Zoning Hearing Examiner - 2026-02-04
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Zoning Hearing Examiner heard ZMA-2025-003 for Dayland Investment LLC's request to rezone approximately 27.54 acres at 4816 Melwood Road from AR (Agricultural Residential) to RSFA (Residential Single Family Attached) zone, with conditions limiting development to single-family detached homes at maximum 3.5 dwelling units per acre. The applicant argued the 2007 Westphalia Sector Plan SMA contained a mistake by retaining agricultural zoning despite the property's adjacency to Westphalia Town Center and residential low land use designation. Staff recommended denial, but no opposition appeared at the hearing.
Key Decisions (1)
Rezoning at 4816 Melwood Road (Melwood Estates)
Dayland Investment LLC, contract purchaser of approximately 27.54 acres owned by Day Family Trust and Tiana Renee Woodler, requested rezoning from AR zone to RSFA zone with binding conditions limiting development to single-family detached homes only at maximum 3.5 dwelling units per acre (approximately 96 lots). Staff recommended denial based on finding no mistake in 2007 SMA. Hearing concluded with record held open for supplemental filings.
Zoning Changes (1)
4816 Melwood Road, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772 (Melwood Estates)
Dayland Investment LLC
Development Activity (1)
Melwood Estates Residential Development
Approximately 27.54 acres proposed for 96 single-family detached lots at 3.5 dwelling units per acre. Conceptual plan shows 60x100 foot lots, loop road system, stormwater management areas, and open space. Property is in W4/S4 water and sewer category with trunk sewer already constructed along Back Branch.
Market Signals (3)
Housing Demand
Resident testimony emphasized that additional residential rooftops are critical to creating the customer base necessary to support economic growth and retail development in the Westphalia Town Center.
Infrastructure
The property has been planned for public sewer service for at least 20 years with trunk sewer already constructed along Back Branch, indicating infrastructure readiness for residential development.
Sentiment
No opposition appeared at the hearing despite multiple requests, and community supporters testified that single-family homes are needed to boost the county's tax base over townhomes.