<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 05.17.02.04" title_num="05" subtitle_num="17" chapter_num="02" heading="Application Processing.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Application Evaluation.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Each application shall be submitted to the Department to determine whether all of the information required under Regulation .03 of this chapter is contained in the application.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Upon receipt of all required information, the Department shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Convene an interagency review team from the agencies of the Subcabinet to:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Review applications and plans;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Provide assistance and guidance to applicants; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Make recommendations to the Secretary.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Accept public input on the application;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Refer the application to other State agencies for comment, as the Department considers appropriate;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Consider any recommendation from a State unit or member of the Subcabinet;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Consider geographic balance when reviewing applications; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Analyze each application as to determine whether the proposed sustainable community merits designation.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The Department, in its discretion, may request additional information from the Sponsor concerning an application, including oral presentations.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Upon completion of the requirements in §A(1)—(3) of this regulation, the Department shall make a recommendation on the application to the Secretary.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Recommendation by the Secretary. Upon receipt of the Department’s recommendation, the Secretary:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>May request additional information from the Sponsor concerning the application, including oral presentations; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Shall make a recommendation to the Subcabinet on whether it should approve, disapprove, or approve with modifications the designation of the area as a sustainable community.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>