In 1999, Redman/Johnston
Associates, Ltd. (RJA) was contracted by the Town of Indian Head, Maryland to assist with
review of and revisions to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations,
to implement recommendations for their update in the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
The update included substantial
revisions to the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area components of the Zoning Ordinance based on
use of a model ordinance that was developed by the Maryland Chesapeake Bay Critical Area
Commission. As part of the project, the Town was also undertaking a number of civic
improvement projects and economic development initiatives. Particular attention was given
to ordinance revisions to ensure that they supported these projects and initiatives.
As part of the project RJA prepared
recommended revisions to the Town Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map. Recommendations for
streamlining development regulations were incorporated in the revised Ordinance and the
Town’s Subdivision Regulations. Existing Zoning regulations were evaluated in light
of their ability to manage growth, insure neighborhood compatibility, encourage creative
development solutions, preserve and enhance Town aesthetic qualities, and most
importantly, implement the Comprehensive Plan. Revisions to the document included
consideration of innovative zoning techniques such as performance zoning, impact zoning,
incentive zoning, planned redevelopment overlay zone districting and other development
guidance mechanisms.
RJA also assessed provisions in the
Zoning Ordinance and development review procedures to determine aspects that may inhibit
growth in the community. RJA was able to identify opportunities to provide incentives to
encourage development in appropriate areas to permit Indian Head to fulfill it’s role
as a designated center for growth in Charles County.
