WALKERSVILLE — Town residents living in agricultural districts can no longer apply for a special exception to build certain types of clubs and businesses on their property. 

In a 4-1 vote during Wednesday night’s town meeting, commissioners deleted special exceptions from agricultural districts, prohibiting educational facilities, places of worship, private clubs, recreational facilities and antique shops from being built in those areas.

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman was against deleting the exceptions, arguing such buildings have traditionally been built on agricultural properties.  “I think this is terrible for Walkersville to do this to its old town farmers,” she said.  Commissioners who voted in favor said they did so because they believe agricultural districts can be rezoned if need be. 

No mention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was made during the town meeting, however, the vote could affect the religious group.

The religious group tried to get a special exception to build a recreational and worship center on 224 acres of agriculturally zoned land at 8939 Woodsboro Pike. The group was denied earlier this year by the town’s Board of Zoning Appeals.

The ordinance was first proposed to the town board in August by town commissioner Chad Weddle, who has said it was not aimed at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.