Rockville and Montgomery County Take Differing Approaches to Rent Stabilization

Rockville and Montgomery County are approaching affordable housing with different strategies. While Rockville rejected mandatory rent caps, focusing on enhanced tenant protections, Montgomery County implemented a 6% cap on rent increases. The contrasting approaches reflect each jurisdiction’s priorities in addressing the housing crisis.

City of Gaithersburg Adopts New Modernized Zoning Ordinance

Gaithersburg recently adopted a modernized zoning ordinance, introducing a new potential zoning category, the MCD Zone (Mixed-Commercial Development), to boost employment-focused projects. This update incorporates visual aids to simplify the readability of the code, improves its organization, and modernizes terminology, making it more user friendly.

Prince George’s County Enacts Sweeping Bill to Modernize Zoning Regulations

Prince George’s County is taking a significant step towards revolutionizing its zoning laws with the adoption of a 250-page omnibus bill, aimed at encouraging transit-oriented development, smart growth, and addressing sprawl and climate change. Taking effect on August 30, 2024, the bill introduces major changes like doubling residential densities near transit-oriented base zones and modernizing development standards.

ICYMI: Erin Girard Joins Lerch Early in June

In June, Lerch Early & Brewer welcomed a new principal to the Land Use group. Erin Girard brings more than 20 years of experience in securing approvals on a wide range of complex commercial, institutional, and mixed-use projects in Maryland.

Awards & Recognitions

Recognized in Chambers USA

Chambers USA 2024 has recognized multiple Lerch Early Real Estate and Land Use attorneys in its latest rankings. On Erin, Chambers notes that she “is an accomplished real estate attorney who regularly advises on a breadth of land use and zoning issues in connection with commercial, institutional and mixed-use projects.” On Stacy, one commenter said, “Stacy understands land use as a chess game and is able to out-think and out-anticipate potential challenges and challengers.”

Lerch Early Attorneys Named to 2025 Best Lawyers in America

Multiple lawyers from several Lerch, Early & Brewer practices recently were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2025. Multiple attorneys in our land use and real estate groups were selected this year.

Congratulations to Stuart BarrSharon CraigMarc DeCandiaPat HarrisBob HarrisAshley HaunDan HodinBill KominersVernon LynchAlan MarkPatrick O’NeilAlison RindSteve RobinsChris RuhlenStacy Silber, and Arnie Spevack, who were all recognized for outstanding professional excellence in private practice.

Around the Firm

Paul Tracy Join Lerch Early’s Business/Tax Practice

In July, Lerch Early & Brewer welcomed a new associate to the Corporate/Tax group. Paul H. Tracy is a corporate attorney who helps clients with business and transactional matters in Maryland and the District of Columbia.