RECITALS The County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, for the purpose of protecting and promoting the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of Washington County, in accordance with the adopted Comprehensive Plan for the County, Development Analysis Plan Map and Policies, in compliance with Article 66B of the Annotated Code of Maryland, have made a comprehensive study of present conditions and the expected growth and development of Washington County, recommend a Zoning Ordinance based on the Comprehensive Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, The County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland do hereby adopt and do ordain the following Zoning Ordinance and the zoning maps which are made a part of the Ordinance. Revision 16 Run Date: March 11, 2010 ZONING ORDINANCE REVISION 16 INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING TEXT AMENDMENTS: RZ-07-006 (Rezoning Procedures) ORD-08-01 RZ-09-004 (Solar/Wind Energy) ORD-09-04 RZ-09-002 ("IM" District) ORD-09-06 RZ-09-001 (Misc.) ORD-09-08 RZ-09-003 (Parking) ORD-09-10 RZ-09-007 (Administrative Adjustments) ORD-2010-01 RZ-09-006 (Election Signs) ORD-2010-02 Revision 16 Run Date: March 11, 2010 ZONING ORDINANCE FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND TABLE OF CONTENTS ARTICLE 1. PURPOSE ................................................................................................................... 1 Section 1.0 General ..................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE 2. APPLICATION ............................................................................................................. 2 Section 2.0 Effective date; Application within County and County Towns................................... 2 Section 2.1 Interpretation ............................................................................................................. 2 Section 2.2 More Restrictive Provisions to Govern...................................................................... 2 ARTICLE 3. DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED; ZONING MAPS, DISTRICT BOUNDARIES; LAND USE REGULATIONS (RURAL AREA USES).................................................................................. 3 Section 3.0 Districts Established.................................................................................................. 3 Section 3.1 Zoning Maps ............................................................................................................. 4 Section 3.2 Rules for Interpretation of District Boundaries .......................................................... 4 Section 3.3 Land Use Regulations.............................................................................................. 5 ARTICLE 4 GENERAL PROVISIONS ........................................................................................... 13 Section 4.1 Ordinance Deemed Minimum Regulations; Uniformity........................................... 13 Section 4.2 Compliance with Ordinance .................................................................................... 13 Section 4.3 Nonconforming Uses ............................................................................................. 13 Section 4.4 Agricultural Uses Permitted Generally ................................................................... 15 Section 4.5 Buildable Lots ........................................................................................................ 15 Section 4.6 Use of Same Yard Space for More Than One Building Prohibited......................... 15 Section 4.7 Major Road Plans.................................................................................................... 15 Section 4.8 Essential Utility Equipment ..................................................................................... 16 Section 4.9 Distance Requirements........................................................................................... 16 Section 4.10 Accessory Structures and Uses............................................................................ 16 Section 4.11 Site Plan Requirements ...................................................................................... 17 Section 4.12 Performance Standards ........................................................................................ 20 Section 4.13 Distance Requirements......................................................................................... 22 Section 4.14 Mineral Extraction ................................................................................................. 22 Section 4.15 Family Day Care ................................................................................................... 22 Section 4.16 Landscape Plan Standards................................................................................... 23 Section 4.17 Play Lots ............................................................................................................... 23 Section 4.18 Nursery Schools and Child Care Centers ............................................................ 25 Section 4.19 Hazardous Waste and/or Controlled Hazardous Substance Incineration ............ 25 Section 4.20 Collection and Storage of Recyclable Material ..................................................... 25 Section 4.21 Sensitive Areas ..................................................................................................... 26 Section 4.22 Commercial Communication Towers.................................................................... 28 Section 4.23 Certified Adult Residential Environment Homes.................................................. 31 Section 4.24 Small Wind Energy Systems................................................................................ 31 Section 4.25 Solar Collection Systems ..................................................................................... 34 ARTICLE 5 "C" CONSERVATION DISTRICT ............................................................................... 37 Section 5.0 Purpose................................................................................................................... 37 Section 5.1 Principal Permitted Uses......................................................................................... 37 Section 5.2 Special Exceptions (Requiring Board Authorization After Public Hearing)............. 38 Section 5.3 Accessory Uses ...................................................................................................... 39 Section 5.4 Height Regulations.................................................................................................. 39 i Revision 16 Run Date: March 11, 2010 Section 5.5 Lot Area, Lot Width, and Yard Requirements ........................................................ 39 ARTICLE 5A – "A(R)" AGRICULTURAL (RURAL) DISTRICT ...................................................... 41 Section 5A.0 Purpose ................................................................................................................ 41 Section 5A.1 Principal Permitted Uses and Accessory Uses .................................................... 41 Section 5A.2 Special Exceptions ............................................................................................... 41 Section 5A.3 Criteria .................................................................................................................. 41 Section 5A.4 Exemptions ........................................................................................................... 41 Section 5A.5 Residential Lot Size and Bulk Dimensions........................................................... 42 Section 5A.6 Non-Residential Lot Size and Bulk Dimensions (not covered in Rural Business) 42 Section 5A.7 Special Provisions ............................................................................................... 42 ARTICLE 5B – "EC" ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT ...................................... 44 Section 5B.0 Purpose ................................................................................................................ 44 Section 5B.1 Principal Permitted Uses and Accessory Uses .................................................... 44 Section 5B.2 Special Exceptions ............................................................................................... 44 Section 5B.3 Criteria .................................................................................................................. 44 Section 5B.4 Exemptions ........................................................................................................... 44 Section 5B.5 Residential Lot Size and Bulk Dimensions........................................................... 45 Section 5B.6 Non-Residential Lots Size and Bulk Dimensions (not covered in Rural Business) 45 Section 5B.7 Special Provisions ................................................................................................ 45 ARTICLE 5C – "P" PRESERVATION DISTRICT .......................................................................... 47 Section 5C.0 Purpose ................................................................................................................ 47 Section 5C.1 Principal Permitted Uses and Accessory Uses .................................................... 47 Section 5C.2 Special Exceptions ............................................................................................... 47 Section 5C.3 Criteria .................................................................................................................