Title 5. State Planning — Subtitle 7A. State Economic Growth, Resource Protection, and Planning Policy
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., State Fin. & Proc. § 5-7A-01 (2026)
Title 5. State Planning
Subtitle 7A. State Economic Growth, Resource Protection, and Planning Policy
§ 5–7A-01LinkCopy Citation
The State Economic Growth, Resource Protection, and Planning Policy consists of the following planning principles for advancing sustainable growth in the State:
(1)
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;
(2)
transportation: prioritize transportation networks that create energy efficient, affordable, and reliable access to jobs, housing, and services;
(3)
housing: enable a mix of quality housing types and affordability options to accommodate all who want to live in the State;
(4)
economy: allow for adaptive reuse, mixed–use, and context appropriate new development that responds to changing markets and innovations;
(5)
equity: engage all sectors of the community in plan development to ensure diverse voices are heard and the needs of underserved populations are prioritized;
(6)
resilience: integrate resiliency measures that will minimize the impacts of rapid and unexpected natural– and human–caused threats on communities;
(7)
place: provide for public spaces that encourage social interaction and value cultural, historical, and natural resources; and
(8)
ecology: protect and restore sensitive ecological systems and conserve natural resources, including forests, agricultural areas, and waterways.
Md. Code Ann., State Fin. & Proc. § 5-7A-02 (2026)
Title 5. State Planning
Subtitle 7A. State Economic Growth, Resource Protection, and Planning Policy
§ 5–7A-02LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, with respect to a State public works, transportation, or major capital improvement project funded through State or federal funds, the State may not provide State funding for the project if the project is not consistent with:
(i)
the State Economic Growth, Resource Protection, and Planning Policy established in § 5–7A–01 of this subtitle; or
(ii)
the local plan of the jurisdiction in which the project is located.
(2)
The State may provide State funding for a State public works, transportation, or major capital improvement project funded through State or federal funds which is not consistent with the policy or plan under paragraph (1) of this subsection if the State determines that extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant proceeding with the project and that no reasonably feasible alternative exists.
(b)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection with respect to a local construction project involving the use of State funds, grants, loans, loan guaranties, or insurance, a local jurisdiction may not approve or construct the project unless the project is consistent with the local plan.
(2)
A local jurisdiction may approve and construct a local construction project which is inconsistent with the local plan under paragraph (1) of this subsection if the local jurisdiction determines that extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant proceeding with the project and that no reasonably feasible alternative exists.
(c)
By December 1, 1992 the Governor shall establish procedures for review of State projects under subsection (a) of this section, and each local jurisdiction shall establish procedures for the review of local projects under subsection (b) of this section, to:
(1)
ensure that the projects are consistent with their respective policy and plans; and
(2)
evaluate extraordinary circumstances under subsections (a)(2) and (b)(2) of this section, respectively.
Md. Code Ann., State Fin. & Proc. § 5-7A-03 (2026)
Title 5. State Planning
Subtitle 7A. State Economic Growth, Resource Protection, and Planning Policy
§ 5–7A-03LinkCopy Citation
The State has a goal of preserving a total of 1,030,000 acres of productive agricultural land by 2030 through:
(1)
the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation;
(2)
the Maryland GreenPrint Program;
(3)
the Rural Legacy Program;
(4)
the Maryland Environmental Trust;
(5)
the Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program; and
(6)
local land preservation programs.