<section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-101" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this division the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Adaptive reuse” means a change granted by a legislative body under § 4–207 of this article to the use restrictions in a zoning classification, as those restrictions are applied to a particular improved property.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Charter county” means a county that has adopted charter home rule under Article XI–A of the Maryland Constitution.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Code county” means a county that has adopted code home rule under Article XI–F of the Maryland Constitution.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“County” means a county of the State or Baltimore City.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Development” means an activity that materially affects the existing condition or use of any land or structure.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Development” does not include a normal agricultural activity.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Legislative body” means the elected body of a local jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Legislative body” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the board of county commissioners;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the county council; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the governing body of a municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>“Local executive” means the chief executive of a local jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Local executive” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the board of county commissioners;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the county executive;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the executive head; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the mayor.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Local jurisdiction” means a county or municipal corporation and the territory within which its powers may be exercised.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>“Local law” means an enactment of the legislative body of a local jurisdiction, whether by ordinance, resolution, or otherwise.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Local law” does not include a public local law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Person” means an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, personal representative, fiduciary, representative of any kind, partnership, firm, association, corporation, limited liability company, or other entity.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>“Plan” means the policies, statements, goals, and interrelated plans for private and public land use, transportation, and community facilities documented in texts and maps that constitute the guide for an area’s future development.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Plan” includes a general plan, master plan, comprehensive plan, functional plan, or community plan adopted in accordance with Subtitle 4 of this title and Title 3 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Priority funding area” has the meaning stated in § 5–7B–02 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <level label="1"> <text>“Regulation” means a rule of general applicability and future effect.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Regulation” includes a map or plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Sensitive area” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a stream or wetland, and its buffers;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a 100–year flood plain;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a habitat of a threatened or endangered species;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a steep slope;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>agricultural or forest land intended for resource protection or conservation; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>any other area in need of special protection, as determined in a plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="p"> <text>“Special exception” means a grant of a specific use that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>would not be appropriate generally or without restriction; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>shall be based on a finding that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the requirements of the zoning law governing the special exception on the subject property are satisfied; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the use on the subject property is consistent with the plan and is compatible with the existing neighborhood.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="q"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, “state” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a state, possession, territory, or commonwealth of the United States; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the District of Columbia.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When capitalized, “State” means Maryland.</text> </level> </level> <level label="r"> <level label="1"> <text>“Subdivision” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the process and configuration of land by which one or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land are divided, consolidated, or established as one or more lots or parcels, or other divisions of land, consistent with criteria established by the legislative body of the local jurisdiction; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the land so subdivided.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Subdivision” includes resubdivision.</text> </level> </level> <level label="s"> <text>“Variance” means a modification only of density, bulk, dimensional, or area requirements in the zoning law that is not contrary to the public interest, and where, owing to conditions peculiar to the property and not because of any action taken by the applicant, a literal enforcement of the zoning law would result in unnecessary hardship or practical difficulty, as specified in the zoning law.</text> </level> <level label="t"> <level label="1"> <text>“Zoning law” means the legislative implementation of regulations for zoning by a local jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Zoning law” includes a zoning ordinance, zoning regulation, zoning code, and any similar legislative action to implement zoning controls in a local jurisdiction.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-201" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The planning principles under subsection (b) of this section are collectively intended to create sustainable communities and to protect the environment in order to foster a high quality of life for all residents of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To accomplish the goals under paragraph (1) of this subsection, residents should be active partners in the planning and implementation of community initiatives and sensitive to their responsibilities as stewards in balancing and achieving community goals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to the requirements of § 3–201(a) and (b) of this article, a planning commission shall implement the following planning principles through the comprehensive plan described in Title 3 of this article:</text> <level label="1"> <text>land: optimize productivity of working landscapes, including farms and forests, and fisheries, and prioritize development within population centers that are in proximity to existing infrastructure and facilities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>transportation: prioritize transportation networks that create energy efficient, affordable, and reliable access to jobs, housing, and services;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>housing: enable a mix of quality housing types and affordability options to accommodate all who want to live in the State;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>economy: allow for adaptive reuse, mixed–use, and context appropriate new development that responds to changing markets and innovations;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>equity: engage all sectors of the community in plan development to ensure diverse voices are heard and the needs of underserved populations are prioritized;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>resilience: integrate resiliency measures that will minimize the impacts of rapid and unexpected natural– and human–caused threats on communities;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>place: provide for public spaces that encourage social interaction and value cultural, historical, and natural resources; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>ecology: protect and restore sensitive ecological systems and conserve natural resources, including forests, agricultural areas, and waterways.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-202" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A regulation adopted under this division that conflicts with any statute, local law, or other regulation shall govern if the regulation adopted under this division:</text> <level label="1"> <text>requires a greater width or size of yards, courts, or other open spaces;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>requires a lower height of buildings;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>requires a reduced number of stories;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>requires a greater percentage of lot left unoccupied; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>imposes a more restrictive standard.