Utility Work Update
Washington Gas will continue gas main installation project next week, on Aspen Street between Maple Avenue and Chatham Road. Please contact the Town Office at 301-654-7144 or townoffice@townofchevychase.org if you have any questions about the proposed work.
County Council Adopts New Rules for Accessory Dwelling Units
On July 23, 2019, the Montgomery County Council adopted Zoning Text Amendment 19-01 (ZTA 19-01) regarding “accessory dwelling units” (ADUs). When the ZTA goes into effect on December 31, 2019, it will result in substantial changes to the rules that govern ADUs. An ADU is a second dwelling unit located on a lot with a single-family house. An attached ADU is one that is located inside the house, often in the basement. A detached ADU is one that is in an accessory building in a rear yard (e.g., a converted garage, a granny pod, a pre-fabricated unit).
The most significant change in the rules for ADUs is that, for the first time, detached ADUs will be allowed in “small lot” neighborhoods like the Town. Under the new county rules, there are no setback requirements for detached ADUs constructed in older buildings. In the Town, older garages often sit on or very close to the side and/or rear property lines. Other substantial changes include: ADUs will be allowed as a limited use on all properties; both attached and detached ADUs will be allowed as part of new construction; and no off-street parking spaces will be required for ADUs. Read more about the changes here .
The Town can adopt rules to govern detached ADU setbacks and screening. But before considering any measures, we would like to hear views from residents on this matter. Please write to the Town Office if you have interest or questions.
What You Can Do
• Send your comments to the Town Council at townoffice@townofchevychase.org.
Conversations with Councilmembers
You are invited to join Councilmember Cecily Baskir for informal conversations about the Town and issues affecting it. Cecily will be at Panera Bread (7201 Wisconsin Avenue) on Tuesday, August 6 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Please check the Town website for any changes or future dates. And always feel free to reach out to any member of the Town Council by email any time you have questions or thoughts to share.
Please Obey County Leash Laws
The Town office has received calls from residents complaining that dog owners do not observe the County's leash law. Please remember that your dog should always be on a leash when not in a fenced portion of your yard. Even generally well-behaved dogs off leash can be threatening to pedestrians and other dogs on leash. Please observe this law so that everyone can enjoy walks through the Town with or without their dogs
Overgrown Vegetation
As a reminder, residents are asked to keep all streets and sidewalks clear of overgrown vegetation. Please prune vegetation to ensure unobstructed sight lines for pedestrians and motorists. The Town’s vegetation maintenance standards are available for review on the Town website. Thank you for your cooperation in helping to keep Town streets and sidewalks safe.
August Purple Line Construction Updates
Lane Closure on Chevy Chase Lake Drive: The westbound lane of Chevy Chase Lake Drive at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue will be partially closed for utility work. Work will take place weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Temporary lane closures with flagging operations will occur.
Lane Closure on Wisconsin Avenue: Crews will be pouring concrete for the walls of the Bethesda Shaft. Southbound lanes along Wisconsin Avenue between Montgomery Lane and Bethesda Avenue will experience temporary closures. Work will take place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays and weekends.
Night Work/Lane Closure on Connecticut Avenue: Crews will be relocating utilities on Connecticut Avenue between Jones Bridge Road and East-West Highway. Work will occur in two shifts, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Weekend work will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Temporary lane closures with flagging operations will occur.
Weekday Work on the Georgetown Branch Trail between the Rock Creek Bridge and the Lyttonsville Place Bridge: Crews will be pile driving along the Georgetown Branch Trail at Rock Creek Park. Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays for approximately two weeks.
Weekend Work at Columbia Country Club: Crews will continue work at the Columbia Country Club 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.
Weekend Work at Bethesda Work Zone (Elm Street): Crews will be working at the Bethesda Work Zone on Elm Street, continuing excavation efforts on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as weekends.
Weekend Work and Lane Closures on East-West Highway: Temporary lane closures will occur on East-West Highway from Sleaford Road to Montgomery Avenue between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.
Weekend Work and Several Lane Closures on Jones Mill Road and Jones Bridge Road: Temporary lane closures will occur on Jones Bridge Road between Altimont Lane and Jones Mill Road. As well as Jones Mill Road between Flushing Meadow Terrace and Coquelin Terrace between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.
Weekend Work on the Georgetown Branch Trail between Sleaford Road and East West Highway: Crews will be relocating utilities along the Georgetown Branch Trail from Sleaford Road access point to East-West Highway. Work will take place weekends from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Weekend Work on the Rock Creek Trail: Crews will be performing grading and test pitting operations at Rock Creek Park on weekends from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on an as-needed basis.
Upcoming Meetings & Events:
Visit the Town website to view the Town calendar.