Delegation supports TOD bill with planning clarifications on parking and definitions

Montgomery County staff briefed the delegation on a transit‑oriented development (TOD) bill that would convert state‑approved TOD areas into enterprise zones, remove minimum off‑street parking requirements within 0.25 miles of rail transit stations, require allowance of mixed‑use development within a half‑mile of rail stations (with exemptions for land zoned single‑family as of Jan. 1, 2026), and add scoring preferences in the TOD capital grant and revolving loan program for projects that include project labor agreements.

Staff noted the state definition of "rail transit station" (average hourly service) means many county stations are ineligible under a strict reading and that several bill elements may already apply in Montgomery County. Planning Board chair and director recommended amendments to clarify definitions, distance measurements and applicability across jurisdictional lines. The delegation agreed to support the bill with planning board amendments.

Next steps: staff will coordinate recommended clarifications with the Planning Board and the delegation’s state partners to ensure local applicability and correct statutory definitions.