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A statute, local law, or other regulation that conflicts with a regulation adopted under this division shall govern if the statute, local law, or other regulation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>requires a greater width or size of yards, courts, or other open spaces;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>requires a lower height of buildings;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>requires a reduced number of stories;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>requires a greater percentage of lot left unoccupied; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>imposes a more restrictive standard.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies to the Maryland–Washington Regional District established under Chapter 992 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1943.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This division does not supplement Chapter 992 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1943 if a local agency located within the Maryland–Washington Regional District administers municipal and regional planning and zoning.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In the Maryland–Washington Regional District, the additional and supplemental powers vested by this division in a legislative body may not be considered vested in and may not be exercised by a county council acting as a district council under Chapter 992 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1943.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In the Maryland–Washington Regional District, the powers vested by this division in a planning commission or board of appeals may not be considered vested in and may not be exercised by the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the planning board, or the board of zoning appeals of the affected county.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Provisions of this division that are inconsistent with or contrary to Chapter 992 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1943 do not apply in the Maryland–Washington Regional District.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>This division does not affect the validity of Chapter 992 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1943.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-203" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this division, any law or ordinance that is inconsistent with or contrary to this division is repealed to the extent of the inconsistency.</text> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-204" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Other public general laws that may affect land use in a local jurisdiction under this division, Division II of this article, or otherwise, include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Local Government Article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Title 8, Subtitle 18 of the Natural Resources Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The inclusion or exclusion of a provision of public general law in this section may not be construed to imply any relationship between the provision and land use matters included in this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-205" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <text>The requirement or authorization for a local jurisdiction to enact a local law to implement a provision of this division is not intended to alter in any way the form or legislative mechanism that the applicable enabling authority requires for the local jurisdiction to enact the local law, whether by ordinance, resolution, or otherwise, as of October 1, 2012.</text> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-206" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “planning commission” includes a planning commission or board established under:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Title 2 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Division II of this article; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Title 10 of the Local Government Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Within 6 months after appointment to a planning commission, a member shall complete an education course that includes education on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the role of the comprehensive plan;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>if applicable, proper standards for special exceptions and variances; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the local jurisdiction’s local laws and regulations relating to zoning, planned development, subdivision, and other land use matters.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The failure of a member to complete an education course under this subsection may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>invalidate a decision of the planning commission; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>be construed to create a private cause of action by any person.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “board of appeals” includes a board of appeals established under:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Title 4, Subtitle 3 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>§ 10–403 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Division II of this article; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Title 10 of the Local Government Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Within 6 months after appointment to a board of appeals, a member shall complete an education course that includes education on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the role of the comprehensive plan;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>proper standards for special exceptions and variances; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the local jurisdiction’s local laws and regulations relating to zoning, planned development, subdivision, and other land use matters.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The failure of a member to complete an education course under this subsection may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>invalidate a decision of the board; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>be construed to create a private cause of action by any person.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-207" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “planning commission” includes a planning commission or board established under:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Title 2 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Division II of this article; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Title 10 of the Local Government Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before July 1 of each year, a planning commission shall prepare, adopt, and file an annual report for the previous calendar year with the legislative body.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The annual report shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>index and locate on a map any changes in development patterns that occurred during the period covered by the report, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>land use;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>transportation;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>community facilities patterns;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>zoning map amendments; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>subdivision plats;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>state whether the changes under item (1) of this subsection are consistent with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>each other;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the recommendations of the last annual report;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the approved plans of the local jurisdiction;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the approved plans of all adjoining local jurisdictions; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the approved plans of State and local jurisdictions that have responsibility for financing or constructing public improvements necessary to implement the local jurisdiction’s plan;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>contain statements and recommendations for improving the planning and development process within the local jurisdiction;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>state which local laws or regulations have been adopted or changed to implement the planning principles in § 1–201 of this subtitle as required under § 1–417 of this title or § 3–303 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>contain the measures and indicators required under § 1–208(c) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>at least once within the 5–year period after the adoption or review by the local jurisdiction of a comprehensive plan under Part II of Subtitle 4 of this title or under Title 3 of this article, contain a narrative on the implementation status of the comprehensive plan, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a summary of the development trends contained in the previous annual reports filed during the period covered by the narrative;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the status of comprehensive plan implementation tools such as comprehensive rezoning to carry out the provisions of the comprehensive plan;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>identification of any significant changes to existing programs, zoning ordinances, regulations, financing programs, or State requirements necessary to achieve the planning principles and goals of the comprehensive plan during the remaining planning timeframe;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>identification of any State or federal laws, regulations, or requirements that have impeded local implementation of the comprehensive plan and recommendations to remove any impediments;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>future land use challenges and issues; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>a summary of any potential updates to the comprehensive plan.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The legislative body shall review the annual report and direct that any appropriate and necessary studies and other actions be undertaken to ensure the continuation of a viable planning and development process.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The local jurisdiction shall make the annual report available for public inspection.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The local jurisdiction shall mail a copy of the report to the Secretary of Planning.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department of Planning may comment on the report.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-208" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “National Center” means the National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education at the University of Maryland, College Park Campus.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The General Assembly finds that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in addition to reporting on past land use indicators and measures, local jurisdictions should strive to achieve future land use goals that implement and achieve the planning principles in § 1–201 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a statewide land use goal that embodies the planning principles in § 1–201 of this subtitle and smart and sustainable growth should be established;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the planning principles in § 1–201 of this subtitle will not be realized unless local jurisdictions set their own goal to make incremental progress towards achieving a statewide land use goal; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>resources are necessary to achieve a statewide goal, including funding for infrastructure inside the priority funding areas and land preservation outside the priority funding areas.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The statewide land use goal is to increase the current percentage of growth inside the priority funding areas and to decrease the percentage of growth located outside the priority funding areas.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Local jurisdictions shall develop a percentage goal towards achieving the statewide goal.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, the annual report required to be filed under § 1–207 of this subtitle shall include the following measures and indicators:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the amount, share, and net density of growth inside and outside the priority funding areas;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the creation of new lots and the issuance of residential and commercial building permits inside and outside the priority funding areas;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the development capacity analysis, updated every 3 years and whenever there is a significant change in zoning or land use patterns;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the number of acres preserved using local agricultural land preservation funding, if applicable; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the following information on achieving the statewide goal stated in subsection (b)(2) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the local goal;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the time frame for achieving the local goal;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the resources necessary for infrastructure inside the priority funding areas and land preservation outside the priority funding areas; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>any incremental progress made towards achieving the local goal.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If all land within the boundaries of a municipal corporation is a priority funding area, the municipal corporation need not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>establish a local goal for achieving the statewide goal stated in subsection (b)(2) of this section; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>include information in the annual report on a local goal as required in paragraph (1)(v) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A county or municipal corporation that issues fewer than 50 building permits for new residential units each year:</text> <level label="i"> <text>need not include information in the annual report on measures and indicators listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection; but</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall provide documentation to the Department of Planning each year that fewer than 50 building permits for new residential units are issued.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>In accordance with Title 2, Subtitle 5 and Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article, the Department of Planning may adopt regulations to detail how the measures and indicators required under subsection (c) of this section are submitted and transmitted in the annual report of each local jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department of Planning shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>develop measures and indicators that will be collected by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>consider which measures or indicators may be collected by the National Center.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>On or before January 1 of each year, the Department of Planning, in consultation with the National Center, shall submit a report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on the measures and indicators collected under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-301" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Consistency"> <text>In this subtitle, “action” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the adoption of a local law or regulation concerning:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a special exception under § 1–101(p) of this title (Definitions – “Special exception”); or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>plan implementation and review under § 1–417 of this title or § 3–303 of this article;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a requirement under § 9–505(a)(1) of the Environment Article and § 4–415(c) of the Local Government Article (Municipal annexation); or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a required finding under §§ 9–506(a)(1) and 9–507(b)(2) of the Environment Article (Water and sewer plan review).</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-302" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Consistency"> <text>This subtitle applies to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a special exception under § 1–101(p) of this title (Definitions – “Special exception”);</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>plan implementation and review under § 1–417 of this title or § 3–303 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>§§ 9–505(a)(1), 9–506(a)(1), and 9–507(b)(2) of the Environment Article (Water and sewer plan review); and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>§ 4–414(c) of the Local Government Article (Annexation plan).</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-303" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Consistency"> <text>Except as provided in § 1–304 of this subtitle, when a provision in a statute listed under § 1–302 of this subtitle requires an action to be “consistent with” or have “consistency with” a comprehensive plan, the term shall mean an action taken that will further, and not be contrary to, the following items in the plan:</text> <level label="1"> <text>policies;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>timing of the implementation of the plan;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>timing of development;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>timing of rezoning;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>development patterns;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>land uses; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>densities or intensities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-304" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Consistency"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies to plan implementation and review under § 1–301(1)(ii) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In a priority funding area, if § 1–417 of this title or § 3–303 of this article requires an action to be “consistent with” or have “consistency with” a comprehensive plan, the term shall mean an action taken that will further, and not be contrary to, the following items in the plan:</text> <level label="1"> <text>policies;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>timing of the implementation of the plan;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>timing of development;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>timing of rezoning; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>development patterns.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-401" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in this section, this division does not apply to charter counties.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The following provisions of this division apply to a charter county:</text> <level label="1"> <text>this subtitle, including Parts II and III (Charter county – Comprehensive plans);</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>§ 1–101(l), (m), and (o) (Definitions – “Plan”, “Priority funding area”, and “Sensitive area”);</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>§ 1–201 (Planning principles);</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>§ 1–206 (Required education);</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>§ 1–207 (Annual report – In general);</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>§ 1–208 (Annual report – Measures and indicators);</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Title 1, Subtitle 3 (Consistency);</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Title 1, Subtitle 5 (Growth Tiers);</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>§ 4–104(c) (Limitations – Parking);</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>§ 4–104(d) (Limitations – Manufactured homes and modular dwellings);</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>§ 4–104(e) (Limitations – Mixed–use developments);</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>§ 4–104(f) (Limitations – Land for transportation use);</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>§ 4–208 (Exceptions – Maryland Accessibility Code);</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>§ 4–210 (Permits and variances – Solar panels);</text> </level> <level label="15"> <text>§ 4–211 (Change in zoning classification – Energy generating systems);</text> </level> <level label="16"> <text>§ 4–212 (Agritourism);</text> </level> <level label="17"> <text>§ 4–213 (Alcohol production);</text> </level> <level label="18"> <text>§ 4–214 (Agricultural alcohol production);</text> </level> <level label="19"> <text>§ 4–215 (Pollinator–friendly vegetation management);</text> </level> <level label="20"> <text>§ 4–216 (Limitations – Family child care homes and large family child care homes);</text> </level> <level label="21"> <text>§ 4–217 (Patuxent Research Refuge);</text> </level> <level label="22"> <text>Title 4, Subtitle 5 (Accessory Dwelling Units);</text> </level> <level label="23"> <text>§ 5–102(d) (Subdivision regulations – Burial sites);</text> </level> <level label="24"> <text>§ 5–104 (Major subdivision – Review);</text> </level> <level label="25"> <text>Title 7, Subtitle 1 (Development Mechanisms);</text> </level> <level label="26"> <text>Title 7, Subtitle 2 (Transfer of Development Rights);</text> </level> <level label="27"> <text>except in Montgomery County or Prince George’s County, Title 7, Subtitle 3 (Development Rights and Responsibilities Agreements);</text> </level> <level label="28"> <text>Title 7, Subtitle 4 (Inclusionary Zoning);</text> </level> <level label="29"> <text>Title 7, Subtitle 5 (Housing Expansion and Affordability);</text> </level> <level label="30"> <text>§ 8–401 (Conversion of overhead facilities);</text> </level> <level label="31"> <text>for Baltimore County only, Title 9, Subtitle 3 (Single–County Provisions – Baltimore County);</text> </level> <level label="32"> <text>for Frederick County only, Title 9, Subtitle 10 (Single–County Provisions – Frederick County);</text> </level> <level label="33"> <text>for Howard County only, Title 9, Subtitle 13 (Single–County Provisions – Howard County);</text> </level> <level label="34"> <text>for Talbot County only, Title 9, Subtitle 18 (Single–County Provisions – Talbot County);</text> </level> <level label="35"> <text>Title 11, Subtitle 2 (Civil Penalty); and</text> </level> <level label="36"> <text>Title 12 (Maryland Housing Certainty Act).</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section supersedes any inconsistent provision of Division II of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-402" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the powers the county may have had under this division before adopting code home rule, a code county may exercise the powers relating to land use stated in Title 10 of the Local Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A code county that chooses to exercise the powers relating to land use stated in Title 10 of the Local Government Article shall be treated as a charter county for purposes of § 1–401 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-403" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies in code counties only in the Southern Maryland class, as established in § 9–302 of the Local Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A county may provide in the county’s subdivision regulations for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the dedication of real property for recreation; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in lieu of dedication, the payment of a fee to be used by the county for the purchase, development, and improvement of real property for recreational facilities.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-405" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <text>A charter county shall enact, adopt, amend, and execute a plan in accordance with this part and Part III of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-406" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>The planning commission for a charter county shall include in the comprehensive or general plan the planning principles under § 1–201 of this title and the following elements:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a land element;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a transportation element;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a housing element;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>an economy element;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>an equity element;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>a resilience element;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>a place element; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>an ecology element.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The plan shall provide goals, objectives, guidelines, standards, and strategies for the orderly and balanced future economic, social, physical, environmental, and fiscal development of the county.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The planning commission for a charter county shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, determine the appropriate format and organizational structure of the plan, provided the elements required under this subtitle are addressed; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>determine whether to include additional elements in the plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Elements may be formatted as individual chapters or addressed in multiple chapters.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Each element required under this section shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>include and address all required subelements;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>be informed by relevant existing and anticipated future conditions and State and local plans; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>identify the needs to be addressed and the goals to be achieved.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The plan shall include a statement of goals and objectives, policies, and standards.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The statement shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>serve as a guide for the development and economic and social well–being of the county;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>be informed by intergovernmental coordination with adjacent jurisdictions and relevant regulatory authorities; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, identify strategies to be implemented, including appropriate recommended development regulations, policies, programs, and other mechanisms to address the needs and goals of the plan.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The development regulations, policies, programs, and other mechanisms included in the plan shall encourage:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the use of flexible development regulations to promote innovative and cost–saving site design, implement the planning principles, and protect the environment; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>within the areas designated for growth in the plan:</text> <level label="1"> <text>promote economic development through the use of innovative techniques; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide for the streamlined review of applications for development, including permit review and subdivision plat review.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>In preparing the plan, the planning commission for a charter county may request the Department of Planning to facilitate State agency assistance with available data and analysis.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department of Planning shall provide guidelines on how to address the elements required under this subtitle and identify best practices to be considered.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-407" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to implementing the planning principle in § 1–201(b)(1) of this title, the land element shall address:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the general distribution, location, and extent of uses of the land for housing, business, industry, agriculture, recreation, education, public buildings and grounds, open space, and other categories of public and private uses of land appropriate to the county;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>desired patterns and locations of growth considering effective and efficient delivery of community facilities and public services and the protection and preservation of vulnerable natural and historic resources;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>community facilities in accordance with subsection (d) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>if applicable:</text> <level label="i"> <text>mineral resources in accordance with subsection (e) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>fisheries in accordance with subsection (f) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The land element shall be informed by the following State plans:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Maryland the Beautiful Plan, as described in § 5–104 of the Natural Resources Article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation Plan, as described in § 5–906 of the Natural Resources Article; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, as required under the National Historic Preservation Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department of Planning shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide a charter county with the best available population and demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau and State–level land use data; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>facilitate, to the extent possible, the provision of data relevant to the preparation of the land element from other State and federal agencies.