Daniel R. Baden

The meeting commenced with a roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items included the approval of the current meeting's agenda and the minutes from the December 17, 2025 meeting. A significant portion of the meeting involved public comment from a new resident regarding zoning for a home-based gunsmith operation (FFL), which involves customization work by appointment only, without customer foot traffic or onsite inventory. Discussion clarified the distinction between zoning regulations and Homeowners Association (HOA) covenants, noting that HOA restrictions can be stricter than town zoning. The commission then moved to discuss amendments to section 2919 concerning fencing regulations, with staff reporting revisions to incorporate preferred height specifications (48 in/4T) now that the town council intends to repeal the conflicting building code section. Further discussion addressed clarifying the measurement basis for fence height, agreeing to use "finished grade" instead of "natural grade" for precision regarding infill properties, and clarifying language regarding garden walls and steps.

The work session included an informational discussion regarding legislative activity, specifically House Bill 383 concerning limitations on municipal access to beaches, which the Mayor indicated Delegate Long had agreed to withdraw after clarification regarding Brownie's Beach. The council also discussed Senate Bill 36/House Bill 239, the "Starter and Silver Homes Act," which preempts local land use authority by altering single-family home definitions, minimum lot sizes, and setback requirements. The Town has communicated opposition to the bill as presented and is monitoring amendments proposed by MML. Additionally, the Planning Commission presented recommendations for updating zoning code sections pertaining to fences and walls, including changes to height restrictions, corner lot rules, and addressing non-conforming fences. The commission also proposed a solution for home occupations, conditionally allowing them in all districts with two sets of regulations based on zoning type to address immediate concerns until a comprehensive land use table update can be completed.

The agenda for the Town Council Meeting included a Public Hearing regarding Ordinance O-26-1, which proposes amending the Town Code to permit bicycle riding on the boardwalk under certain conditions. Key items involved special presentations on Legislative Priorities, Calvert Health Foundation, IQ Fiber, and a proclamation for "Celebrate Trails Day." The Resolutions & Ordinances section covered a vote on Ordinance O-26-1, and the introduction of ordinances concerning Infrastructure Bonds (O-26-2), repealing the fence article of Chapter 110 (O-26-3), and introducing a tax credit for disabled public safety officers (O-26-4). New Business included discussions on an updated, higher proposal for the MD 261 Sidewalks project and the identification of a Construction Manager for the Water Park project.

The minutes document covers discussions and actions from the Planning Commission meeting. Key business included public comment regarding an application for a home occupation (a gun shop/gunsmith business) which did not fit current categories. The commission conducted a closed session to consult with counsel regarding pending litigation concerning development rights. Old business focused on finalizing and approving fence regulations, specifically a motion regarding chain link fences in front yards which failed; ultimately, the proposed amendment to Section 290-19 G. Fences and Walls was approved and transmitted to the Town Council. Furthermore, there was an extensive discussion regarding the Land Use Table, Zoning Map, and Conditional Uses, including addressing discrepancies with the RV1 and RV2 zones, and reaching a consensus to keep RV1 and RV2 districts, moving townhomes to RV2, and limiting commercial uses in RV1 and RV2 to home occupations.

The meeting agenda was amended to postpone a discussion on the "Land Use Classification Table" to the subsequent month, and to move the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair to the end of the current agenda. New Business focused primarily on reviewing and recommending changes to land use regulations concerning Home Occupations in residential areas, including the approval of a revised definition for "Customary Home Occupation" and specific conditional use regulations for RV areas. Additionally, the Commission reviewed proposed amendments to fence and wall regulations within the zoning code, discussing material types, height restrictions, wind hazard considerations, and the process for appealing denied applications. A motion was passed defining how corner lots are classified concerning front and side yards. In Old Business, a coastal resiliency overlay district mapping was discussed, with further research requested for the next meeting. The meeting concluded with the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair.