In 2019, Dorchester County adopted the 2018 Comprehensive Plan which lays out a number of goals and strategies related to the growth of Dorchester County.  Several of these strategies center around the Absence of Controls District and the need to protect agricultural land and rural character.  Acting on the recommendations in the plan, County Council directed Planning & Zoning staff to evaluate options that would meet these goals.

In response, staff has prepared an amendment to the Dorchester County Zoning and Land Development standards.  A draft copy of the amendments is linked below and a summary of the proposed changes is provided below.  It is important to note that this exercise only encompasses amendments to the zoning regulations, it does not include rezoning any properties.

Article IX - Changes to this section include the renaming of the AC, Absence of Controls District to AR, Agricultural Residential District.  Most of the commercial and industrial Special Exceptions are proposed for removal, reinforcing this district as a residential and an agricultural district.  A new zoning district, the Rural Crossroads District, is being proposed and is intended to service the crossroad nodes located at Grover, Rosinville, and Dorchester.  This district includes residential uses as well as commercial uses typically seen at rural crossroads.

Article X - A new accessory structure section is being proposed specific to the rural districts.  This section would make allowances for larger agricultural buildings and accessory structures in the front yard.  Cottage Industry is also being proposed to allow commercial uses as home based businesses with larger allowances than in the suburban districts.  Things like an in-home hair salon, or a small engine repair shop could be allowed at the owners home.

Article XX - The amendment to this section would allow subdivisions off easements in the rural districts.

Planning Commission will review these amendments at their May 13th meeting.

Draft Text Amendments