CHARLES COUNTY
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Legislative and Regulatory Issues Impacting Charles County
March 2023
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 in the fall. 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. There was a public hearing on January 23rd before the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission convened a work session to discuss public comments. Typically for public hearings on larger projects such as this, that have a lot of public interest, the Planning Commission will hold the public record open for a specified amount of time after the hearing to allow opportunity for additional comments from the public. A work session was held again this past Monday. OCTOBER 2022 Charles County Forest Conservation Amendments PGM staff recently sent a draft of the proposed changes to the counties Forest Conservation Ordinance, the Planning Commission briefing took place a couple weeks back with minimal questions from the commissioners, and the public hearing will be on July 19th. The biggest change is that conservation thresholds are increasing in “Priority Forest Retention Areas” which could affect members with property or projects in those areas. MBIA will be drafting a response letter and meeting with staff, we will also be getting data from members that could be affected by these increases to the retention areas. Update: MBIA testified before the BOCC on October 19th in opposition, the bill was voted down 3-2 against. Charles County Adequate Public Facilities (APFO) Traffic Revisions APFO Traffic revisions - his element of the Zoning Ordinance provides a significant tool for implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and is intended to provide clear guidance to the interpretation, administration, and application of this element of the Charles County Zoning Ordinance. Update: During the 9/21/22 PGM meeting, they have decided to take the APF Manual forward to the County Commissioners for a work session on October 4, 2022. The meeting focused on the proposal for establishing traffic study limits. To ensure study limits are commensurate with a project’s impact we suggest linking the limits to the proposed use. We have sent out talking points to the members. Amendment to the 2016 Charles County Comprehensive Plan - Septic Tier Map Commissioner Bowling has proposed an amendment that seeks to change the tier map designation and land use plan for 900 acres of land in the vicinity of the unincorporated community of Newburg. The septic tier designation would change from Tier 2 to Tier 4, and the Land Use designation would change from Rural Residential to Agricultural Conservation. The purpose of this change is to ensure the tier map and land use designation are consistent with the existing Rural Conservation zoning of the property and to recognize this area would not be planned for public sewerage service. Update: A public hearing was held on May 25th for the proposal, the BOCC voted to keep the record open for 60 days. The proposal was voted down in favor of the Newburg Sub Area Plan to first be passed prior to any tier changes. SEPTEMBER 2022 Charles County Forest Conservation Amendments PGM staff recently sent a draft of the proposed changes to the counties Forest Conservation Ordinance, the Planning Commission briefing took place a couple weeks back with minimal questions from the commissioners, and the public hearing will be on July 19th. The biggest change is that conservation thresholds are increasing in “Priority Forest Retention Areas” which could affect members with property or projects in those areas. MBIA will be drafting a response letter and meeting with staff, we will also be getting data from members that could be affected by these increases to the retention areas. Update: MBIA submitted our comments and testified before the Planning Commission on the 19th, we requested the record be held open an additional 30 days which the commission agreed to. The PC held a work session August 29th in which they voted to move the recommendations from staff to the BOCC. Charles County Adequate Public Facilities (APFO) Traffic Revisions APFO Traffic revisions - his element of the Zoning Ordinance provides a significant tool for implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and is intended to provide clear guidance to the interpretation, administration, and application of this element of the Charles County Zoning Ordinance. Update: As discussed at our July 28th meeting we have refined our proposal for establishing traffic study limits. To ensure study limits are commensurate with a project’s impact we suggest linking the limits to the proposed use. We have requested a follow up meeting with PGM to discuss this and the other outstanding items from our previous meeting. Amendment to the 2016 Charles County Comprehensive Plan - Septic Tier Map Commissioner Bowling has proposed an amendment that seeks to change the tier map designation and land use plan for 900 acres of land in the vicinity of the unincorporated community of Newburg. The septic tier designation would change from Tier 2 to Tier 4, and the Land Use designation would change from Rural Residential to Agricultural Conservation. The purpose of this change is to ensure the tier map and land use designation are consistent with the existing Rural Conservation zoning of the property and to recognize this area would not be planned for public sewerage service. Update: A public hearing was held on May 25th for the proposal, the