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The land element may include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>designation of existing and proposed land use patterns using land use maps that depict the types of uses with ranges of density or intensity;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>identification of areas of future planned mixed–use development for which special regulations may be necessary to ensure development in accordance with the principles and standards of the comprehensive plan;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>identification and depiction of historic district boundaries and historically significant properties meriting protection; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>identification of areas of resource protection and preservation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The land element shall include a community facilities subelement in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On a schedule that extends as far into the future as is reasonable, the community facilities subelement shall propose the most appropriate and desirable patterns for the general location, character, service areas, and extent of public and semipublic buildings, land, and facilities.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The community facilities subelement may include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>fire stations;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>institutions;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>jails;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>libraries;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>parks and recreation areas;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>police stations;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>schools and other educational facilities;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>cultural facilities;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>social welfare and medical facilities; and</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>other public office or administrative facilities.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>If current geological information is available, the land element shall include a mineral resources subelement in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The mineral resources subelement shall identify:</text> <level label="i"> <text>undeveloped land that should be kept in its undeveloped state until the land can be used to assist in providing a continuous supply of minerals, as defined in § 15–801 of the Environment Article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>appropriate postexcavation uses for the land that are consistent with the county’s land planning process.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The mineral resources subelement shall incorporate land use policies and recommendations for regulations to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>balance mineral resource extraction with other land uses; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>prevent the preemption of mineral resources extraction by other uses to the extent feasible.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Before the plan is adopted, the Department of the Environment shall review the mineral resources subelement to determine whether the proposed plan is consistent with the programs and goals of the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>If the charter county is located on the tidal waters of the State, the land element shall include a fisheries subelement in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The fisheries subelement shall designate areas on or near the tidal waters for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>loading, unloading, and processing finfish and shellfish; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>docking and mooring commercial fishing boats and vessels.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The areas designated under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be geographically located to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>facilitate the commercial harvesting of finfish and shellfish; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>ensure reasonable access to the waterways of the State by commercial watermen.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The land element may include a priority preservation area subelement developed in accordance with § 2–518 of the Agriculture Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-408" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to implementing the planning principle in § 1–201(b)(2) of this title, the transportation element shall address:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a safe, balanced transportation system for the movement of people and goods;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a range of sustainable transportation choices for future transportation needs; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>coordination with the land element to ensure transportation efficiency for existing and planned development.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The transportation element shall be informed by the following State plans:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Maryland Transportation Plan, as described in § 2–103.1 of the Transportation Article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Statewide 20–Year Bicycle–Pedestrian Master Plan, as described in § 2–604 of the Transportation Article; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the Maryland State Freight Plan, as required under 49 U.S.C. § 70202.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department of Transportation shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide a charter county with the best available State–level data; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>facilitate, to the extent possible, the provision of data relevant to the preparation of the transportation element from other State and federal agencies.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The transportation element may include all types of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>airways;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>highways or streets;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>railways;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>waterways;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>routings for mass transit; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>terminals for individuals, goods, and vehicles related to airways, highways, railways, and waterways.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The transportation element shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>propose, on a schedule that extends as far into the future as is reasonable, the most appropriate and desirable patterns for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the general location, character, and extent of channels, routes, and terminals for transportation facilities; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the circulation of individuals and goods;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide for bicycle and pedestrian access and travelways; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>include an estimate of the use of any proposed improvement.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-409" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Affirmatively further fair housing” has the meaning stated in § 2–401 of the Housing and Community Development Article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Area median income” has the meaning stated in § 4–1801 of the Housing and Community Development Article.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Low–income housing” means housing that is affordable for a household with an aggregate annual income that is below 60% of the area median income.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Workforce housing” has the meaning stated in § 4–1801 of the Housing and Community Development Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to implementing the planning principle in § 1–201(b)(3) of this title, the housing element shall address:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the provision of an adequate supply of housing to accommodate all current and anticipated future residents of the county;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the age, structural type, value, and occupancy characteristics of the county’s housing stock;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the elimination of substandard dwelling conditions; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the provision of adequate sites for future housing, including affordable housing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The housing element shall be informed by the following State plans:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Fair Housing Choice and Racial and Economic Housing Integration Report, as described in § 2–302 of the Housing and Community Development Article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the State of Maryland Five Year Consolidated Plan, as required by 24 C.F.R. § 91.300.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Department of Planning shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide a charter county with the best available housing data from the U.S. Census Bureau; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>facilitate, to the extent possible, the provision of data relevant to the preparation of the housing element from other State and federal agencies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department of Housing and Community Development shall provide a charter county with the best available State–level housing data.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A housing element may include goals, objectives, policies, plans, and standards.