A change to Montgomery County’s zoning rules that would allow taller buildings at two regional malls was approved Monday by a County Council committee.
The change was spurred by a development proposal by the owner of Bethesda’s Westfield Montgomery mall to build hundreds of apartments, a hotel, outdoor recreation areas, shops and restaurants on its property off Democracy Boulevard.
But the plans are limited by zoning that mandates free-standing buildings for retail, parking and health facilities not exceed 45 feet near Westfield Montgomery and Westfield Wheaton malls.
The zoning amendment, sponsored by council member Hans Riemer and cleared by the council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development committee, would allow 90-foot buildings.
“It’s part of our need to transform suburban land uses with a more modern approach,” said Riemer, D-at large. “The mall wants to be a more contemporary environment, and when we looked at the code we decided this amendment makes sense.”
The mall’s French owner wants to build a 261-room hotel, hundreds of apartments, a “country club-style” fitness center and green space as it repositions the mall to remain viable in a changing retail market.
The project proposal also says new retail space will be outside of the mall with a height of approximately 75 feet. Riemer said developers of the Westfield Montgomery project wanted the zoning change.
The Planning Board recommended approval of the zoning change and county officials say existing setback rules would mitigate any potential negative effects of taller buildings.
Zoning in the malls’ areas allows maximum building height of 90 feet for a theater and 150 feet for a hotel and residential or mixed- use building.
There has been no testimony opposing the proposed zoning amendment, according to council staff.
The Monday committee vote moves the amendment to the full council where it will be considered at a future meeting.
Caitlynn Peetz can be reached at caitlynn.peetz@moco360.media