BOCC voted to keep the record open for 60 days. The Planning Commission recommended delaying the proposal till after the Newburg Sub Area Plan was complete. The Board will act on the proposal on September 5th after last week’s session JULY 2022 Charles County Forest Conservation Amendments PGM staff recently sent a draft of the proposed changes to the counties Forest Conservation Ordinance, the Planning Commission briefing took place a couple weeks back with minimal questions from the commissioners, and the public hearing will be on July 19th. The biggest change is that conservation thresholds are increasing in “Priority Forest Retention Areas” which could affect members with property or projects in those areas. MBIA will be drafting a response letter and meeting with staff, we will also be getting data from members that could be affected by these increases to the retention areas. Charles County Adequate Public Facilities (APFO) Traffic Revisions APFO Traffic revisions - his element of the Zoning Ordinance provides a significant tool for implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and is intended to provide clear guidance to the interpretation, administration, and application of this element of the Charles County Zoning Ordinance. Update: The Planning Commission voted to move the staff recommendations to the APFO and transmit to the BOCC. The County Commissioners have a public hearing on June 29th. Amendment to the 2016 Charles County Comprehensive Plan - Septic Tier Map Commissioner Bowling has proposed an amendment that seeks to change the tier map designation and land use plan for 900 acres of land in the vicinity of the unincorporated community of Newburg. The septic tier designation would change from Tier 2 to Tier 4, and the Land Use designation would change from Rural Residential to Agricultural Conservation. The purpose of this change is to ensure the tier map and land use designation are consistent with the existing Rural Conservation zoning of the property and to recognize this area would not be planned for public sewerage service. Update: A public hearing was held on May 25th for the proposal, the BOCC voted to keep the record open for 60 days. The Planning Commission recommended delaying the proposal till after the Newburg Sub Area Plan was complete. JUNE 2022 Charles County Adequate Public Facilities (APFO) Traffic Revisions APFO Traffic revisions - his element of the Zoning Ordinance provides a significant tool for implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and is intended to provide clear guidance to the interpretation, administration, and application of this element of the Charles County Zoning Ordinance. Update: The Planning Commission voted to move the staff recommendations to the APFO and transmit to the BOCC. The County Commissioners have scheduled a work session to discuss the revised APF Manual for June 7, and a public hearing on June 29th. Amendment to the 2016 Charles County Comprehensive Plan - Septic Tier Map Commissioner Bowling has proposed an amendment that seeks to change the tier map designation and land use plan for 900 acres of land in the vicinity of the unincorporated community of Newburg. The septic tier designation would change from Tier 2 to Tier 4, and the Land Use designation would change from Rural Residential to Agricultural Conservation. The purpose of this change is to ensure the tier map and land use designation are consistent with the existing Rural Conservation zoning of the property and to recognize this area would not be planned for public sewerage service. Update: A public hearing was held on May 25th for the proposal, the BOCC voted to keep the record open for 60 days. The Planning Commission recommended delaying the proposal till after the Newburg Sub Area Plan was complete. MAY 2022 Calvert County – Prince Frederick Sewer Capacity The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners held a Public Hearing on Tuesday, At the Hearing, the Board considered and received comments regarding disposal of wastewater from the Prince Frederick Wastewater Treatment system, which could have included brief moratorium. The proposed moratorium came from the county nearing the state level sewer capacity threshold of 80 percent, the county is currently at 69 percent. MBIA submitted testimony opposition to the BOCC’s motion to put in place a moratorium. The Calvert County Commissioners voted 4 to 1 to direct staff to continue evaluating the APFO requirements in Prince Frederick rather than a moratorium. Charles County Adequate Public Facilities (APFO) Traffic Revisions MBIA will testified the Charles County Planning Commission on Monday, January 24th to offer feedback regarding the APFO Traffic revisions. This element of the Zoning Ordinance provides a significant tool for implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and is intended to provide clear guidance to the interpretation, administration, and application of this element of the Charles County Zoning Ordinance. The APFO draft was introduced earlier this month, the Planning Commission will consider both the preliminary subdivision plan and the APF findings concurrently. MBIA has drafted several comments related some inconsistencies in the draft and major issues that need to be addressed by the Planning Commission. Update: MBIA members attended the PGM roundtable last week, and the meeting focused on the APFO draft that is with the planning commission. Staff went rough our comments and should have a draft back by the end the