Southern Maryland

Legislative and Regulatory Issues Impacting Southern Maryland

March 2023
Trackability Coming to Improve Permitting System in Calvert County
Applying for a permit in Calvert County has long been a grueling process, long waits and rounds of comments prior to approval are uncommon. Though a new initiative from the technology services director, stated that government staff to update and streamline the permitting process for obtaining residential and commercial construction permits, as well as associated grading permits, both in The new Encompass citizen portal is seen as a way to improve communication, accessibility, transparency and “trackability.” Access to the portal will be 24/7. Applicants will be asked to create a profile, which then gives them access to their permit paper trail. Also, they will receive emails noting the process steps. the office and online. Until now, this could only be done in the office with cash or paper checks. 

November 2022

​Charles County Bryans Road Sub-Area Plan
The subarea plan focuses on the future development around the Bryans road corridor The Bryans Road community includes a unique mix of historic villages, residential subdivisions, federal facilities, and commercial properties centered along MD 210. The plan has been in the works the better part of the last year.
 
There was a briefing to the Planning Commission back in the summer and then most recently last week. The consultant presented the major recommendations of the Plan, followed by a detailed discussion of the Plan by the Planning Commission. Some of the main issues discussed was whether there was an adequate amount of commercial land recommended in the draft Plan, and whether the study area was large enough. The Planning Commission then voted to move forward with a public hearing on the Plan. A date has not been scheduled yet.
 
 
Calvert County – Proposed Amendments to Calvert County Comprehensive Plan
The proposed amendments to the Calvert County Comprehensive Plan, adopted August 2019 would seek to reduce or eliminate the future expansions for the Huntingtown, Lusby, Prince Frederick, and Solomons Town Centers. MBIA did testify before the Planning Commission in early November, the PC did move the amendments to BOCC for a hearing on the 29th of November. MBIA will be submitting testimony and requesting the record be kept open for an additional 60 days.