← All documents

july 1 2026 planning commission work session packet

Other July 1, 2026 · 39 page(s)

View original PDF ↗ Meeting

Full extracted text

The document's complete text, exactly as extracted — not a summary. Use “Summarize this document” above for the short version.

CENTREVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION
July 1, 2026
The Centreville Wharf - 1st Floor
101 Watson Road
7:00 p.m.
Work Session
A G E N D A
I. CALL TO ORDER – Kara Willis, Chair
II. CITIZEN COMMENT (Citizens are requested to keep their comments to three minutes.)
III. CONTINUED REVIEW OF ADU REGULATIONS
• Review the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance and related amendments to residential
zoning districts, use tables, off-street parking requirements, buffer yard regulations, CBD
provisions, and TND provisions.
IV. REVISIONS TO CENTREVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION RULES & BY-LAWS
V. COMPREHENSIVE ZONING UPDATES (if time allows)
• Review Comprehensive Zoning Update priorities and implementation of Sustainable Growth
Principles.
IV. CITIZEN COMMENT (Citizens are requested to keep their comments to three minutes.)
V. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORT
VI. ADJOURNMENT

Presentation on Accessory Structures
(continued)
Town of Centreville
Planning Commission Meeting
May 19, 2021

1,200 sq. ft.
10-foot
setback
18 ft building
height

A 10,500 sq. ft. Lot Lot is 10,500
Max Coverage is 30% or 3,150 sq. ft.
House Footprint is 35’ x 40’ = 1,400 sq. ft.
Leaving 3,150 –1,400 sf or 1,750
30 ft
10 ft 25 ft
REQUIRED REAR
YARD
675 sq. ft.
75 ft 75 ft
675 sq. ft.
5ft
10 ft
3ft
140 ft
Rear Yard: 30’ x 75’ = 2,225 sq. ft.
30% x 2,225 = 675 sq. ft.

Max Allowed Now:
Large Residential Lot – 22,000 sq. ft.
Lot is 22,000 sq. ft..
House Footprint is: (40 x 58) + (24 x 26) = 2,944
Leaving 6,600 –1,400 sf or 3,656
200 ft
10 ft
990 sf
REQUIRED
REAR YARD
110 ft
110 ft
990 sf
24 ft
30’ x 110’ = 3,300
sq. ft.
30% x 3,300 = 990 990 sf
t
f
0
4
960 sg ft
10 ft
30 ft
3ft

A 10,500 sq. ft. Lot
Lot is 10,500
Max Coverage is 30% or 3,150 sq. ft.
House Footprint is 35’ x 40’ = 1,400 sq. ft.
Leaving 3,150 –1,400 sf or 1,750
30 ft
< or = 200 sq. ft.
5 ft from side 10 ft 25 ft
192 sq. ft.
5 ft from rear
201 to 650 sq. ft.
7 ft from side
5 foot from rear
75 ft
675 sq. ft.
75 ft
> 650 sq ft.
15 ft from side 400 sq. ft.
10 ft from rear
10 ft
140 ft
Rear Yard: 30’ x 75’ = 2,225 sq. ft.
30% x 2,225 = 675 sq. ft.

The Maximum Footprint is Dependent on the Size of the Required Rear
Yard
Maximum
Footprint
30 ft
Required
Rear Yard
t
f
0
7

Proposed Minimum Setbacks for Accessory Structures
on Residential Lots
Building Footprint From Side From Rear
0 - 200 sq. ft. 5’ 5’
200 - 650 sq. ft. 7’ 5’
Over 650 sq. ft. 15’ 10’

Site Plan for:
• New accessory building in rear yard.
• Extension of driveway
15 Ft.
Driveway to be extended to
proposed building over
former footprint of existing
building to be removed.
5 –7+ Ft.
Revised: September 18, 2020

§170-39.1 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
A. Purpose and applicability.
1. This section establishes standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in order to
promote and encourage the creation of ADUs on lots with a single-family detached
dwelling, while maintaining neighborhood compatibility.
2. This section applies to internal/attached ADUs and detached ADUs as described herein.
B. Definitions and relationships to existing terms.
1. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). “Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)” shall have the
meaning set forth in §170-70. Commented [PF1]: Update ADU definition to match
State’s Definition
2. Interpretation of “Accessory Apartment” (internal/attached). Wherever the term
“accessory apartment” is used in this chapter to describe a secondary dwelling unit
located within, or created as an addition attached to, a single-family detached dwelling,
such unit shall be classified and regulated as an internal/attached ADU under this
section.
3. Interpretation of “one accessory apartment in a det ached building” (detached).
Wherever this chapter uses the phrase “one accessory apartment in a detached
building” to describe a secondary dwelling unit within a detached accessory structure,
such unit shall be classified and regulated as a detached ADU under this section.
4. Multiple accessory apartments are not ADUs. The creation of more than one accessory
apartment within a single-family dwelling (where authorized by special exception) is not
an ADU and remains regulated under the applicable special exception provisions of this
chapter.
C. Number permitted.
1. One ADU per lot. No more than one (1) ADU shall be permitted on any lot, parcel, or
tract.
D. Types and approval standards.
1. Internal/Attached ADU (By right).
a. Type. Located within, or attached to, the primary dwelling, including an addition to
the primary dwelling.
b. Approval. Permitted by right where authorized by the underlying zoning district,
subject to the standards of this section.
2. Detached ADU (By right).
a. Type. Located within a detached accessory structure.

