<section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="3-101" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Requirement and Elements"> <level label="a"> <text>A local jurisdiction shall enact, adopt, amend, and execute a plan in accordance with this division.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A municipal corporation may be included as part of a county plan under this division if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the legislative body of the municipal corporation, by resolution directed to the legislative body of the county where the municipal corporation is located, indicates the intention to participate in the county plan; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the legislative body of the county approves the resolution.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="3-102" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Requirement and Elements"> <level label="a"> <text>The planning commission for a local jurisdiction shall include in the comprehensive plan 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 local jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The planning commission for a local jurisdiction 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, principles, 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 local jurisdiction;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>be informed by intergovernmental coordination with the 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 regulation 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 local jurisdiction 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="3-103" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Requirement and Elements"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to implementing the planning principle in § 1–201(b)(1) of this article, 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 local jurisdiction;</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 historical 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>municipal growth in accordance with subsection (e) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>mineral resources in accordance with subsection (f) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>fisheries in accordance with subsection (g) 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 local jurisdiction 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 accord 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;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>identification of areas of resource protection and preservation; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the following public and private land uses:</text> <level label="i"> <text>agricultural;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>commercial;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>forestry, in accordance with § 5–101 of the Natural Resources Article;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>industrial;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>recreational; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>residential.</text> </level> </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, 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 the plan covers a municipal corporation, the land element shall include a municipal growth subelement in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The municipal growth subelement shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the municipal corporation’s:</text> <level label="1"> <text>future municipal growth areas outside the existing corporate limits;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>past growth patterns; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>capacity of land areas available for development, redevelopment, and in–fill;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the land area needed to satisfy demand for development at densities consistent with long–term development policy;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the relationship of the long–term development policy to a vision of the municipal corporation’s future character;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>rural buffers and transition areas;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>protection of sensitive areas that could be impacted by development planned within the proposed municipal growth area;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>population growth projections;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>public services and infrastructure needed to accommodate growth within the proposed municipal growth areas, including those necessary for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>libraries;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>recreation;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>water and sewerage facilities;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>public safety, including emergency medical response;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>stormwater management systems sufficient to ensure water quality both inside and outside the proposed municipal growth area; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>public schools sufficient to accommodate student population consistent with State rated capacity standards established by the Interagency Commission on School Construction;</text> </level> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>any burden on services and infrastructure for which the municipal corporation would be responsible for development in areas near to and outside of the proposed municipal growth area; and</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>anticipated financing mechanisms to support necessary public services and infrastructure.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>On request of a municipal corporation, the Department of Planning shall provide technical assistance for the purposes of developing the municipal growth subelement of the comprehensive plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <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="g"> <level label="1"> <text>If the local jurisdiction 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="h"> <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="3-104" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Requirement and Elements"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to implementing the planning principle in § 1–201(b)(2) of this article, 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 the local jurisdiction 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="3-105" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Requirement and Elements"> <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 article, 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 local jurisdiction;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the age, structural type, value, and occupancy characteristics of the local jurisdiction’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 local jurisdiction 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 the local jurisdiction 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 local jurisdiction, 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 local jurisdiction has a duty to affirmatively further fair housing through the local jurisdiction’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, 2023, shall include an assessment of fair housing to ensure that the local jurisdiction is affirmatively furthering fair housing.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>On request of a local jurisdiction, 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 local jurisdiction to take, or prohibit a local jurisdiction from taking, a specific action to affirmatively further fair housing.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="3-106" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Requirement and Elements"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to implementing the planning principle in § 1–201(b)(4) of this article, 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 local jurisdiction;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the categories or types of businesses and industries desired in the local jurisdiction; 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 the local jurisdiction 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 the local jurisdiction 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 local jurisdiction with the best available State–level data on economic development.