Dorchester County reduces rural minimum lot sizes when public water and sewer are available

Dorchester County’s council approved changes to the rural residential zoning district on Aug. 4 that revise minimum lot-size standards based on the availability of community water and sewer. The measure—introduced as Bill 2026‑9—was presented by county staff and discussed at a public hearing that included questions from Cambridge resident Sharon Smith.

During the hearing Sharon Smith asked whether the intent of the zoning change was to lower or raise minimum lot sizes; Miss Webb (county staff) responded that the proposal lowers minimum lot sizes where community water and sewer are available to 10,000 square feet and sets a 20,000‑square‑foot minimum where those services are not available. "It is to break to, make the spiral lot sizes for development, and they would be based on whether or not there is community water and sewer provided for those lots," Miss Webb said. The council moved to approve the amendment and adopted the bill after a roll‑call vote.

Staff described the change as consistent with statewide practice and said the intent is to concentrate development in designated residential neighborhoods rather than using up agricultural land. Planning staff will post the ordinance language and make any necessary administrative updates to lot‑size tables and permitting guidance.