The Montgomery County Council recently voted and unanimously approved a new zoning measure to expand the biohealth sector in transit-oriented areas.
Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 22-02 Density and Height Limits, Parking- Biohealth, “will allow additional height and increased flexibility in density allocation for urban biohealth facilities in recognition of the unique mechanical challenges of biohealth buildings,” according to a County press release.
Councilmember Andrew Friedson introduced the new zoning measure to the council. Councilmembers Tom Hucker, Sidney Katz, Nancy Navarro, Hans Riemer, Council President Gabe Albornoz and Vice-President Evan Glass were cosponsors.
“It takes a series of intentional policy decisions like this one to create an environment in which the life sciences industry can grow and flourish. Through targeted workforce development efforts and the assistance of our partners at the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, we are doing just that and are seeing the benefits of those efforts,” Friedson said.
ZTA 22-02 will serve as an economic development tool and align with the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.
“MCCC commends Councilmember Andrew Friedson’s leadership and that of the County Council to provide additional flexibility in the regulatory process to better attract cutting-edge biohealth companies,” Georgette “Gigi” Godwin, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, said “This industry is an economic and job creation engine for Montgomery County that is competing not just locally, but globally, and forward-thinking policies are economic development imperatives.”