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A housing element shall address the need for affordable housing within the county, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>workforce housing; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>low–income housing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>A county has a duty to affirmatively further fair housing through the county’s housing and urban development programs.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The housing element of a comprehensive plan that is enacted or amended on or after January 1, 2025, shall include an assessment of fair housing to ensure that the county is affirmatively furthering fair housing for current and future residents.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>On request of a county, the Department of Planning, in consultation with the Department of Housing and Community Development, shall provide technical assistance for the purpose of developing the housing element of the comprehensive plan.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>This subsection does not require a county to take, or prohibit a county from taking, a specific action to affirmatively further fair housing.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-410" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to implementing the planning principle in § 1–201(b)(4) of this title, the economy element shall address:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the economic base, labor force characteristics, and local economic development opportunities and resources of the county;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the categories or types of businesses and industries desired in the county; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the coordination of information about population trends and characteristics, natural resources, community facilities and services, transportation, housing, and land use so that a strategy for the economic well–being of current and new residents of the county can be developed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The economy element shall be informed by the following State plans:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the State Workforce Development Plan, as required under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act for a 4–year Combined State Plan; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Maryland State Plan for Postsecondary Education, as described in § 11–105 of the Education Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Department of Planning shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide a charter county with the best available economic development data from the U.S. Census Bureau; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>facilitate, to the extent possible, the provision of data relevant to the preparation of the economic element from other State and federal agencies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department of Commerce shall provide a charter county with the best available State–level data on economic development.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Department of Labor shall provide a charter county with the best available State–level data on the labor force.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The economy element may include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an assessment of economic sectors to determine whether available jobs align with local labor force characteristics, commuting patterns, and wages paid, and what strategies could improve the existing economic situation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an analysis of existing local economic development programs and tools, and what strategies are needed to foster economic development;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>an assessment of economic assets, problems, and opportunities of the local economy in a regional context and what strategies are needed to position the local economy in the larger regional context; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>an assessment of community redevelopment opportunities and what strategies and programs should be pursued.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-411" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Environmental justice” has the meaning stated in § 1–701 of the Environment Article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Overburdened community” has the meaning stated in § 1–701 of the Environment Article.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Underserved community” has the meaning stated in § 1–701 of the Environment Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to implementing the planning principle in § 1–201(b)(5) of this title, the equity element shall address:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the needs of overburdened and underserved communities in the county; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the interests of populations in the county that typically have not participated in the planning process.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The equity element shall be informed by the annual report of the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities, as described in § 1–701 of the Environment Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Department of Planning shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide a charter county with the best available population and demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>facilitate, to the extent possible, the provision of data relevant to the preparation of the equity element from other State and federal agencies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department of the Environment shall provide a charter county with data on environmental justice.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The equity element may include potential strategies to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>promote broader civic engagement in the public decision–making process;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>reduce the unique or compounded health risks and environmental problems in overburdened and underserved communities; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>prioritize improvements and programs that address the needs of overburdened and underserved communities.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-412" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to implementing the planning principle in § 1–201(b)(6) of this title, the resilience element shall address:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the coordination of local preparedness efforts to identify potential threats facing the county with the long–term strategies to avoid, reduce, and recover from changing conditions and associated disasters; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the mutual assistance needed among State and local partners to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>respond to the challenges of changing conditions and disasters, including human–caused and natural hazards; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>build, advance, and maintain capacities related to quality of life, health and well–being, durable systems, economic vitality, human–made and nature–based infrastructure, and sustainable environmental systems.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The resilience element shall be informed by the following State plans:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the State Resilience Strategy, as described in § 14–1202 of the Public Safety Article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the State of Maryland Hazard Mitigation Plan, as required under 44 C.F.R. Part 201.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department of Planning shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide a charter county with the best available population, demographic, economic development, and housing data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other standard sources; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>facilitate, to the extent possible, the provision of data relevant to the preparation of the resilience element from other State and federal agencies.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The resilience element may include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an inventory of areas susceptible to natural or human–caused hazards, such as flooding, including riverine and coastal flooding, sea–level rise, and coastal storm surge, which inventory may consider the potential disaster impacts on individuals, communities, institutions, businesses, economic development, public infrastructure and facilities, and public health, safety, and welfare;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an inventory of existing resiliency conditions that promote resilient planning, design, and development, and that may be coordinated with other jurisdictions and State agencies; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>recommended strategies and policies:</text> <level label="i"> <text>to protect susceptible areas and resources and mitigate risks to public safety, critical infrastructure, historic structures, public investments, and other community resources; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>that are intended to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>reduce risks associated with identified hazards;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>adapt to changing conditions; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>promote quicker recovery after a disaster.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-413" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to implementing the planning principle in § 1–201(b)(7) of this title, the place element shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>plan new or revitalized public spaces to strengthen community cohesion while contributing to public health, connecting people with cultural heritage, conserving natural resources, improving resilience, and strengthening the local economy; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>promote the active care and maintenance of public spaces by the people who live and work there, supporting the continuation of local ways of life and cultural memories.