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Maryland Department of Labor shall provide a local jurisdiction 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="3-107" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Requirement and Elements"> <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 article, the equity element shall address:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the needs of overburdened and underserved communities in the local jurisdiction; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>populations in the local jurisdiction 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 the local jurisdiction 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 local jurisdiction 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 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="3-108" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Requirement and Elements"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to implementing the planning principle in § 1–201(b)(6) of this article, the resilience element shall address:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the coordination of local preparedness efforts to identify potential threats facing the local jurisdiction 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 respond to the challenges of changing conditions and disasters, including human–caused and natural hazards, and to 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 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 local jurisdiction 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 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 a natural or human–caused hazard, 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 resilience 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="3-109" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Requirement and Elements"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to implementing the planning principle in § 1–201(b)(7) of this article, 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 heritages, 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 local jurisdiction 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="3-110" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Requirement and Elements"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to implementing the planning principle in § 1–201(b)(8) of this article, 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 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 local jurisdiction 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 the 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 local jurisdiction proposes to implement beyond the requirements described in item (ii) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A local jurisdiction shall consider wildlife movement and habitat connectivity when enacting, adopting, amending, or executing a plan in accordance with § 3–101 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The Department of Natural Resources shall provide a local jurisdiction with a statewide forest resource inventory at least every 5 years, to be available for the local comprehensive plan review by local jurisdictions required under § 3–301(a) of this title.</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 local jurisdiction 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 local jurisdiction, 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="3-201" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Development and Adoption"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A planning commission shall prepare a plan by carefully and comprehensively surveying and studying:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the present conditions and projections of future growth of the local jurisdiction; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the relation of the local jurisdiction to neighboring jurisdictions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A planning commission shall make the plan with the general purpose of guiding and accomplishing the coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of the local jurisdiction and its environs.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The plan shall serve as a guide to public and private actions and decisions to ensure the development of public and private property in appropriate relationships.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In accordance with present and future needs, a plan shall promote:</text> <level label="i"> <text>good civic design and arrangement;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a healthy and convenient distribution of population;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the health, safety, and general welfare of the local jurisdiction; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>efficiency and economy in the development process.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A plan shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>include any areas outside the boundaries of the plan that, in the planning commission’s judgment, relate to the planning responsibilities of the commission; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>provide for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>transportation needs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the promotion of public safety;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>light and air;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the conservation of natural resources;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the prevention of environmental pollution;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the wise and efficient expenditure of public funds;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>adequate public utilities; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>an adequate supply of other public requirements.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In addition to the requirements for the plan under Subtitle 1 of this title, a planning commission shall implement through the plan the planning principles set forth in § 1–201 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A planning commission may promote public interest in and understanding of the plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A planning commission shall consult with public officials and agencies, public utility companies, civic, educational, professional, and other organizations, and citizens about protecting or executing the plan.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="3-202" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Development and Adoption"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A planning commission shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>make and approve a plan; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>recommend the plan to the legislative body for adoption.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A planning commission may recommend adoption of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the whole plan;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>successive parts of the plan, which correspond to geographic sections or divisions of the local jurisdiction; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>an amendment to the plan.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The elements of the plan may be expressed in words, graphics, or any other appropriate form.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The elements of the plan shall be interrelated and each element shall describe how it relates to each of the other elements.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="3-203" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Development and Adoption"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>When a local jurisdiction initially implements the zoning powers under this division, the planning commission shall recommend the boundaries of the original districts and zones and appropriate regulations to be enforced in the districts and zones.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The planning commission shall make a preliminary report on the proposed districts, zones, and regulations and hold at least one public hearing on the preliminary report before submitting its final report to the legislative body.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The legislative body may not hold a public hearing or take action until it receives the final report of the planning commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A planning commission shall hold at least one public hearing before the commission recommends the adoption of a plan or any part or amendment to a plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The planning commission shall publish at least one notice of the time and place of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the local jurisdiction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>At least 60 days before the public hearing, the planning commission shall provide copies of the recommended plan and amendments to the plan to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>adjoining jurisdictions; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>State units, regional units, and local jurisdictions responsible for financing or constructing public improvements necessary to implement the plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The planning commission shall include in its report to the legislative body the recommendation of each unit and jurisdiction that comments on the plan.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>A majority of the planning commission, by resolution, shall approve the plan or any part of or amendment to the plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The resolution shall refer expressly to the text, map, and other matter that the commission intends to form the whole or part of the plan.