The Montgomery County Council unanimously enacted new zoning measure which will significantly accelerate and streamline the regulatory process to develop biohealth facilities in the county.
The zoning changes will help attract and retain biohealth companies and reinforce Montgomery County’s reputation as a leader in the life sciences.
According to a County Council press release:
Zoning Text Amendment 21-09, Office and Professional – Biohealth Priority Campus, streamlines the regulatory process for new biohealth facilities 150,000 square feet or larger and for existing facilities expanding by 50,000 square feet or more. To utilize the new expedited review process, Biohealth Priority Campuses must be located in the commercial, residential and employment office areas of Montgomery County and near Metro and Purple Line stations, in an opportunity zone, or a half mile from a planned or existing Bus Rapid Transit route.
The Council also approved a companion subdivision regulation amendment, which was spearheaded by Councilmember Friedson. SRA 21-02, Administrative Subdivision – Biohealth Priority Campus, creates a Biohealth Priority Campus category under which an applicant can file an administrative subdivision plan in place of a preliminary plan for a Biohealth Priority Campus. This measure enables the Montgomery County planning director to approve an administrative subdivision plan for biohealth facilities under an expedited process.