b. Approval. Permitted by right where authorized by the underlying zoning district,
subject to the standards of this section and the following additional detached ADU
criteria:
(1) Minimum lot area. The lot shall contain at least 10,000 square feet.
E. Size and subordination.
1. Maximum size. An ADU shall be no greater than seventy-five percent (75%) of the gross
floor area of the primary dwelling and shall be subordinate in use to the primary
dwelling.
2. [OPTIONAL CAP – 800 SF] Maximum ADU gross floor area: 800 square feet. (800 sf
(optional)) --- Look back into this it is probably not OK to impose this restriction.
3.2. Internal conversion designation. Where an ADU is created by converting an existing
primary single-family detached dwelling into two dwelling units within the existing
building envelope, the dwelling unit with the smaller gross floor area shall be designated
as the ADU for purposes of applying subsection E(1).
F. Setbacks and lot coverage.
1. Internal/attached ADUs shall comply with the yard and bulk standards applicable to the
primary dwelling.
2. Detached ADUs shall not be required to meet side or rear setbacks that exceed those
required for other accessory structures and shall comply with the applicable accessory
structure building location and setback standards in §170-39(B), including the height-
based setbacks.
3. All ADUs shall comply with lot coverage requirements of the underlying zoning district. Commented [PF2]: Should we update the lot coverage
tables at this time, and the rule about accessory structures
G. Parking. not being about to take up a more than a combined 30% or
“required rear yard” even if they aren’t set into that yard?,
1. If off-street parking is required for an ADU, the applicant shall provide parking or exempt ADU’s from the lot coverage calculation? Other
ideas?
consistent with §170-32 and the district regulations, unless waived under subsection
Commented [PF3R2]: Completed ½ of this with the
G(2).
update to sched. Of zone regs with changing lot coverage to
building footprint. Still need to address the “30% of required
2. Parking waiver. The Zoning Administrator may approve a waiver, in whole or in part, of rear yard”
any off-street parking requirement for an ADU upon written request and a finding that
one or more of the following applies:
a. Adequate on-street parking exists adjacent to the lot and the waiver will not create a
demonstrable public safety concern; or
b. The lot cannot reasonably accommodate additional compliant off-street parking due
to existing site constraints (including lot configuration, existing development, or
driveway geometry); or

c. Providing the additional parking would require new curb cuts, unsafe access, or would
create a documented safety or functional conflict (e.g., driveway geometry, sight
distance, sidewalk conflicts); or
d. Providing the additional parking would require a significant increase in impervious
surface or stormwater impacts that cannot be reasonably mitigated on site.
In evaluating a waiver request, the Zoning Administrator may consider any adopted
Town parking analysis or study applicable to the neighborhood or street segment.
3. Procedure. A waiver request shall be submitted with the zoning certificate application
and shall include a simple sketch showing existing and proposed parking. The Zoning
Administrator shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny the waiver in writing.
Decisions under this subsection may be appealed in the same manner as other
administrative zoning determinations.
H. Density and similar growth measures.
An ADU approved under this section shall be excluded from residential density calculations and
from any like measure intended to limit residential growth applicable to the lot, parcel, or tract.
I. Separate conveyance prohibited.
An ADU shall not be subdivided or otherwise conveyed so as to create separate ownership from
the primary dwelling, except as may be expressly permitted by State law.
J. Permitting.
An ADU established under this section remains subject to required zoning approval (zoning
certificate), required building permits, and any other applicable permits, reviews, and
inspections.
K. Owner occupancy.
1. The owner of the lot, parcel, or tract shall reside permanently within either the primary
dwelling or the ADU.
2. The Zoning Administrator may require reasonable documentation to verify compliance
with this subsection.
L. Short-term rental prohibited.
1. Prohibition. When an ADU established on a lot, neither the ADU nor the primary
dwelling shall be used as a short-term rental, as defined in §170-70
2. Nothing in this subsection prohibits rental or occupancy of an ADU other than as a
short-term rental, provided that the property remains in compliance with subsection K
(Owner Occupancy). Commented [PF4]: This better fits in the STR Ordinance
Commented [PF5R4]: & renumber

M. Critical Area.
Where an ADU is located within the Critical Area Overlay District, the ADU shall comply with the
applicable requirements of §170-31.4 and §170-31.5 in addition to this section. In the event of
inconsistency, the more restrictive or stringent provision shall apply.
N. Prior lawful approvals.
1. Any accessory apartment or accessory dwelling unit lawfully established prior to the
effective date of Ordinance ____-2026 pursuant to a valid zoning certificate, building
permit, or special exception approval may continue in accordance with the terms and
conditions of that approval, notwithstanding the size limitation in §170-39.1(E).
2. Any enlargement or modification that increases the gross floor area of the accessory
unit beyond what was approved shall require compliance with §170-39.1 and all other
applicable requirements of Chapter 170.

170-70 – Definitions Updates
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT. A separate, complete housekeeping unit with a separate entrance,
kitchen, sleeping area, and full bathroom facilities, which is an attached or detached extension
to an existing single-family structure. A secondary dwelling unit that is on the same lot, parcel,
or tact as a primary single-family detached dwelling unit and not greater than 75% of the
above grade gross floor area of and subordinate in use to the primary single-family detached Commented [PF6]: State definition only says 75% of size
dwelling unit. “Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)” includes a structure that is separate from the and does not include ADU’s wholly within an existing DU
primary single-family detached dwelling unit, a dwelling unit attached as an addition to the Commented [PF7R6]: Could potentially remove from the
primary single-family detached dwelling unit, or a dwelling unit that is fully enclosed within definition, and limit the size in part E. above.
the existing single-family detached dwelling unit. [Added 9-18-2025 by Ord. No. 12-2025]
Dwelling unit. A single unit providing complete living facilities for at least one individual,
including, at a minimum, provisions for sanitation, cooking, eating, and sleeping.
Short-Term Rental. Any lease or other transfer of the right to occupy a primary dwelling unit on
the parcel other than a hotel, motel, inn, or bed-and-breakfast for not less than one night and
not exceeding four months. [Added 4-3-2014 by Ord. No. 02-2014] Commented [PF8]: Delete primary to close potential
loophole with STR prohibition.

