Builders Fight Height-Restriction Bill

Montgomery County builders are stepping up efforts to defeat a proposal to restrict the heights of some new houses to 30 feet.

Over the weekend, thousands of county residents received a flashy red-and-white mailer with a dire sounding message.

"!WARNING! MONTGOMERY HOMEOWNERS," the front half of the mailer read.

"This is taking your property rights away," it continued, adding that the proposal will lead to "drastic reductions on improvements" that will curtail a home's "improvement potential."

Unlike traditional campaign literature, the mailer gave no indication of who was sending it. But, the postal service permit number indicated that the mailing originated from the Atlantic Marketing Group.

The owner of the firm referred calls to Larry Cafritz , a partner in the Bethesda-based Laurence Cafritz Builders.

Cafritz said the mailer, which he estimates was sent to 40,000 households, is the start of a sustained effort to "educate" the public about the County Council bill.

Cafritz, who specializes in building on lots in older neighborhoods close to the District, declined to say how much was spent on the mailing.

"It's really a grass-roots effort by a group of builders who run their businesses in this community," said Cafritz, who estimates that a dozen builders pitched in to finance the campaign.

The bill -- sponsored by council members Howard A. Denis (R-Potomac-Bethesda) and Michael L. Subin (D-At Large) -- would reduce the 35-foot height limit that is in effect in most residential zones.

The bill, designed to curb "mansionization," also would clarify how a house should be measured. The council is expected to vote on the issue in October.

But Cafritz said many residents who dream of one day renovating or expanding their homes will pay a steep price if the legislation is enacted.