Queen Anne’s County Commissioners Approve Temporary Moratorium on Certain Residential Development
On August 12th, the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners approved a 12-month moratorium on processing or approving certain new residential and mixed-use development projects in parts of the county. The measure applies to projects in Kent Narrows, Stevensville, Grasonville, Prospect Bay, Cloverfields, Bay City, and Southern Kent Island wastewater subdistricts when the project’s anticipated sewerage allocation exceeds 1,750 gallons per day, the equivalent of seven single-family homes. The moratorium has no impact on any commercial projects, unless there is a residential component. (mixed use)
The moratorium is designed to give the County time to address concerns about limited wastewater treatment capacity, traffic congestion, and overcrowded schools. While it does not stop all building activity, it pauses approvals for larger-scale residential or mixed-use developments until updates can be made to the County’s Water and Sewerage Allocation Policy, Comprehensive Water and Sewerage Plan, and other related ordinances and regulations.
“This moratorium does not apply to projects that have already received sewer allocation from the County Commissioners”, clarified County Administrator Todd Mohn “This also does not apply to stand alone commercial developments.”
The affected areas are all served by the Kent Narrows/Stevensville/Grasonville Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is currently at or near capacity. While the County has applied for a re-rating to increase plant capacity, state and federal environmental limits make further large-scale expansion unlikely. This does not affect any of the incorporated towns within Queen Anne’s County.
During the moratorium, a task force will be established to review infrastructure capacity, development impacts, and growth priorities. This process will include opportunities for public input and consider factors such as:
How best to allocate limited sewer capacity to support desired growth.
- The impact of development on traffic and transportation infrastructure.
- The capacity of local schools, including Kent Island High School, which is currently at 100%.
- The potential impacts of the proposed new Chesapeake Bay Bridge and related Route 50/301 improvements.
The moratorium applies to both new and pending residential applications that have not yet received sewer allocation approval. Projects with previously approved sewer allocations are not affected as are building homes on existing lots of record.
“This moratorium will ensure that growth in Queen Anne’s County continues responsibly. While we address infrastructure challenges, we want to reassure our residents and business partners that Queen Anne’s County remains open for business. Commercial projects, and economic development initiatives are moving forward, and we are committed to supporting businesses”, said Commissioner Jack Wilson.
To see a map of the areas involved in this moratorium visit https://www.qac.org/DocumentCenter/View/23981/Building-Moratorium-Map