Other Updates Required That are in progress
1. Update and replace all Accessory Apartment references with ADU as allowable use
R1, R2 – R3 inherits from R-2
2. Replace Special Exceptions for ADU’s – If we have a more robust process for establishment of
ADU’s the process becomes less necessary as an SE. Reserve applicable sections
3. CBD – create process for ADU that follows 170-22.A.13 carve out for SFD’s. If SFD is allowed in
any district it is eligible for an ADU
4. TND – Move ADU out of special exception and remove the 15% cap. ADU’s by right in all SFD
districts and compliance with new ADU ordinance
6. Off street parking – update ADU row
Buffer Yards part K - ADU

SECTION 1. Amendment to §170-70, Definitions.
§170-70 is amended by revising the definition of “Accessory Dwelling Unit,” adding a definition of
“Dwelling Unit,” and revising the definition of “Short Term Rental” as follows:
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT.
A separate, complete housekeeping unit with a separate entrance, kitchen, sleeping area, and full
bathroom facilities, which is an attached or detached extension to an existing single-family
structure.
A secondary dwelling unit that is on the same lot, parcel, or tract as a primary single-family
detached dwelling unit and not greater than seventy-five percent (75%) of the size of and
subordinate in use to the primary single-family detached dwelling unit. “Accessory dwelling
unit” includes a dwelling unit that is wholly enclosed within the existing primary single-family
detached dwelling unit, a structure that is separate from the primary single-family detached
dwelling unit, or a dwelling unit attached as an addition to the primary single-family detached
dwelling unit.
DWELLING UNIT.
A single unit providing complete living facilities for at least one individual, including, at a
minimum, provisions for sanitation, cooking, eating, and sleeping.
SHORT TERM RENTAL.
Any lease or other transfer of the right to occupy a primary dwelling unit on the parcel other than a
hotel, motel, inn, or bed-and-breakfast for not less than one night and not exceeding four months.
SECTION 2. Amendment to §170-39.B, Accessory Buildings.
§170-39.B is amended as follows:
B. Accessory buildings which are not a part of or attached to the main building, although they may
be connected by an open breezeway, may only be located between the rear lot line and the closest
point of the rear wall of the main building, provided that the sum of the building footprints of all
existing and proposed accessory building does not exceed 30% of the area of the required rear yard
footprint area located within the required rear yard of all existing and proposed accessory Commented [PF1]: This provision was enacted in 2021
buildings does not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the area of the required rear yard and when lot coverage was defined as the combined building
footprint. It served to greatly reduce the lot coverage
provided the following standards are adhered to: allowable at the time. See example worksheet.
Two options to fix that stand out - other opinions
Alternate text for 170-39.B welcome!
1.If a building encroaches into the required setbacks,
B. Accessory buildings which are not a part of or attached to the main building, although they may it can’t take up more than 30%, effectively serving to
keep the rear yard open.
be connected by an open breezeway, may only be located between the rear lot line and the closest
2.Change the language be 30% of the actual yard (ie.
point of the rear wall of the main building, provided that the sum of the building footprints of all rear wall to rear lot line.
existing and proposed accessory building does not exceed 30% of the area of the required rear yard Commented [PF2]: Alt form of B, to hold it to accessory
area within which accessory buildings may be located, and provided the following standards are building footprints cannot take up more than 30% of the
area where accessory budlings are allowed to be located
adhered to:
(ie. behind the rear wall of house to the rear property
line.)
Page 1 of 6

SECTION 3. New §170-39.1, Accessory Dwelling Units.
Chapter 170 is amended by adding new §170-39.1 as follows:
§170-39.1 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
A. Authorization and applicability.
1. This section establishes standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on lots with a
single-family detached dwelling.
2. One (1) ADU may be established on a lot, parcel, or tract containing a single-family
detached dwelling, where authorized by the underlying zoning district and subject to
this section.
3. Any accessory apartment permitted under this chapter as a secondary dwelling unit in
conjunction with a single-family detached dwelling shall be regulated as an ADU under
this section, except that multiple accessory apartments authorized by special
exception shall remain subject to the applicable special exception provisions of this
chapter.
B. Number permitted.
No more than one (1) ADU shall be permitted on any lot, parcel, or tract.
C. Size and subordination.
1. Maximum size.
An ADU shall be no greater than seventy-five percent (75%) of the size of the primary
dwelling and shall be subordinate in use to the primary dwelling.
2. Measurement of primary dwelling.
For purposes of applying subsection C(1), the size of the primary dwelling shall be
determined by the above grade living area of the primary single-family detached
dwelling as reflected in Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation
records prior to the creation of the ADU, unless the applicant demonstrates to the
satisfaction of the Zoning Administrator that the SDAT record is unavailable, outdated,
or inaccurate.
3. Measurement of ADU.
For purposes of applying subsection C(1), the size of the ADU shall be determined by
the finished habitable floor area of the ADU, including finished habitable floor area
located below grade, where such area is designed or used for living, sleeping, eating,
cooking, or sanitation. Garages, unfinished storage areas, unfinished attics, unfinished
basements, open porches, decks, patios, and similar non-habitable areas shall not be
counted toward the size of the ADU.
Page 2 of 6

4. Internal conversion designation.
Where an ADU is created by converting an existing single-family detached dwelling into
two dwelling units within the existing building envelope, the dwelling unit with the
smaller finished habitable floor area shall be designated as the ADU for purposes of
applying subsection C(1).
D. Location, setbacks, and lot coverage.
1. Internal or attached ADUs shall comply with the yard and bulk standards applicable to
the primary dwelling.
2. Detached ADUs shall comply with the §170-39.B
3. All ADUs shall comply with the lot coverage requirements of the underlying zoning
district.
E. Parking.
1. One (1) off-street parking space shall be provided for an ADU, unless waived under
subsection E(2).
2. The Zoning Administrator may waive, in whole or in part, the off-street parking
requirement for an ADU where the applicant demonstrates that the required parking is
unnecessary or infeasible based on site conditions, available on-street parking,
access constraints, impervious surface impacts, or other factors identified in an
adopted Town parking study or administrative policy.
3. A parking waiver request shall be submitted in a form established by the Zoning
Administrator. The Zoning Administrator shall approve, approve with conditions, or
deny the waiver in writing. Decisions under this subsection may be appealed in the
same manner as other administrative zoning determinations.
F. Density and similar growth measures.
An ADU approved under this section shall be excluded from residential density calculations
and from any like measure intended to limit residential growth applicable to the lot, parcel, or
tract.
G. Ownership and occupancy. Commented [PF3]: Removed Short Term rental
prohibition per our last work session. Restriction will be
1. Separate conveyance prohibited. in STR Ordinance.
An ADU shall not be subdivided or otherwise conveyed to create separate ownership
from the primary dwelling, except as may be expressly permitted by State law.
2. Owner occupancy.
The owner of the lot, parcel, or tract shall reside permanently within either the primary
dwelling or the ADU. The Zoning Administrator may require reasonable documentation
to verify compliance with this subsection.
Page 3 of 6

