§ 27-213.20. Planning Board procedures.

(a)

The Planning Board shall prepare an Architectural Conservation Plan for each proposed Architectural Conservation District within eight (8) months from the time of initiation.

(b)

After receiving authorization to prepare an Architectural Conservation Plan, the Planning Board shall prepare a proposed Zoning Map and Architectural Conservation Plan text consistent with the District Council's authorizing resolution. The proposed Architectural Conservation Plan shall include at least the following information:

(1)

A summary physical description of the area to be included in the plan, as well as a graphic representation of the area's proposed boundaries delineated by lot, block, parcel, and subdivision or by streets, roads, streams, or other natural or topographic features.

(2)

A history of the neighborhood or neighborhoods within the plan boundaries and the development and evolution of structure types and uses. The history should also summarize the character of adjacent development not regulated by the plan.

(3)

A land use and zoning inventory including the requirements of each underlying zone for the following:

Net Lot Area (Minimum in Square Feet)

Lot Coverage

Green Area

Lot/Width Frontage (Minimum in Feet)

Yards (Minimum Depth/Width in Feet)

Building Height (Maximum in Feet, Main Building)

Density (Maximum Dwelling Units Per Net Acre of Net Lot/Tract Area)

Accessory Buildings

If requested by a municipality and approved by the District Council, an Architectural Conservation District Plan may further restrict zoning densities, minimum lot sizes, setback and other zoning regulations established in the base zone.

(4)

A detailed inventory of the built environment, including a description of all structure types including both primary buildings and secondary buildings such as garages, shed, and accessory structures.

(5)

An architectural survey identifying architectural and urban design patterns that distinguish the District from other areas of the County.

(6)

Proposed design regulations which address building height and massing, building materials, facade treatments and architectural expression, siting, setbacks, landscaping, fences and walls, accessory structures, lighting, paving materials, and signs, as applicable.

Acceptable materials lists shall include energy efficient materials where possible, and regulations for architectural elevations shall encourage the use of green or sustainable building practices.

(7)

An applicability section defining exemptions from the design regulations, including guidelines defining what constitutes ordinary maintenance.

(8)

If requested by a municipality and approved by the District Council, a section setting forth guidelines for approval of single family residential building projects whose scope of work results in an increase of the gross floor area of the existing structure of twenty percent (20%) or less or alterations exclusive of maintenance to the architectural elevations of existing residential structures.

(9)

The application for an Architectural Conservation District shall contain an analysis of the requirements of any homeowners' association that exists within the proposed boundaries of the District.

(c)

The Planning Board and District Council shall hold a joint public hearing on the proposed Architectural Conservation Plan.

(1)

The public hearing shall be advertised in the newspapers of record at least thirty (30) days before the date of the hearing. The notice shall contain the date, time, place, and purpose of the hearing.

(2)

The Planning Board shall obtain from the Office of Assessments and Taxation a listing of the owners of land within the boundaries of the proposed Architectural Conservation District. The Board shall mail written notice thirty (30) days before the hearing of the proposed Architectural Conservation Plan to all listed property owners and the affected municipality. The notice shall include proposed boundaries of the area involved; the date, time, and place of the Planning Board's hearing; and ways to obtain additional information. The notice shall also advise the owners that approval of the Architectural Conservation Plan by the District Council could affect property values and property taxes. The mailing is for informational purposes only, and failure of the Planning Board to send or property owners to receive a mailing shall not invalidate an Architectural Conservation Plan.

(d)

Within thirty (30) days after the public hearing, the Planning Board shall adopt and recommend a proposed Architectural Conservation Plan to the District Council. The Planning Board shall transmit the Adopted Architectural Conservation Plan to the District Council and to the municipality in which the proposed Architectural Conservation District is located.

(CB-27-2001; CB-5-2012)