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Laurel takes a bite out of 'McMansions'
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Related Topics: LAUREL, Md.
LAUREL, Md. (Map, News) - Building a “McMansion” in Laurel has become more challenging, thanks to legislation passed recently by the City Council that addresses the issue of oversized homes on smaller lots.
“We are not trying to discourage people,” said Karl Brendle, Laurel’s director of community planning and business services. “We are just trying to make sure they fit within the neighborhood, generally.”
The legislation, passed last week, says additions that exceed 50 percent of an existing single-family dwelling shall be allowed by special exception only.
Previously, the city’s planning office had the sole authority for approving such additions. Brendle told The Examiner last week that the planning office issued a permit as long as the project met green space and setback requirements.
Under the special exception process, Brendle said the planning office will 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 allow public comment.
“The intent of it is to make sure that neighbors are aware of large homes that might be built and may be out of character with the neighborhood,” 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. Brendle said McMansions are not yet a problem in Laurel. But “as housing prices rise, people are going to do more and more of this,” he said.
Prince George’s County is weighing the McMansion issue in a series of public meetings and through a study of the situation. Brendle said he thinks Laurel is the first municipality in Prince George’s to enact McMansion legislation.
dfowler@dcexaminer.com
