Established neighborhoods evolve and renew over time as residents depart and new neighbors arrive. Neighborhood building, or “infill” building, has been a part of neighborhood renewal since people first began building homes in close proximity to one another. Over time, a neighborhood’s homes are inevitably updated or replaced to meet the changing needs of residents, and new homes are built on open lots.

In Montgomery County, owners today are for the most part able to improve or sell their home or lot as they choose in accordance with County regulations. Some feel owners’ rights should be restricted by regulations that limit or eliminate change in neighborhoods. Others want to ensure owners’ existing property rights and freedom of choice will not be restricted or taken away.

There is no way to guarantee a new or remodeled home will please everyone in a neighborhood, or meet everyone’s idea of design excellence. Renewing Montgomery believes everyone shares an interest in neighborhood building that reflects housing trends and market values.

A fair environment for neighborhood building means:

1. Providing information to residents so they can stay informed about what is involved in home improvements and construction.
2. Encouraging considerate and successful construction practices for homeowners and homebuilders.
3. Identifying issues so any enacted legislation will incorporate consistent review practices by all applicable agencies and avoid unintended consequences.
4. Considering the impact of future legislation on all County residents so legislation will be practical and reasonable.
5. Making information easily accessible to property owners so that they understand key issues if and when they decide to improve, re-build, or sell their property.
6. Keeping owners and citizens associations aware of pending legislation that may impact property rights and property values.