Planning and Zoning
The Planning and Zoning Commission meets every fourth Wednesday of the month and open to the public.
There are five Planning Commissioners who are appointed by the Commissioners of Ridgely to serve five year terms.
Left to Right: Commission Chairman, Toby Gearhart, Micky Newport, Martin Sokolich, Jeff Garrett.
Not Pictured: Margaret Haven.
Administrator: Joe Mangini
Secretary: Missy Vanskiver
Special Consultant: Shane Johnson
The Ridgely Planning and Zoning Commission reviews and recommends, requests changes in or rejects all applications for subdivisions, rennovations, demolitions and construction within Ridgely. It is guided by four books dealing with this process: The Comprehensive Plan which outlines the vision for our town's future, The Zoning Ordinance which are the specific ordinances that implement the vision of the Comprehensive Plan, The Design Guidelines which are also ordinances which deal specifically with issues of preservation and The Subdivision Regulations which regulate the development process. The Planning and Zoning Commission writes and amends its ordinances and is currently reviewing the entire Comprehensive Plan. Any change to the law requires a full hearing and a majority vote by the Commissioners of Ridgely.
Town planning in Ridgely over the last decade has primarily been concerned with preserving its small town quality of life, architectural heritage and excellent original 1867 design. To that end, it passed the Design Guidelines, which have been very effective is saving a number of the older homes in Ridgely from demolition. It has emphasized the preservation of the grid and alley system as the town grows. In addition, new development conforms to a standard of traditional neighborhood development and smart growth. The scale of new developments mirror the very human scale of the old town. New developments are connected to the grid street system on traditional size lots. By concentrating growth near the town, the standards of smart growth and traditional neighborhood development help Caroline County preserve its agricultural character.
If you have an issue to bring before the Commission, please make your application at least two weeks before the scheduled meeting.