New rules in Prince George’s County could make housing less affordable by putting a two-year freeze on new townhome approvals, which critics say will only drive prices higher and worsen the housing shortage.
Here are the highlights:
- Legislation CB-052-2023 proposes a two-year moratorium on new townhome approvals without site plan approval in Prince George’s County.
- Opponents, including County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, argue this will worsen the housing shortage and increase prices.
- Townhomes are essential for providing affordable housing options between apartments and single-family homes.
- Average new single-family home prices in the county have risen to $822,432, while new townhome prices remain more stable at $514,478.
- Homebuilders cite local demand and supply chain issues as factors driving up housing prices.
- Proponents of the legislation argue it is necessary to control development and combat sprawl.
- Opponents claim limiting townhomes will lead to more single-family homes, increasing sprawl and infrastructure costs.
- The legislation includes exemptions for specific transit-oriented locations, such as the Bowie MARC Station.
Stay informed
Sign up for my newsletter and join more than 3,500 of your Bowie neighbors getting regular updates directly from Mayor Mike.
New County Rules Would Make Housing Less Affordable
Legislation limiting new townhomes throughout Prince George's County risks worsening a housing shortage that's already sending prices sky-high, according to opponents.
Prince George's County Council legislation, CB-052-2023 would impose a two-year moratorium on the approval of townhouses that don’t already have site plan approval. The legislation carves out special exemptions in certain transit-oriented locations.
The legislation is opposed by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and county planning staff, who have raised concerns about the legislation's impact on housing affordability.
County planning officials have noted that townhomes are critical in meeting the "housing middle", filling the gap between affordable apartment housing and increasingly expensing single-family homes.
Planning staff also noted that townhomes are helpful in revitalizing obsolete shopping centers and office parks, bringing customers and residents directly onsite to improved commercial and employment locations.
The legislation comes as the average price of a new single family home in Prince George’s County reached a staggering $822,432 this year, up from $738,126 this time last year.
Caruso Homes in Bowie just settled 11 homes at an average $1.3 million. New housing communities crossing the seven-figure threshold are expected to become more common, raising concerns that middle class families will be priced out of the region.
Homebuilders point to insatiable local demand, labor and material shortages, and unpredictable county permitting for the higher prices. They warn that legislation making it harder to build in-demand housing will further drive up costs.
Average new townhome prices have remained comparatively stable, at $514,478, compared to $503,739 last year.
The legislation's proponents have described the law as needed to assert more control over the development process and to combat sprawl. They have pointed to challenges providing services to existing residents and blame new communities for worsening service delivery.
Opponents have noted that limiting townhomes merely encourages more single-family growth. This in turn worsens sprawl and requires far more tax dollars for roads, pavement, sidewalk, and public works, with far fewer new tax payers covering those costs.
Town homes tend to generate more tax revenue relative to the services they require. They are more likely to house seniors and young adults without children.
The legislation is expected to be voted on in June. The bill carves out special exemptions for specific locations where townhomes would be permitted, including the Bowie MARC Station.