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The place element shall be informed by the following State plans:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation Plan, as described in § 5–906 of the Natural Resources Article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, as required under the National Historic Preservation Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department of Planning shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide a charter county with the best available population, demographic, economic development, and housing data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other standard sources; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>facilitate, to the extent possible, the provision of data relevant to the preparation of the place element from other State and federal agencies.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The place element may include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an inventory of gathering places for social interactions and centers of economic activity;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an analysis of public spaces to identify those of unique cultural and historical significance; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>recommended strategies, policies, and programs to build social cohesion and community engagement.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-414" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to implementing the planning principle in § 1–201(b)(8) of this title, the ecology element shall address:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the protection of the environment and natural resources, including agricultural resources, mineral resources, and water and air quality;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the protection of significant architectural, scenic, cultural, historical, or archaeological resources;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the conservation, use, and protection of natural resources;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the preservation and enhancement of prime agricultural land and strategies to encourage the compatibility of land use with agricultural and forestry operations;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the protection of a reliable supply of water and its uses and limitations;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>preventing the degradation of the above resources due to future development patterns proposed in the land element;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>greenhouse gas emissions from any additional vehicle miles traveled likely to result from future development patterns proposed in the land element;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>sensitive areas in accordance with subsection (d) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>water resources in accordance with subsection (e) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The ecology element shall be informed by the following State plans:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Maryland’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan, as described in § 2–1205 of the Environment Article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation Plan, as described in § 5–906 of the Natural Resources Article; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, as required under the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department of Planning shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide a charter county with the best available population, demographic, economic development, and housing data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other standard sources; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>facilitate, to the extent possible, the provision of data relevant to the preparation of the ecology element from other State and federal agencies.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The ecology element may include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an inventory of natural, historical, and environmentally sensitive resources;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an evaluation of the issues, problems, and opportunities associated with these resources; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>strategies and policies for the appropriate use, preservation, and protection of these resources that are consistent with the strategies and policies established for other plan elements.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The ecology element shall include a sensitive areas subelement in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sensitive areas subelement shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>include goals, objectives, principles, policies, and standards designed to protect sensitive areas from the adverse effects of development;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>be informed by current State and federal requirements regarding the protection of sensitive areas; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>indicate what additional measures, if any, the charter county proposes to implement beyond the requirements described in item (ii) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A charter county shall consider wildlife movement and habitat connectivity when enacting, adopting, amending, or executing a plan in accordance with § 1–405 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The Department of Natural Resources shall provide a charter county with a statewide forest resource inventory at least every 5 years, to be available for the local comprehensive plan review by the charter county required under § 1–419(a) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department of Planning shall coordinate with the Department of Natural Resources and the State Highway Administration to provide each charter county with updated information on habitat connectivity concerns and current and planned wildlife crossings.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Before the plan is adopted, the Department of the Environment and the Department of Natural Resources shall review the sensitive areas subelement to determine whether the proposed plan is consistent with the programs and goals of the departments.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The ecology element shall include a water resources subelement in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Considering available data provided by the Department of the Environment, the water resources subelement shall identify:</text> <level label="i"> <text>drinking water and other water resources that will be adequate for the needs of existing and future development proposed in the land element of the plan; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>suitable receiving waters and land areas to meet stormwater management and wastewater treatment and disposal needs of existing and future development proposed in the land element of the plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department of the Environment shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide, on request of a charter county, technical assistance on the development of the water resources subelement; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>review the water resources subelement to determine whether the proposed plan is consistent with the programs and goals of the Department of the Environment reflected in the general water resources program required under § 5–203 of the Environment Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-417" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <text>In addition to the requirements for the plan under Part II of this subtitle, a planning commission shall implement the planning principles set forth in § 1–201 of this title through the plan.</text> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-418" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>The planning commission of a charter county or code county shall implement the planning principles set forth in § 1–201 of this title through the comprehensive plan elements required under Part II of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The legislative body of a charter county or code county that has adopted a comprehensive plan under Part II of this subtitle may adopt regulations implementing the planning principles set forth in § 1–201 of this title in the plan.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-419" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>At least once every 10 years, each planning commission shall review the comprehensive plan and, if necessary, revise or amend the comprehensive plan to include all:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the elements required under Part II of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the planning principles set forth in § 1–201 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The planning commission may prepare comprehensive plans for one or more geographic sections or divisions of the local jurisdiction if the plan for each geographic section or division is reviewed and, if necessary, revised or amended at least once every 10 years.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A planning commission shall notify the Department of Planning when beginning a review in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Within 60 days after receiving a notification under this subsection, the Department of Planning shall provide the planning commission with guidance materials relating to State laws, best practices for local comprehensive plans, and any other resources that may support the review, revision, or amendment of the comprehensive plan.