Caroline County Planning Commission 05/28/2026

The Caroline County Planning Commission held a meeting on May 28, 2026, primarily to discuss a proposed zoning text amendment to add thrift stores as a special exception use in the Rural Preservation district. The amendment included standards for operation, such as lighting requirements modeled after the county's highway corridor lighting ordinance to minimize impact on neighboring residences. The commission approved the amendment with modifications to lighting standards and discussed procedural aspects of special exception applications, including conditions like hours of operation and fencing requirements. Additionally, the commission initiated amendments related to solar energy storage and power generation. There was also discussion about potential future zoning restrictions on smoke shops, particularly regarding their proximity to schools and daycares, with staff indicating ongoing research and forthcoming proposals. The meeting included motions to approve minutes, hold a closed session for legal consultation, and adjourn to the next meeting date.