H. Permits and other applicable requirements.
An ADU requires zoning approval and any other required permits, reviews, and inspections.
ADU’s located within the Critical Area remain subject to §170-31.4 and §170-31.5
I. Prior lawful approvals.
1. Any accessory apartment or accessory dwelling unit lawfully established prior to the
effective date of Ordinance ____-2026 pursuant to a valid zoning certificate, building
permit, or special exception approval may continue in accordance with the terms and
conditions of that approval, notwithstanding the size limitation in §170-39.1(C).
2. Any enlargement or modification that increases the size of the accessory unit beyond
what was approved shall require compliance with §170-39.1 and all other applicable
requirements of Chapter 170.
SECTION 4. Amendment to §170-19.A, R-1 Low Density Residential District.
§170-19.A(6) is amended as follows:
6. One accessory apartment created within single-family dwelling units, provided that: [Added
12-18-2001 by Ord. No. 10-01]
a. The apartment units are within a dwelling that existed at the time of adoption of this
chapter.
b. The owner of the dwelling resides permanently within the dwelling.
c. One parking space per apartment unit and two parking spaces for the primary dwelling
are provided on the parcel.
d. Parking areas are adequately screened from adjacent lots and roadways.
6. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
One (1) accessory dwelling unit (ADU) may be established on a lot containing a single-family
detached dwelling, subject to §170-39.1.
SECTION 5. Amendment to §170-20.A, R-2 Medium Density Residential District.
§170-20.A(6) is amended as follows:
6. One accessory apartment created within single-family dwelling units, provided that: [Added
12-18-2001 by Ord. No. 10-01]
a. The apartment units are within a dwelling that existed at the time of adoption of this
chapter.
b. The maximum number of apartments shall not exceed the maximum permitted density
and shall not in any case exceed four apartment units on any one lot.
c. The owner of the dwelling resides permanently within the dwelling.
Page 4 of 6

d. One parking space per apartment unit and two parking spaces for the primary dwelling
are provided on the parcel.
e. Parking areas are adequately screened from adjacent lots and roadways.
6. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
One (1) accessory dwelling unit (ADU) may be established on a lot containing a single-family
detached dwelling, subject to §170-39.1.
SECTION 6. Amendment to §170-20.C, R-2 Special Exceptions.
§170-20.C(10) is amended as follows:
10. One accessory apartment in a detached building, provided that: [Added 8-3-2006 by Ord.
No. 03-06]
a. The subject lot is at least 10,000 square feet;
b. The minimum yard requirements, height and total lot coverage do not exceed the
standards set forth in this chapter for the R-2 Zone;
c. The owner of the dwelling resides permanently within the main dwelling unit;
d. There is at least one off-street parking space for the apartment unit and at least two off-
street parking spaces for the main dwelling;
e. Parking areas are adequately screened from adjacent lots and roadways;
f. There is no more than one accessory apartment on any lot; and
g. The building with the apartment must be subservient to, smaller in scale than, and
architecturally complimentary to the main residence.
10. Reserved.
SECTION 7. Amendment to §170-22.A, Central Business District.
§170-22.A is amended by adding new §170-22.A(13)(a) as follows:
13.a. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
One (1) accessory dwelling unit (ADU) may be established only in conjunction with a single-
family detached structure permitted under §170-22(A)(13), subject to §170-39.1.
SECTION 8. Amendment to §170-29.1, Traditional Neighborhood Development District.
§170-29.1.C(1), Residential Uses, is amended by adding a new permitted residential use as follows:
1. Residential Uses
a. Single-family detached dwellings.
i. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in conjunction with single-family
detached dwellings, subject to §170-39.1.
b. Cottage Dwellings.
Page 5 of 6

c. Single-family attached:
i. Two-family dwellings.
ii. Semi-attached dwellings.
iii. Townhouses.
d. Multi-family dwellings.
e. Residential uses above commercial, retail, and service uses
§170-29.1(E)(1)(a) is amended as follows:
a. Accessory dwelling units in conjunction with single family detached dwellings.
b.a.Special needs housing.
§170-29.1(F)(1) is amended as follows:
1. Number of dwelling units permitted. The number of residential dwelling units and the
amount of nonresidential development (excluding open spaces) shall be determined as
follows:
a. The maximum residential density for a development tract shall not exceed eight (8)
dwelling units per acre.
b. A maximum of one accessory dwelling unit may be permitted on a single-family lot.
However, the total number of accessory dwelling units shall not be more than 15%
of the total number of single-family detached units.
c.b. Dwelling units constructed above retail and service uses may be permissible and
inclusive of the total number of dwelling units authorized under this section.
SECTION 9. Amendment to §170-42(K)(4), Buffer Yard Exemption.
§170-42.K(4) is amended as follows:
4. Accessory apartments or an Accessory Dwelling Unit on lots that are in single-family
residential use and the use of an existing single-family house for a bed-and-breakfast
establishment or short-term rental are exempt from this requirement.
Page 6 of 6

RULES
OF
THE TOWN OF CENTREVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION
ARTICLE I. AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE
Section 1. Authority
These Rules are adopted in accordance with authority contained in Land Use Article Section
2-101 et seq., of the Annotated Code of Maryland; Title 10, Subtitle 5, of the State
Government Article of that Code; and the Town of Centreville Zoning Ordinance and
Subdivision Regulations. In the event of any conflict between these Rules and those
authorities, the latter shall control.
Section 2. Purpose
These Rules are designed to facilitate the conduct of the Commission's proceedings and to
assist citizens having business before the Commission.
ARTICLE II. OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers
At any regular meeting held in May of each year and at any time during the year when a
vacancy occurs in such offices, the Commission will elect a Chairman, a Vice Chairman,
and a Secretary, each of whom will serve until the regular meeting held in May of the
following year and until a successor is elected. An officer is eligible for reelection.
Section 2. Chairman
The Chairman, will, when present, preside at all meetings of the Commission and will have
the authority to sign and execute on behalf of the Commission all plats and other
instruments approved in accordance with the Town of Centreville Zoning Ordinance.
Section 3. Vice Chairman
In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice Chairman will preside at all meetings of the
Commission and will perform all duties of the Chairman. However, the Vice Chairman may