week – possibly on track for PC Agenda on May 16th APRIL 2022 Charles County Adequate Public Facilities (APFO)Traffic Revisions MBIA will testified the Charles County Planning Commission on Monday, January 24th to offer feedback regarding the APFO Traffic revisions. This element of the Zoning Ordinance provides a significant tool for implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and is intended to provide clear guidance to the interpretation, administration, and application of this element of the Charles County Zoning Ordinance. The APFO draft was introduced earlier this month, the Planning Commission will consider both the preliminary subdivision plan and the APF findings concurrently. MBIA has drafted several comments related some inconsistencies in the draft and major issues that need to be addressed by the Planning Commission. Update: The Planning Commission agreed to keep the record open an additional 45 days (March 11th) for public input – we will be following up w/ staff to get feedback on our comments MARCH 2022 Charles County Adequate Public Facilities (APFO)Traffic Revisions MBIA will testified the Charles County Planning Commission on Monday, January 24th to offer feedback regarding the APFO Traffic revisions. This element of the Zoning Ordinance provides a significant tool for implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and is intended to provide clear guidance to the interpretation, administration, and application of this element of the Charles County Zoning Ordinance. The APFO draft was introduced earlier this month, the Planning Commission will consider both the preliminary subdivision plan and the APF findings concurrently. MBIA has drafted several comments related some inconsistencies in the draft and major issues that need to be addressed by the Planning Commission. Update: The Planning Commission agreed to keep the record open an additional 45 days (March 11th) for public input Amendment to the 2016 Charles County Comprehensive Plan - Septic Tier Map Commissioner Bowling has proposed an amendment that seeks to change the tier map designation and land use plan for 900 acres of land in the vicinity of the unincorporated community of Newburg. The septic tier designation would change from Tier 2 to Tier 4, and the Land Use designation would change from Rural Residential to Agricultural Conservation. The purpose of this change is to ensure the tier map and land use designation are consistent with the existing Rural Conservation zoning of the property and to recognize this area would not be planned for public sewerage service. The Planning Commission held a public hearing in mid-November, and will have work sessions starting December to gather more feedback. Update: Charles County Commissioners will take up this item for discussion on March 1st – a public hearing is expected on this item in the coming weeks JANUARY 2022 Charles County Commissioners Choose Legislative Proposals Charles County commissioners decided on a package of eight legislative proposals to send to the county’s legislative delegation for consideration ahead of the 2022 Maryland General Assembly. The choices were made during the afternoon session of Tuesday’s commissioner meeting, where the board winnowed an initial list of 32 proposals. One of the proposals was Zoning text amendment 21-164 allows for mixed use properties of various sizes to be used for a multitude of uses. Additional bill - a proposal for a first time home buyer tax credit has been put forth by the realtors and MBIA will support, office of fiscal analysis will issue a fiscal report Amendment to the 2016 Charles County Comprehensive Plan -Septic Tier Map Commissioner Bowling has proposed an amendment that seeks to change the tier map designation and land use plan for 900 acres of land in the vicinity of the unincorporated community of Newburg. The septic tier designation would change from Tier 2 to Tier 4, and the Land Use designation would change from Rural Residential to Agricultural Conservation. The purpose of this change is to ensure the tier map and land use designation are consistent with the existing Rural Conservation zoning of the property and to recognize this area would not be planned for public sewerage service. The Planning Commission held a public hearing in mid-November, and will have work sessions starting December to gather more feedback. DECEMBER 2021 Charles County Commissioners Choose Legislative Proposals Charles County commissioners decided on a package of eight legislative proposals to send to the county’s legislative delegation for consideration ahead of the 2022 Maryland General Assembly. The choices were made during the afternoon session of Tuesday’s commissioner meeting, where the board winnowed an initial list of 32 proposals. One of the proposals was Zoning text amendment 21-164 allows for mixed use properties of various sizes to be used for a multitude of uses. Additional bill - a proposal for a first time home buyer tax credit has been put forth by the realtors and MBIA will support, office of fiscal analysis will issue a fiscal report Amendment to the 2016 Charles County Comprehensive Plan -Septic Tier Map Commissioner Bowling has proposed an amendment that seeks to change the tier map designation and land use plan for 900 acres of land in the vicinity of the unincorporated community of Newburg. The septic tier designation would change from Tier 2 to Tier 4, and the Land Use designation would change from Rural Residential to Agricultural Conservation. The