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The action taken shall be recorded on the map, plan, text, or other matter by the identifying signature of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the chair of the planning commission; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the secretary of the commission.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>An attested copy of the plan or part of the plan shall be certified to the legislative body.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="3-204" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Development and Adoption"> <level label="a"> <text>Each local jurisdiction shall adopt a plan that includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the elements required under Subtitle 1 of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the planning principles set forth in § 1–201 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, only a legislative body that has adopted a plan may adopt regulations implementing the planning principles stated in § 1–201 of this article in the plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection does not limit the Department of Planning from exercising any authority granted under the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a legislative body may adopt, modify, remand, or disapprove:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the whole plan or part of the plan;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a plan for one or more geographic sections or divisions of the local jurisdiction; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>an amendment to the plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The legislative body may hold a public hearing before remanding or disapproving and shall hold a public hearing before adopting or modifying:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the whole plan or part of the plan;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a plan for one or more geographic sections or divisions of the local jurisdiction; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>an amendment to the plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The planning commission shall hold a public hearing before submitting a new recommended plan to the legislative body, if the legislative body remands or disapproves:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the whole plan or part of the plan;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a plan for one or more geographic sections or divisions of the local jurisdiction; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>an amendment to the plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The recommendation of the planning commission shall be considered approved if the legislative body fails to approve, modify, remand, or disapprove the recommended plan in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection within 90 days after the date that the planning commission certifies an attested copy of the recommended plan to the legislative body in accordance with § 3–203(f) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Notwithstanding subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, if the legislative body determines that there are exigent circumstances so that the legislative body is unable to act in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, by resolution the legislative body may extend the deadline in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph for no more than one 60–day extension.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="3-205" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Development and Adoption"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies only to a local jurisdiction where the legislative body has adopted a whole plan or a plan for one or more geographic sections or divisions of the local jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A publicly or privately owned street, square, park, or other public way, ground, or open space, a public building or structure, or a public utility may not be authorized or constructed in the local jurisdiction or in a geographic section of the local jurisdiction until the planning commission has approved the location, character, and extent of the development as consistent with the plan.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The planning commission shall communicate its decision and the reasons for its decision to the legislative body or to the body that has jurisdiction over the financing of the public way, ground, space, building, structure, or utility.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The submission to the planning commission shall be considered approved if the planning commission fails to act on the submission within 60 days after the date it was submitted.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The legislative body or other body having jurisdiction may overrule the decision of the planning commission by a recorded vote of at least two–thirds of its entire membership.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="3-206" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Development and Adoption"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>When developing a municipal growth subelement of the comprehensive plan, a municipal corporation shall consult with the counties in which the municipal corporation is located.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A municipal corporation shall provide a copy of a municipal growth subelement to the counties in which the municipal corporation is located before approval of the element.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The municipal corporation shall accept comments from the counties for 30 days after providing a copy of the municipal growth subelement to the counties in which the municipal corporation is located.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Within 30 days following the close of the comment period under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the counties and the municipal corporation shall meet and confer regarding the municipal growth subelement.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>On request of either party, the county and the municipal corporation shall employ an appropriate mediation and conflict resolution service to facilitate the meeting and conferral under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A municipal corporation and the counties in which the municipal corporation is located may enter into a joint planning agreement in order to coordinate implementation of a municipal growth subelement.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A joint planning agreement shall consider the municipal growth subelement required under Subtitle 1 of this title.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="3-301" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Implementation"> <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 Subtitle 1 of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the planning principles set forth in § 1–201 of this article.</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="3-302" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Implementation"> <text>To implement the plan, the planning commission shall periodically recommend to the appropriate public officials:</text> <level label="1"> <text>programs for public structures, improvements, and land acquisitions; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>financing programs.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="3-303" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Implementation"> <level label="a"> <text>At least once every 10 years, which corresponds to the comprehensive plan revision process under § 3–301 of this subtitle, a local jurisdiction 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 local jurisdiction 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;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>planned development ordinances and regulations;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>subdivision ordinances and regulations; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>other land use ordinances and regulations.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glu" article_name="Land Use" number="3-304" title_number="3" title_name="Comprehensive Plan" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Implementation"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a local jurisdiction shall include in its comprehensive plan any plan element required under Subtitle 1 of this title in accordance with the review schedule for the local jurisdiction under § 3–303 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On request of a local jurisdiction and for good cause, the Department of Planning may extend the deadline under subsection (a) of this section for that local jurisdiction by no more than two 6–month extensions.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A local jurisdiction 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 local jurisdiction has complied with this section.</text> </level> </section>