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Land Use Code
The Land Use Code is the Town of Frederick’s set of rules that guide how land can be used and developed. It explains which uses are allowed on a property, how buildings are designed and placed, and which review process applies to new development. The Land Use Code helps ensure development is consistent, predictable, and aligned with community goals.
The Town of Frederick Land Use Code
Land Use Code Update
The Town of Frederick is updating its Land Use Code (LUC) to modernize development standards, improve clarity, and align regulations with the Town’s long-range planning goals.
Key Highlights of Land Use Code Updates
Article 2 Summary: Zoning
What’s Included in Article 2: Zoning
Article 2 updates and organizes the Town’s zoning framework, including zoning districts, the zoning map, permitted uses, and use-specific standards.
Topics included in the draft Article 2 Zoning
- Zoning districts and boundaries
- Zoning map options
- Table of permitted uses
- Use-specific standards
- Accessory uses and structures
- Temporary uses
Why it matters
- Article 2 is where the code explains what kinds of uses are allowed in each zoning district and what additional standards may apply.
Examples of what Article 2 contains
- Descriptions of zoning districts and their intent (Residential, Mixed Use, Commercial, Industrial Flex, Agricultural/Open Space, Public, Planned Unit Development, and overlay districts).
Land Code Use Update
- A use table that shows whether a use is permitted, permitted with additional standards, conditional, or not allowed by district.
Land Code Use Update
Use-specific standards for certain uses and housing types, including items like where some housing types may or may not be allowed on specific street types or in specific areas, and when additional buffering/setbacks may apply.
Article 3 Summary: Density and Dimensional Standards
What Article 3 covers
Article 3 focuses on development standards such as density, lot size, setbacks, building height, and other dimensional requirements.
Topics included in the draft Article 3 Density and Dimensional Standands
- Residential density and dimensional standards
- Downtown district density and dimensional standards
- MU-1 and MU-2 (Mixed Use) density and dimensional standards
- Agricultural, commercial, industrial, and public/institutional density and dimensional standards
Why it matters
- Article 3 is where the code sets measurable standards that guide building placement and site design.
Examples of what Article 3 contains
- Tables for minimum lot area, maximum density, minimum lot width/frontage, and setback requirements by zoning district and housing type.
Land Code Use Update
- Downtown standards that address context-sensitive setbacks and building placement in the core area.
Land Code Use Update
- Mixed-use standards that distinguish between primary streets and local streets for setbacks and other design-related dimensional rules.
Land Code Use Update
Nonconforming use provisions that describe how existing uses may continue if they do not meet new standards, and the conditions that apply.
Article 4 Design Principles and Developmental Standards
Topics included in the draft Article 4 Design Principles and Developmental Standards
Article 5 Sign Code
Article 6: Approval Process, Vesting of Property Rights, and Enforcement
Why Updating the Land Use Code Matters
The update is intended to improve organization, increase consistency, and provide clearer standards for residents, property owners, and applicants. Updating the Land Use Code allows the Town to:
- Adjust rules based on community values and growth
- Clarify standards to reduce confusion
- Improve predictability for residents and applicants
- Address issues before they appear in future development proposals
By updating the Code, the Town is setting expectations before projects are proposed, rather than reacting after the fact.
Anticipated Adoption Timeline
- January 21, 2026: Board of Trustees work session (Articles 2 and 3)
- February 4, 2026: Board of Trustees work session (Articles 4, 5, and 6)
- March 5, 2026: Planning Commission consideration
- April 1, 2026: Board of Trustees final adoption
What is the Land Use Code?
The Town of Frederick is updating its Land Use Code (LUC) to modernize development standards, improve clarity, and align regulations with the Town’s long-range planning goals. It explains:
- What types of uses are allowed on a property (such as homes, shops, offices, or industrial uses)
- How big buildings can be
- How close buildings can be to property lines
- How parking, landscaping, lighting, and other site features must be designed
- What review process applies to different types of development
The Land Use Code applies to everyone equally, residents, property owners, developers, and the Town itself. It is not created for a single project. Instead, it sets community-wide expectations so decisions are consistent, predictable, and transparent.
Why Towns Have Land Use Codes
Land use codes exist to balance private property rights with the public interest.
They help:
- Protect neighborhoods from incompatible uses
- Ensure new development fits with surrounding areas
- Support public safety, infrastructure capacity, and access
- Provide clear rules so property owners know what is allowed before investing time and money
- Treat applicants consistently and fairly
Without a land use code, development decisions would be unpredictable, subjective, and potentially unfair.
Who Can Propose Development
Any property owner, or someone authorized by the owner, may propose development on their land.
This can include:
- Building homes or businesses
- Changing zoning
- Subdividing land
- Redeveloping an existing site
Submitting a proposal does not mean the project is approved. It means the proposal will be reviewed against the Land Use Code and other adopted plans.
How the Review Process Works
- Application submitted
A property owner submits a proposal to the Town. - Staff review
Planning, Engineering, Building, and other department staff review the proposal against the Land Use Code and adopted plans. - Public meetings
Many proposals require public meetings where residents can learn about the project, ask questions, and provide input. - Decision by a public body
Depending on the type of application, a decision may be made by staff, the Planning Commission, or the Board of Trustees. - Approval, approval with conditions, or denial
Decisions must be based on whether the proposal meets the requirements of the Land Use Code.
Why Some Proposals Are Approved and Others Are Not
A proposal may be approved if it:
- Meets all applicable standards in the Land Use Code
- Is consistent with the zoning of the property
- Follows adopted plans and policies
A proposal may be denied if it:
- Does not meet required standards
- Requests changes that conflict with adopted policies
- Lacks required studies or information
- Cannot demonstrate compliance with the Code
Decisions are not based on popularity. They are based on adopted rules and standards.