purpose of this change is to ensure the tier map and land use designation are consistent with the existing Rural Conservation zoning of the property and to recognize this area would not be planned for public sewerage service. The Planning Commission held a public hearing in mid-November, and will have work sessions starting December to gather more feedback. Forest Conservation Ordinance Revisions No major changes from state bills – Internal meetings scheduled, discussions have been focusing primarily on forest retaining, public hearings to take place in the fall. Staff is still waiting to see how House Bill 991 will affect the current ordinance, some changes to counties SWM polices in ROW may be proposed. AUGUST 2021 ZTA 19-154 – Townhouse Design Standards ZTA 19-154 proposes to amend and codify architectural detailing and site design requirements for single-family attached residential and multi-family development in Charles County. The primary topics impacted by the legislation include definitions and provisions associated with accessory uses and structures, architectural appearance, building materials and percentages, building restriction lines, dwelling units per acre (density), encroachment allowances, height limitations, minimum tract size, parking and pedestrian connectivity, recreational amenity requirements, superior design guidelines applicability, and other interrelated use code requirements. Update – MBIA testified at the hearing and provided written testimony for the record. There was other witness who testified, work session for the ZTA will be held July 20th https://go.boarddocs.com/md/chrlsco/Board.nsf/files/BTHRXT702C8B/$file/Combined%20Attachment%20Figures%20(Attachments%20A%20through%20I).pdf Forest Conservation Ordinance Revisions Staff update took place last Monday, still waiting on the passage of state bills to take effect. No major changes from state bills – Internal meetings scheduled, discussions have been focusing primarily on forest retaining, public hearings to take place in the fall. JULY 2021 ZTA 19-154 – Townhouse Design Standards ZTA 19-154 proposes to amend and codify architectural detailing and site design requirements for single-family attached residential and multi-family development in Charles County. The primary topics impacted by the legislation include definitions and provisions associated with accessory uses and structures, architectural appearance, building materials and percentages, building restriction lines, dwelling units per acre (density), encroachment allowances, height limitations, minimum tract size, parking and pedestrian connectivity, recreational amenity requirements, superior design guidelines applicability, and other interrelated use code requirements. Comments are being accepted started May 21st through June 10th. The public hearing for the proposal is June 8th at 6pm, MBIA will be testifying and submitting comments. Update – MBIA testified at the hearing and provided written testimony for the record. There was other witness who testified, work session for the ZTA will be held July 20th https://go.boarddocs.com/md/chrlsco/Board.nsf/files/BTHRXT702C8B/$file/Combined%20Attachment%20Figures%20(Attachments%20A%20through%20I).pdf Forest Conservation Ordinance Revisions Staff update took place last Monday, still waiting on the passage of state bills to take effect. No major changes from state bills – Internal meetings scheduled, discussions have been focusing primarily on forest retaining, public hearings to take place in the fall. JUNE 2021 ZTA 19-154 – Townhouse Design Standards ZTA 19-154 proposes to amend and codify architectural detailing and site design requirements for single-family attached residential and multi-family development in Charles County. The primary topics impacted by the legislation include definitions and provisions associated with accessory uses and structures, architectural appearance, building materials and percentages, building restriction lines, dwelling units per acre (density), encroachment allowances, height limitations, minimum tract size, parking and pedestrian connectivity, recreational amenity requirements, superior design guidelines applicability, and other interrelated use code requirements. Comments are being accepted started May 21st through June 10th. The public hearing for the proposal is June 8th at 6pm, MBIA will be testifying and submitting comments. https://go.boarddocs.com/md/chrlsco/Board.nsf/files/BTHRXT702C8B/$file/Combined%20Attachment%20Figures%20(Attachments%20A%20through%20I).pdf Forest Conservation Ordinance Revisions Staff update took place last Monday, still waiting on the passage of state bills to take effect. No major changes from state bills – Internal meetings scheduled, discussions have been focusing primarily on forest retaining, public hearings to take place in the fall. May 2021 HP Storm Approval in Right of Way The Charles County Department of Public works Approves ADS HP Storm Polypropylene Pipe for use in the Public right of way. ADS HP Storm pipe is up to 3 times stiffer than HDPE pipe and gives engineers and contractors a watertight joint at every pipe connection. HP Storm comes in 20ft sections and can be used in private and public applications. Diameters include 12” – 60” and can connect to manholes or Nyloplast structures. Significantly cheaper than RCP pipe, HP Storm is lighter, faster, and safer to install. Forest Conservation Ordinance Revisions
APRIL 2021