not enter the approval of the Commission with respect to a subdivision plat.
Section 4. Secretary
The Secretary will have authority to sign and execute on behalf of the Commission all plats
and other instruments approved in accordance with the Town of Centreville Code.
ARTICLE III. MEETINGS
Section 1. Open Meetings / Public Inspection of Applications
(a) Except to the limited extent provided in Section 11, no matter will be discussed or
acted upon by the Commission at a closed meeting.
(b) Subject to the availability of equipment and appropriations from the Town Council,
all meeting places shall be configured and equipped so that presentations can be seen
and heard by all present.
(c) Videotaping, televising, or photographing may be performed from the back of the
meeting room with a stationary camera so as not to disrupt the proceedings of the
meeting.
(d) The files for all applications, including plats and plans, are available for public
inspection by request at any time during normal business hours at Town Hall or at
other designated areas.
(e) The Planning Commission will hear comments from the public during the first and
last fifteen (15) minutes of each regularly scheduled meeting on issues pertaining to
planning and zoning in the Town of Centreville. A sign-up sheet will be made
available before each regularly scheduled meeting. Each speaker will be allowed
three (3) minutes.
(f) The Planning Commission may hear comments from the public, including applicants
and citizens proposing text or map amendments, before taking action on
development applications or text or map amendments.
Section 2. Regular Meetings
The Commission will hold at least one regular meeting each month. At the regular meeting
held in May, the Commission will establish a tentative schedule for regular meetings. The
tentative date of any regular meeting may be changed by the Commission or the Chairman.

Section 3. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Commission will be held at the written request of the Chairman or at
least four (4) three (3) of its members. The request will state the purpose of the meeting and
the matters proposed for consideration. The Chairman will designate the time of the
meeting.
Section 4. Place of Meetings
All meetings of the Commission will be held in a place designated by the Chairman and
stated in the notice of the meeting.
Section 5. Official Notice of Meetings
(a) In accordance with § 3-302 of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code
of Maryland, the Commission has given public notice that notice of any meeting or
session which is required to be an open session will be given in accordance with this
section.
(b) Such notice will be:
1. In writing;
2. Include the date, time and place of the meeting or session and any
other information required by law or the Town of Centreville Zoning
Ordinance with respect to a required public hearing referred to in
Article IV; and
3. Posted in the lobby of Town Hall, 101 Lawyers Row, Centreville,
Maryland, and on the Town’s official website
(www.townofcentreville.org) at least seven (7) days prior to any
regular meeting and at least three (3) days prior to any special
meeting of the Commission.
Section 6. Agenda
(a) In addition to the official notice required by Section 5, an agenda of any meeting of
the Commission will be provided in accordance with this section.
(b) The agenda will include:
1. The information contained in the official notice required by Section 5;
2. Specific reference to each site plan or subdivision or other matter which is to

be considered at the meeting; and
3. A general description of the type of consideration or action contemplated
with respect to each such matter (for example, preliminary or final approval).
(c) The agenda of all meetings will be provided to each member of the Commission.
(d) The agenda of a special meeting will include a statement of the specific purpose(s)
for which the meeting has been called.
(e) Any defect in an agenda referred to in this section (including failure of the agenda to
refer to any matter considered by the Commission) will not affect any action taken
by the Commission.
Section 7. Action at Meetings
(a) At any regular meeting, the Commission may take any action authorized by the
Town of Centreville Zoning Ordinance.
(b) At any special meeting, the Commission may take action only with respect to
matters stated in the agenda referred to in Section 6.
(c) It is the policy of the Commission that, ordinarily:
1. No action will be taken with respect to any subdivision or site plan or other
matter which is not referred to in the agenda for that meeting;
2. No final subdivision or site plan approval will be given at a special meeting;
3. Both preliminary and final approval will not be given to any subdivision or
site plan at the same meeting.
(d) The provisions of subsection (c) may be waived at any meeting of the Commission
upon the affirmative vote of at least five (5) three (3) Commission members and
their recorded findings that:
1. such waiver is in the public interest;
2. stated special reasons exist for a departure from the policy of the
Commission;
3. those reasons do not involve to any degree any delay or inaction by the
person for whom the policy is waived;
4. the purpose of providing prior notice of action to be taken at a regular
meeting will not be unduly compromised; and
5. the Department of Planning and Zoning has certified that no further time is

required to make any determination required by the Town of Centreville
Zoning Ordinance.
Section 8. Quorum and Vote
(a) At any meeting, the presence of at least four (4) three (3) Commission members will
constitute a quorum with respect to any action which may be taken at the meeting.
(b) Unless a greater number is required by law or by these Rules, a majority of the
members present and eligible to vote on a matter will be sufficient to take any action
with respect to that matter.
(c) No Commission member may vote, or be counted as a member of the quorum, by
proxy.
(d) With respect to any matter upon which the Town Council member of the
Commission is not eligible to vote, that member will not be considered for any
purpose under this section.
(e) Members may participate virtually (i.e. video or telephone) in meetings provided the
technology and staff are available to facilitate the participation. Only members that
are physically present at the meeting shall count towards a quorum.
Section 9. Minutes / Record of Action
(a) Written minutes of all meetings of the Commission will be provided in accordance
with this section as soon as practicable after any meeting.
(b) Minutes of the Commission will reflect:
1. each item or matter considered by the Commission;
2. the action taken by the Commission with respect to each item or matter; and
3. each vote which was recorded.
(c) Record of the action taken by the Commission on each item set forth in the agenda,
after approval of minutes of that meeting, shall be posted on the Town of Centreville
official website.
Section 10. Effect of Minutes
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, minutes of any meeting of the
Commission are tentative and unofficial until approved by the Commission at a

subsequent meeting.
(b) Prior to such approval of the minutes, any specific action taken by the Commission
may be certified by:
1. the Secretary of the Commission, to the extent that such action is contained
in a resolution which was read in its entirety to the Commission immediately
prior to the vote by which it was adopted; or
2. the Chairman or another person specifically designated by the Commission
to make such certification, if the Commission directs that its action be
accompanied by interpretive or qualifying comment.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any person, other than the
Chairman or the Secretary, to evidence the Commission's approval of any
subdivision plat.
Section 11. Closed Meetings
(a) The Commission may meet in a closed meeting or adjourn an open meeting to a
closed meeting only for a purpose referred to Section 3-305 of the General
Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
(b) If a closed meeting is held, the minutes of the next open meeting will include:
1. a statement of the time, place and purpose of the closed meeting;
2. a record of the vote of each member as to the reason for closing the meeting;
and
3. a reference to the specific provision referred to in subsection (a) for which
the meeting was closed.
4. a listing of the topics of discussion, persons present, and each action taken
during the closed session.
ARTICLE IV. HEARINGS
Section 1. Definition
As used in this Article:
1. "hearing" means that portion of any meeting of the Commission at which a
person appears for the purpose of seeking any action by the Commission,
including approval of a site plan or subdivision.

