(10/1) During the September 17 town meeting, Thurmont’s Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to approve amendments to the town’s Municipal Code addressing the issue of invasive plant species throughout town.

Lt. Allen Droneberg from the Thurmont Police Department brought this topic to the Commissioners because, as noted, the department has been having the same issues continuously popping up with the property maintenance code. More specifically, the changes will help address invasive species of grass such as bamboo. The town’s Attorney added some modifications to Chapter 84 – Property Maintenance, of the Municipal Code. Changes include added definitions and lists of invasive species of plants.

As defined within the code, an invasive plant is a species of plant that has become a weed pest, a plant that grows aggressively, spreads and displaces other plants. Invasive plants shall include all plants classified as Tier 1 or Tier 2 invasive plants by the Maryland Department of Agriculture including, but not limited to, bamboo. A list of invasive species categorized into these two tiers can be found online, within the newly revised Chapter 84.

The Property Maintenance section now also states that residents shall not plant, cultivate or permit any invasive plant, shrub/bush on any property or have it encroach onto any adjoining properties within the corporate limits of the town of Thurmont. It will also be a violation of the amended code to blow cut grass, weeds, tree limbs and/or leaves into the street, sidewalk or gutter of any town street. Sidewalks and tree limbs were added as violations.

In other code and zoning related news, Thurmont is looking to make minor amendments to the town’s Zoning Ordinance, addressing corner lots within town limits. In 2017 the town updated its Zoning Ordinance, expanding on definitions for lot lines. At the time of adoption the town, without realizing it, had created an issue for corner lots. The revisions defined corner lots as consisting of two front yards that lie along public streets, while the lines that opposed the front lot lines were considered rear lot lines. This opened up the possibility for homeowners to have sheds place within the setbacks of the property.

The town’s Zoning & Utility Inspector, Kelly Duty, asked Commissioners to consider amending the definitions of corner lots, restoring them to the way they were written prior to 2017. The amendment will change the definition of a corner lot to having two front yards and two side yards. This will address proper setbacks within these types of properties but could potentially pose an issue for fencing yards, as corner lots will no longer be defined as having rear yards.

No vote was taken on these proposed amendments during the meeting. Further discussion on this topic will continue at the next meeting held on October 1.