What is a rezoning?
Property owners sometimes want to use their property in a way that is not allowed as a special, planned, or permitted use under its current zoning but is permitted in a different zoning district. For example, if a property is zoned as single family residential and the property owners want to convert the house into an office, the owner must first request that the property be rezoned. Rezonings will be weighed as a benefit to the community and not merely to the property owner. To rezone a property, the owner must notify neighboring property owners within 300 feet and present their case during a public hearing before the Plan Commission explaining how the original zoning was in error or how the conditions have changed to such an extent to warrant a rezoning. Members from the Plan Commission will provide an on-site review for the impact to neighboring land uses, safety issues and compatibility to the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission then develops a recommendation that is forward
Rezoning is required when a property owner proposes to use land for purposes other than permitted by the current zoning classification. Caroline County uses a conditional rezoning process. A conditional request proposes to change the existing zoning district classification to another classification, which permits the proposed use. Additionally, it allows the owner to voluntarily proffer (offer) conditions and/or cash payments which may enhance the proposal, address concerns of nearby property owners and mitigate the fiscal impact of the proposed use. Proffers are similar to covenants, in that they “run” with the land. However, once they have been accepted by the Board of Supervisors, changing proffers requires submitting a proffer amendment request and public hearings before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. • What is a Special Exception/Use Permit? The Special Exception/Use Permit (SEUP) procedure provides for certain uses which are permitted in a district but which ma
Rezoning is required when a property owner proposes to use land for purposes other than permitted by the current zoning classification. The property owner may request either a conventional rezoning or a conditional rezoning. A conventional request proposes to change the existing zoning district classification to another classification which permits the proposed use. A conditional request permits the same action as a conventional request but it allows the owner to voluntarily proffer (offer) conditions which may enhance the proposal or address concerns of nearby property owners. Proffers are similar to covenants, in that they “run” with the land. However, once they have been accepted by the Board of Supervisors, changing proffers requires submitting a proffer amendment request and public hearings before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.
Related Questions
- How long does an Exception, Variance, and Conventional Rezoning process take? What about Administrative Deviations and Waivers?
- I heard Community Board 8 is studying rezoning in our district. Will this make historic designation unneccessary?
- If I am not in the Towns ETJ, can I move foward with a rezoning request?