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department of Planning shall develop and maintain the guidance materials described in paragraph (2) of this subsection in consultation with other State agencies and offices as the Department considers appropriate.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-420" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>At least once every 10 years, which corresponds to the comprehensive plan revision process under § 1–419 of this subtitle, a charter county shall ensure the implementation of the planning principles, the development regulations element, and the sensitive areas element of the plan.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A charter county shall ensure that the implementation of the requirements of subsection (a) of this section are achieved through the adoption of the following applicable implementation mechanisms that are consistent with the comprehensive plan:</text> <level label="1"> <text>zoning laws; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>local laws governing:</text> <level label="i"> <text>planned development;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>subdivision; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>other land use provisions.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-421" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Home Rule Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a charter county shall include in its comprehensive plan any plan element that is required under Part II of this subtitle in accordance with the review schedule for the local jurisdiction under § 1–420 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On request of a charter county and for good cause, the Department of Planning may extend the deadline under subsection (a) of this section for that charter county by no more than two 6–month extensions.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A charter county that is not in compliance with this section after the deadline under subsection (a) of this section or after the expiration of any extension granted under subsection (b) of this section, may not change the zoning classification of a property until that charter county has complied with this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-501" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Growth Tiers"> <text>In this subtitle, “planning board”:</text> <level label="1"> <text>means a planning board established under this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>includes a planning commission or board established under Division II of this article or Title 10 of the Local Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-502" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Growth Tiers"> <text>On or before December 31, 2012, a local jurisdiction may adopt the mapped growth tiers in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-503" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Growth Tiers"> <text>Before adoption of the growth tiers, a local jurisdiction may submit the proposed tiers and any relevant information to the Department of Planning for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>technical assistance, review, and comment; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the opportunity for public review.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-504" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Growth Tiers"> <text>After adoption of the growth tiers, the local jurisdiction shall provide to the Department of Planning all information necessary to demonstrate the precise location of the tiers, including, as appropriate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a map of the area showing planning and zoning characteristics of each tier; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>existing and planned water and sewer services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-505" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Growth Tiers"> <text>The Department of Planning may comment on the growth tiers adopted by the local jurisdictions.</text> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-506" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Growth Tiers"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section, a local jurisdiction that chooses to adopt growth tiers is not required to adopt all of the tiers.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A municipal corporation that exercises planning and zoning authority shall adopt Tier I and may adopt Tier II.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A county shall adopt Tiers I, III, and IV, and may adopt Tier II.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If a local jurisdiction does not adopt all of the tiers authorized under this section, the local jurisdiction shall document the reasons the jurisdiction is not adopting a particular tier.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-507" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Growth Tiers"> <level label="a"> <text>If the Department of Planning comments under § 1–505 of this subtitle on any of the tiers or on an area within one of the tiers, the local legislative body or the planning board shall hold at least one public hearing on the comments by the Department of Planning.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The local legislative body or the planning board shall review the mapped growth tiers adopted by the local jurisdiction in light of the comments by the Department of Planning.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the planning board holds the public hearing under subsection (a) of this section, after the public hearing and the consideration of the comments by the Department of Planning, the planning board shall recommend to the local jurisdiction that either the tiers or an area within the tiers:</text> </level> <level label="1"> <text>be changed; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>that the adopted tiers remain unchanged.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If the planning board recommends that the tiers or an area within the tiers be changed under subsection (c) of this section, the planning board shall provide the recommended mapped growth tier changes to the local jurisdiction.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-508" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Growth Tiers"> <level label="a"> <text>The growth tiers adopted by a local jurisdiction shall meet the following criteria:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Tier I areas are areas that are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>served by public sewerage systems and mapped locally designated growth areas; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a municipal corporation that is a priority funding area that is served by public sewerage systems;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Tier II areas are areas that are:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>planned to be served by public sewerage systems and in the municipal growth element; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>mapped locally designated growth areas; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>needed to satisfy demand for development at densities consistent with the long–term development policy after consideration of the capacity of land areas available for development, including in–fill and redevelopment, within the local jurisdiction;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Tier III areas are areas that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>are not planned for sewerage service and not dominated by agricultural or forest land;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>are not planned or zoned by a local jurisdiction for land, agricultural, or resource protection, preservation, or conservation; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>are one of the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>municipal corporations not served by a public sewerage system;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>rural villages as described in § 5–7B–03(f) of the State Finance and Procurement Article;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>mapped locally designated growth areas; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>areas planned and zoned for large lot and rural development; and</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Tier IV areas are areas that are not planned for sewerage service and are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>areas planned or zoned by a local jurisdiction for land, agricultural, or resource protection, preservation, or conservation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>areas dominated by agricultural lands, forest lands, or other natural areas; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>rural legacy areas, priority preservation areas, or areas subject to covenants, restrictions, conditions, or conservation easements for the benefit of, or held by a State agency, as defined in § 9–206 of the Environment Article, or a local jurisdiction for the purpose of conserving natural resources or agricultural land.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A local jurisdiction shall strive to avoid creating a Tier III area that is bounded on all sides by land in a Tier IV area.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="1-509" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Growth Tiers"> <level label="a"> <text>A local jurisdiction that adopts growth tiers shall incorporate the tiers into the comprehensive plan or an element of the plan:</text> <level label="1"> <text>when the local jurisdiction conducts the 10–year review of the plan under § 1–416(a) of this title or § 3–301(a) of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in accordance with the requirements of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a local jurisdiction does not incorporate all of the growth tiers authorized under this section into the comprehensive plan or an element of the plan, the local jurisdiction shall state that a tier is not adopted.</text> </level> </section>