2. "required public hearing" means a hearing which the Commission is
specifically required to hold as a public hearing and for which special notice
is required by law or by the Town of Centreville Zoning Ordinance (for
example, a public hearing with respect to comprehensive rezoning,
amendment of the comprehensive plan or amendment of the subdivision
regulations).
3. "interested person" means a person who has an interest in any issue to be
determined at a hearing and includes the Zoning Administrator or a member
of the Department of Planning and Zoning designated by him and any
attorney or agent who is duly authorized to appear on behalf of an interested
person.
Section 2. Notice of Required Public Hearing
In addition to the official notice required by Article III of these Rules, the Commission will
give such additional notice of a required public hearing as may be required by law or the
Town of Centreville Zoning Ordinance.
Section 3. Reception of Evidence
(a) At any hearing, an interested person may present evidence and, at the conclusion of
the reception of evidence, may present summation and argument with respect to
each issue to be established at a hearing.
(b) Evidence, summation and argument must be:
1. probative and
2. of a type which would be accepted by reasonable and prudent individuals in
the conduct of their private affairs.
(c) Evidence may include relevant documentary evidence, testimony of witnesses, cross
examination of other witnesses and rebuttal evidence with respect to any evidence
submitted on behalf of any other interested person.
(d) The Commission may:
1. limit or exclude any evidence which is not of a type referred to in subsection
(b);
2. limit or exclude any evidence, argument or summation which is
incompetent, irrelevant, immaterial, unduly repetitious or recognized as
privileged under Maryland law;

3. establish a reasonable limitation upon the time for the presentation of
evidence with respect to any issue and provide a reasonable allocation of that
time among interested persons having different points of view with respect
to that issue; and/or
4. establish a reasonable limitation upon the time for the presentation of
summation or argument with respect to any or all issues and provide a
reasonable allocation of that time among interested persons having different
points of view with respect to such issues.
Section 4. Consideration of Evidence
In deciding any matter with respect to which a hearing is held, the Commission will only
consider:
1. evidence presented at a hearing;
2. facts which could be judicially noticed by a court of record in Queen Anne's
County; and
3. facts of a general, technical or scientific nature within the specialized
knowledge of that Commission.
4. written testimony may be accepted up to three (3) days prior to a hearing,
with exceptions permissible solely by the Chairman.
ARTICLE V. AMENDMENT
Any provision of these Rules may be amended by the affirmative vote of at least five (5)
three (3) members of the Commission, inclusive of the Chairman, at any open meeting, if
the subject of the amendment was specifically referred to in the agenda circulated to the
Commission prior to that meeting in accordance with Article III.
ARTICLE VI. ADOPTION
Adoption of these Rules shall occur by the affirmative vote of at least five (5) three (3)
members of the Commission, inclusive of the Chairman, at any open meeting.

TOWN OF CENTREVILLE, MARYLAND
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION BYLAWS
ARTICLE I
PREAMBLE
Section 1.1. Creation. A Planning and Zoning Commission for the Town of Centreville shall be hereby
established in accordance with the Land Use Article, Section 2-101 and vested with all of the powers
and duties thereby conferred by the Land Use Article, the Centreville Zoning Ordinance, and the
Centreville Subdivision Regulations.
Section 1.2. Short title. The Town of Centreville Planning and Zoning Commission also shall be known
and referred to as the Centreville Planning Commission.
Section 1.3. Composition. The Planning Commission shall be comprised of seven (7) five (5) voting
members and one (1) ex-officio (non-voting) member, who shall be a member of the Town Council,
appointed by the Town Council. All regular members of the Planning Commission shall be primary
residents of the Town of Centreville.
Section 1.4. Term of membership. In accordance with the Land Use Article, the term of each voting
member shall be five (5) years with staggered appointments. The term of the ex-officio member shall
be the term for which the ex-officio member is appointed by the President of the Town Council.
Section 1.5. Removal from membership. In accordance with the Land Use Article, members of the
Planning Commission may, after a public hearing, be removed by the Town Council for inefficiency,
neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. Once a decision to remove a member has been made, the
Town Council, shall file a written statement of the reasons for said removal, which shall be made a part
of the official minutes of the meeting.
Section 1.6. Vacancies. In accordance with the Land Use Article, vacancies occurring other than
through the expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term by the appointing authority
specified in Article I, Section 1.3 of these Bylaws.
Section 1.7. Alternate Members. In accordance with the Land Use Article, the Town Council may
appoint alternate members of the Planning Commission, who may sit on the Commission in the
absence of any regular member. The alternate member shall be a primary resident of the Town of
Centreville. When the alternate member is required to fill a regular member's position on the
Commission or is otherwise unable to attend meetings for an extended period of time, the Town
Council may designate a temporary alternate to sit on the Commission.
Section 1.8. Consistency with the Land Use Article. Whenever a conflict or discrepancy is determined
to exist between the wording in these Bylaws and the applicable governing Section of the Land Use
Article is found to exist, then the effective provisions of the Maryland Annotated Code shall govern and
supersede the specific wording of these Bylaws, until such time as the conflict or discrepancy is
eliminated. Where such conflicts are discovered to exist, the Planning Commission shall proceed to
update and amend the Bylaws to eliminate said conflict or discrepancy at its earliest convenience.
1

