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Zoning Bulletin <br />January 25, 2011 1Volume 5 1 No. 2 <br />protecting Westport's waterways "; and "will result in substantial chang- <br />es to residential property zoning in the AA and AAA zones and specify <br />how much a particular property may be `covered' with buildings, struc- <br />tures, parking spaces, patios and other impervious surfaces such as ten- <br />nis courts." Among other things, the "amendment caps the ability of ho- <br />meowners in AA and AAA zones to build homes larger than 15 percent <br />of the total size of their properties." <br />Source: Minuteman News Center; www.minutemannewscenter.com <br />MARYLAND <br />In January or February, the Howard County Council is expected to <br />vote on proposed zoning regulations which would allow apiaries —clus- <br />ters of beehives. The regulations would "reduce the minimum length api- <br />aries must be placed from neighboring properties from 200 feet to 25 <br />feet, and 10 feet if the hive is surrounded by a fence, hedge or a structure <br />that forces bees to fly higher than they otherwise would." Reportedly, <br />the county's planning board recommended against adoption of the zon- <br />ing amendment and suggests at least a -foot setback for apiaries. <br />Source: Columbia Flier; www.explorehoward.com <br />MICHIGAN <br />A new version of a medical marijuana zoning ordinance is being con- <br />sidered by the Dearborn Heights Planning Commission. This new ver- <br />sion would ban medical marijuana dispensaries. The city council di- <br />rected the drafting of this version —which prohibits land use contrary to <br />federal, state, and local laws. State law allows marijuana possession and <br />use by authorized patients and caregivers. However, federal law classifies <br />marijuana as a prohibited drug and prohibits businesses from manufac- <br />turing or distributing controlled substances. <br />Source: Dearborn Press and Guide; www.pressandguide.com <br />NEW JERSEY <br />The New Jersey Assembly has approved legislation that would amend <br />the state's Fair Housing Act and eliminate the state's Council on Afford- <br />able Housing ( "COAH "). The bill is expected to pass the state senate. <br />However, Governor Chris Christie is reportedly expected to veto the leg- <br />islation "for not going far enough to reduce municipalities' often costly <br />housing burdens." <br />Source: Burlington County Times; www.phillyburbs.com <br />© 2011 Thomson Reuters 11 <br />