Title 5. Subdivision — Subtitle 2. Plat Approval
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Land Use § 5-201 (2026)
Title 5. Subdivision
Subtitle 2. Plat Approval
§ 5–201LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
(i)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, if an applicant has complied with all subdivision regulations, a planning commission shall approve or disapprove a final plat within 30 days after the applicant submits the final plat to the planning commission.
(ii)
If the planning commission does not approve or disapprove the plat within 30 days, the plat shall be considered approved and the planning commission shall issue a certificate to that effect on demand.
(2)
Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, if the planning commission does not approve or disapprove the plat within 30 days, an applicant for approval of a final plat may waive this requirement and consent to an extension of the period for approval.
(3)
If a final plat is disapproved, the planning commission shall state the grounds for the disapproval in the planning commission’s records.
(b)
(1)
Each plat approved by the planning commission shall, through the approval, be considered:
(i)
an amendment or a detail of the comprehensive plan; and
(ii)
a part of the comprehensive plan.
(2)
Approval of a plat does not constitute or effect an acceptance by the public of any street or other open space shown on the plat.
(3)
A planning commission periodically may recommend to the legislative body amendments of the zoning law or map to conform to the planning commission’s recommendations for the zoning regulation of the territory within approved subdivisions.
(c)
(1)
A planning commission may agree with an applicant on use, height, area, or bulk requirements or restrictions that are designed to promote the purposes of the zoning law of the local jurisdiction.
(2)
(i)
The requirements or restrictions shall be stated on the plat before the plat is approved and recorded.
(ii)
The requirements or restrictions shall have the same force of law, shall be enforceable in the same manner and with the same sanctions and penalties, and shall be subject to the same power of amendment or repeal as though part of the zoning law or map of the local jurisdiction.
Md. Code Ann., Land Use § 5-202 (2026)
Title 5. Subdivision
Subtitle 2. Plat Approval
§ 5–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies only where a legislative body has:
(1)
adopted the transportation element of the comprehensive plan of all or part of the territory within its subdivision jurisdiction; and
(2)
filed a certified copy of the plan with the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which all or part of the territory is located.
(b)
A plat of a subdivision within the territory or part may not be filed or recorded until:
(1)
the planning commission approves the plat; and
(2)
the chair or secretary of the planning commission indicates an approval in writing on the plat.
Md. Code Ann., Land Use § 5-203 (2026)
Title 5. Subdivision
Subtitle 2. Plat Approval
§ 5–203LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A planning commission may authorize an administrative officer to approve subdivision plats and site plans under § 5–202 of this subtitle in accordance with nondiscretionary criteria adopted and specified by local law.
(b)
The administrative officer shall approve a plat by indicating an approval in writing on the plat.
Md. Code Ann., Land Use § 5-204 (2026)
Title 5. Subdivision
Subtitle 2. Plat Approval
§ 5–204LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A planning commission may provide in the subdivision regulations or practice for tentative approval of a plat before completion of improvements or installation of utilities.
(b)
Tentative approval of a plat shall be revocable and may not be indicated on the plat.
(c)
(1)
Instead of requiring the completion of improvements and installation of utilities before the final approval of a plat, a planning commission may accept security approved by the local jurisdiction to secure the construction of improvements and installation of utilities.
(2)
Forms of security accepted by a planning commission under paragraph (1) of this subsection:
(i)
shall specify the time for completion and specifications set by or in accordance with the subdivision regulations of the planning commission;
(ii)
may include a bond with surety, an irrevocable letter of credit, or any other form of security approved by the local jurisdiction; and
(iii)
may be enforced by any appropriate legal or equitable remedy.