ARTICLE II
OFFICERS
The officers of the Planning Commission shall consist of a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, and a Secretary.
All officers shall be members of the Planning Commission.
Section 2.1. Chairman. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Planning Commission and at
other meetings and public hearings called by the Planning Commission.
a. The Chairman shall decide all points of order or procedure and perform any duties required by
law, ordinances, these rules, or the Planning Commission.
b. The Chairman shall call special meetings of the Planning Commission when required and shall
transmit reports, plans, and recommendations of the Planning Commission to the Town Council,
and, in general, shall act as spokesman for the Planning Commission.
c. The Chairman shall be one of the seven (7) five (5) appointed voting members of the Planning
Commission.
d. The Chairman may, at his/her discretion, establish any special committee consisting of member
of the Planning Commission and (if deemed necessary) Town support staff to fulfill a
responsibility or charge of the Planning Commission.
Section 2.2. Vice-Chairman. The Vice-Chairman shall serve as Chairman in the absence or the disability
of the Chairman.
a. In the event of the death, removal, or resignation of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman shall
perform the Chairman's duties until such time as the Planning Commission shall elect a new
Chairman and/or Vice-Chairman, as the case may be.
b. The Vice-Chairman shall be an appointed regular member of the Planning Commission.
Section 2.3. Secretary. The Planning Commission shall designate one of its members to act as Secretary
of the Commission.
a. The Secretary or designated Town staff shall assist the Chairman in the preparation of an agenda
for Planning Commission meetings, shall review and sign all subdivision plats, shall prepare and
send out notices for regular and special meetings, shall prepare and distribute minutes of
Commission meetings, and shall establish and maintain the Planning Commission's files.
ARTICLE III
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Annually, at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission held in the month of May, the Commission
shall elect a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, and a Secretary. The officers may succeed themselves.
However, the maximum number of consecutive terms that may be served by an officer shall not exceed
2

two for the Chairman or Vice-Chairman or three for the Secretary, unless a favorable unanimous vote of
all Members present wish to allow an officer to serve an additional term.
Section 3.1. Nomination of officers. Nomination of officers shall be made from the floor, and the
election shall follow immediately thereafter.
Section 3.2. Election vote. A candidate receiving a majority vote of the entire membership (including
the sitting Chairman) of the Planning Commission shall be declared elected and shall serve for one year
or until a successor shall take office.
Section 3.3. Vacancies. Vacancies in offices shall be filled immediately by the regular election
procedures specified in this Article.
ARTICLE IV
MEETINGS
Section 4.1. Regular meetings. Regular meetings of the Planning Commission shall be scheduled at
7:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. If a regular meeting date falls on a Holiday observed
by the Town, the regular meeting shall be scheduled on the fourth Wednesday of the month. A regular
meeting may be canceled due to a lack of substantive agenda items to be addressed, meeting location
scheduling conflicts, emergency conditions, inclement weather, or other acts of nature beyond the
Town’s control. In the event that a scheduled meeting is canceled, the Chairman may schedule a special
meeting following the procedures specified in Section 4.6 of these Bylaws or the items scheduled to be
conducted at the canceled meeting shall be deferred until the next regular meeting.
Section 4.2. Attendance. Each member of the Commission is obligated to attend every meeting. Should
any voting or alternate member appointed by the Town Council fail to attend three or more
consecutive meetings without cause acceptable to the Planning Commission, the membership of the
Planning Commission may, by majority vote, petition the Town Council to appoint a replacement, due
to inefficiency of the absent member. Once the Planning Commission has petitioned the Town Council
for removal of a voting or alternate member, the Town Council shall consider the petition in accordance
with the procedures specified in State law or Town Code.
Section 4.3. Quorum. A quorum necessary for the transaction of business shall consist of four (4) three
(3) voting members of the Planning Commission. Unless specifically provided otherwise by Maryland
Law, ordinance, or these Bylaws, the business of the Planning Commission shall be transacted by a
majority vote of members present, after a quorum has been established. Members abstaining from
voting on a motion before the Planning Commission shall be counted in the determination of a
quorum, but shall not be counted as a vote in favor of or in opposition on the specific motion at hand.
Members may participate virtually (i.e video or telephone) in meetings provided the technology and
staff are available to facilitate the participation; however, only members that are physically present at
the meeting shall count toward a quorum.
Section 4.4. Actions (voting) by the Planning Commission. An official action or decision by the Planning
Commission shall require an affirmative majority vote of the members present, as specified above in
Section 4.3 of these Bylaws. The Chairman may request a roll call vote on any motion to determine an
3

accurate accounting of the votes. When a roll call vote is requested by the Chairman, the vote of each
member on the motion shall be recorded in the official minutes of the meeting. Each action by the
Planning Commission shall be initiated by a motion, followed by a second of the motion by different
voting members of the Commission. Discussion of the motion shall be undertaken only after it has been
seconded. If a motion fails to receive a second upon the call of the Chairman, the motion shall be
rejected without a vote. A motion may be revised during the discussion session and prior to the official
vote only with the consent of both the member who made the motion and the member who seconded
it. A voting member of the Planning Commission also may move for an amendment to the original
motion during the discussion session, which must receive a second by another voting member prior to
discussion and action by the Planning Commission. When a motion has been amended in this manner,
the Planning Commission shall first vote on the amendment or amendments in reverse order of
motion, prior to voting on the original motion. No motions shall be made to take final action on an
issue subject to a public hearing until after the hearing has been closed by the Chairman and any
extended open record approved by the Planning Commission during the open public hearing has
expired. The Planning Commission may take action on one or more consent items under a single
motion for approval, provided that there is no request for discussion on said items. If any member of
the Planning Commission requests discussion on an item scheduled for consent approval, then that
item shall be removed from the consent action list and subjected to a separate vote, after discussion.
Voting procedures and issues not otherwise addressed in this section shall be governed by Robert's
Rules of Order.
Section 4.5. Order of business. The order of business at regular meetings shall be:
1. call to order,
2. chairman's comments (or announcements),
3. reading and approval of minutes of previous meeting(s) and notification of closed session, if
any,
4. citizen comments,
5. appearances,
6. public hearings or meetings (continued hearings shall be conducted first),
7. unfinished business,
8. new business,
9. zoning issues,
10. miscellaneous correspondence,
11. citizen comments,
12. Town Council report, and
13. adjournment.
Section 4.6. Special meetings. Special meetings of the Planning Commission shall be held upon call of
the Chairman, and at such other times as the Planning Commission may determine by majority vote,
provided that at least five (5) days advance notice is given in writing (which shall include e-mail) to each
member. The Planning Commission may, by majority vote conducted at a regular meeting, establish a
special meeting date, time, and location that will require no advance written notice to the members of
the Planning Commission. No formal vote or public hearing shall be conducted at a special meeting
4

