','pp'))
Laurel Mayor Craig Moe (shown above) introduced legislation this month that would make it more challenging to construct oversized homes on smaller lots.
LAUREL, Md. (Map, News) - In what amounts to a pre-emptive strike against “McMansions,” Laurel Mayor Craig Moe introduced legislation this month that would make it more challenging to construct oversized homes on smaller lots.
“It’s just to address a situation that we know is going to happen more in the future,” said Karl Brendle, Laurel’s director of community planning and business services. “With [housing] prices rising, a lot of people will choose to either add a second floor to their home or add a rear addition in the back.”
According to the proposed legislation, which Brendle said the City Council will take up in September, additions that exceed 50 percent of a single-family dwelling shall be allowed by special exception only.
Currently, such additions are simply approved by the city’s planning office. Brendle said the planning office issues the permit as long as it meets green space and setback requirements.
Under the special exception process, Brendle said the planning office would review the proposal, followed by the planning commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. The process requires the Board of Zoning Appeals to hold a public hearing and the planning commission to hold a quasi-public hearing, Brendle said.
He said the Board of Zoning Appeals must determine whether the addition is detrimental to the use, peaceful enjoyment, economic value or development of surrounding properties in the general neighborhood, among other things.
Raquel Montenegro, associate director of Maryland National Capital Building Industry Association, expressed concern about the legislation.
“It is not clear how this legislation will help families stay in the homes that they live in rather than having to move to find a home that can meet their needs,” she said.
Brendle said he has heard no opposition from the City Council on the proposal and expects that body to approve it on Sept. 10.
Montgomery County Council member Roger Berliner, whose district includes Bethesda and Potomac, in June committed to introduce legislation to address the “McMansion” problem there.
Rebecca Lord, a policy analyst for Berliner, on Monday said the council member has created a task force that intends to issue recommendations that will serve as the “groundwork for the legislation” sometime in October with legislation planned by year-end.