which has not been subject to the public notification procedures specified in Section 4.8 of these
Bylaws.
Section 4.7. Open to the public. All meetings and hearings of the Planning Commission (with the sole
exception of a Closed Session) shall be open to the public. All Closed Sessions shall be conducted in
accordance with the Maryland Open Meetings Act (Maryland Annotated Code, General Provisions
Article, Title 3 Subtitle 3, as amended).
Section 4.8. Notification. Public notice of all meetings of the Planning Commission shall be provided
through the posting of a notice in a public place within Centreville Town Hall at least seven (7) days
prior to the scheduled date of the meeting. Such notice shall state the date, time, and location of the
meeting and the actions to be taken by the Planning Commission. Public notices for all public hearings
before the Planning Commission shall be provided in the form and manner prescribed by the applicable
governing statute or local code and shall be in addition to the public notice for the regular meeting at
which the hearing(s) will be conducted. If no specific public notification procedures are prescribed for a
matter that that Planning Commission determines to conduct a public hearing, then the hearing shall
be notified by the one-time publication of a legal ad in a newspaper of local circulation within the Town
not less than fifteen (15) nor more than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the hearing. Such legal ad
shall specify the time, date, and location of the meeting and provide a general description of the matter
to be heard.
Section 4.9. Special rules for Public Hearings. All persons wishing to testify at a public hearing before
the Planning Commission shall place their names on an attendance list provided by the Town at the
hearing site, which shall be maintained as part of the official record of the hearing. Oral public
testimonies shall not be received before the public hearing has been opened by the Chairman or after
the Chairman has closed the public hearing. The Chairman may, at his/her discretion, establish time
limitations on personal comments and such other special rules on public conduct as may be necessary
to ensure adequate opportunity for complete and balanced public input on issues before the Planning
Commission. Whenever a time limit for oral testimonies at a public hearing is established by the
Chairman, then the Planning Commission shall provide an extended open record for written comments
prior to closing the hearing and participants at the hearing shall be informed at the hearing of their
opportunity to submit written comments to the record in addition to or in lieu of their oral testimonies
at the hearing. An extended open record for written comments shall be an option for the Planning
Commission at any public hearing where no time limits on oral testimonies are needed. Any extended
open record shall be established by the Planning Commission prior to the close of the hearing, along
with a time-and date-specific deadline for the receipt of written comments and directions on where
and how (e-mail, parcel post, and/or hand-delivery) they may be submitted. The Chairman also may, at
his/her discretion and after providing a verbal warning, request the removal of any citizen who
repeatedly disrupts the proceeding by interrupting speakers who have the floor (speaking out of turn),
makes offensive remarks (such as insults, catcalls, or actively incites support or opposition from other
citizens at the hearing), or acts in a hostile, combative, confrontational, or potentially threatening
manner.
5

ARTICLE V
RECORDS
Section 5.1. Duty of the Secretary. The Secretary shall arrange for the taking of minutes covering the
proceedings of each meeting of the Planning Commission, documenting the actual vote on each
question.
Section 5.2. Official minutes. The minutes of a Planning Commission meeting shall not become an
official record of the Planning Commission until they have been adopted by majority vote of the
Planning Commission. The official minutes and all records of the Planning Commission shall constitute
public records, and the Planning Commission shall arrange with the Town Council to provide for the
safe keeping of those records.
Section 5.3. Permanent files. In addition to the minutes of the Planning Commission, the Secretary
shall arrange for the keeping of a permanent file of all official minutes, plats, maps, charts, reports,
notices, resolutions, correspondence and applications filed with and issued by the Planning
Commission.
ARTICLE VI
EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTS, AND FINANCES
Section 6.1. Employees of the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission may request the Town
Council and/or Town Manager to designate Town employees to assist in the work of the Planning
Commission; and the Planning Commission may also recommend that the Town contract with
consulting and regional planners, engineers, architects and other professionals for such services as may
be required.
Section 6.2. Expenditures. The expenditures of the Planning Commission, exclusive of gifts, shall be
within the amounts appropriated for the purpose by the Town Council.
ARTICLE VII
COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE PUBLIC
Until such time as the Planning Commission has adopted official minutes of a meeting, the Chairman
shall serve as the official and exclusive spokesperson for all communications with the public and the
media regarding the actions taken at a meeting. If a meeting was chaired by the Vice-Chairman, then
the Vice-Chairman shall serve as the official and exclusive spokesperson for all communications with
the public and the media regarding the actions taken at the meeting, until such time as the Planning
Commission has adopted official minutes for said meeting. The Chairman or Vice-Chairman, serving in
this capacity, may (at his/her discretion) refer or defer specific questions or inquiries from the public or
media regarding meeting issues to the Town Manager and/or his/her designee, in accordance with
applicable Town policies and procedures. All official written letters and recommendations from the
Planning Commission (representing the Planning Commission as a body) shall be issued only after
approval of the Planning Commission.
6

ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS
The Planning Commission may from time to time amend any part or parts of these rules and
regulations so long as such amendments are in accordance with the laws of the State and ordinances of
the Town of Centreville; such amendments shall require the affirmative vote of three (3) five (5) voting
members of the Planning Commission, inclusive of the Chairman, at any open meeting.
ARTICLE IX
ADOPTION OF THE BYLAWS
Adoption of these Bylaws shall occur by the affirmative vote of at least five (5) members of the
Commission, inclusive of the Chairman, at any open meeting.
Adopted this 17th day of April by an affirmative vote of ___ to ____ with ____ member(s) abstaining or
absent.
ATTEST:
Secretary
Amended Date:
Attest: (Secretary)
7