HP Storm Approval in Right Of Way The Charles County Department of Public works Approves ADS HP Storm Polypropylene Pipe for use in the Public right of way. ADS HP Storm pipe is up to 3 times stiffer than HDPE pipe and gives engineers and contractors a watertight joint at every pipe connection. HP Storm comes in 20ft sections and can be used in private and public applications. Diameters include 12” – 60” and can connect to manholes or Nyloplast structures. Significantly cheaper than RCP pipe, HP Storm is lighter, faster, and safer to install. Forest Conservation Ordinance Revisions
Forest Conservation Ordinance Revisions
ZTA 19-154 – Townhouse Design Standards – Revisions The documents were uploaded on 9/21 to Board Docs – the purposed of these guidelines is to set forth requirements, procedures, and technical criteria for the comprehensive review of site development plans and exterior building elements. ZTA #19-154 proposes to amend and codify architectural detailing and site design requirements for single-family attached (duplex, townhouse, and multiplex) residential and multi-family development in Charles County. The ZTA seeks to amend Articles II, III, V, VI, VII, XIII, XIV, XVII, XIX, XX, XXI, and Appendix A of the Zoning Ordinance, including definitions and provisions associated with accessory uses and structures, architectural appearance, building materials, building restriction lines, dwelling units per acre (density), encroachment allowances, height limitations, parking, recreational amenity requirements and other interrelated use code requirements. The public hearing is set for October 5th - Public Record closed on 10/20. Forest Conservation Ordinance Revisions
ZTA 19-154 – Townhouse Design Standards – Revisions The documents were uploaded on 9/21 to Board Docs – the purposed of these guidelines is to set forth requirements, procedures, and technical criteria for the comprehensive review of site development plans and exterior building elements. ZTA #19-154 proposes to amend and codify architectural detailing and site design requirements for single-family attached (duplex, townhouse, and multiplex) residential and multi-family development in Charles County. The ZTA seeks to amend Articles II, III, V, VI, VII, XIII, XIV, XVII, XIX, XX, XXI, and Appendix A of the Zoning Ordinance, including definitions and provisions associated with accessory uses and structures, architectural appearance, building materials, building restriction lines, dwelling units per acre (density), encroachment allowances, height limitations, parking, recreational amenity requirements and other interrelated use code requirements. The public hearing is set for October 5th - Public Record closed on 10/20. School Allocation Policy Amendments – -Public hearing October 20th. Comments open until October 30th.
Forest Conservation Ordinance Revisions
ZTA 19-154 – Townhouse Design Standards – Revisions The documents were uploaded on 9/21 to Board Docs – the purposed of these guidelines is to set forth requirements, procedures, and technical criteria for the comprehensive review of site development plans and exterior building elements. ZTA #19-154 proposes to amend and codify architectural detailing and site design requirements for single-family attached (duplex, townhouse, and multiplex) residential and multi-family development in Charles County. The ZTA seeks to amend Articles II, III, V, VI, VII, XIII, XIV, XVII, XIX, XX, XXI, and Appendix A of the Zoning Ordinance, including definitions and provisions associated with accessory uses and structures, architectural appearance, building materials, building restriction lines, dwelling units per acre (density), encroachment allowances, height limitations, parking, recreational amenity requirements and other interrelated use code requirements. The public hearing is set for October 5th - Public Record closed on 10/20. School Allocation Policy Amendments -Public hearing October 20th. Comments open until October 30th.
Forest Conservation Ordinance Revisions
ZTA 19-154 – Townhouse Design Standards – Revisions The documents were uploaded on 9/21 to Board Docs – the purposed of these guidelines is to set forth requirements, procedures, and technical criteria for the comprehensive review of site development plans and exterior building elements. ZTA #19-154 proposes to amend and codify architectural detailing and site design requirements for single-family attached (duplex, townhouse, and multiplex) residential and multi-family development in Charles County. The ZTA seeks to amend Articles II, III, V, VI, VII, XIII, XIV, XVII, XIX, XX, XXI, and Appendix A of the Zoning Ordinance, including definitions and provisions associated with accessory uses and structures, architectural appearance, building materials, building restriction lines, dwelling units per acre (density), encroachment allowances, height limitations, parking, recreational amenity requirements and other interrelated use code requirements. The public hearing is set for October 5th - Public Record closed on 10/20. School Allocation Policy Amendments – -Public hearing October 20th. Comments open until October 30th.
CHARLES COUNTY STATISTICS SEPTEMBER 2020
Applications Development Services Applications Development Services Issued Rolling Applications Rolling U&O's U&Os Voids Forest Conservation Ordinance Revisions
ZTA 19-154 – Townhouse Design Standards – Revisions The documents were uploaded on 9/21 to Board Docs – the purposed of these guidelines is to set forth requirements, procedures, and technical criteria for the comprehensive review of site development plans and exterior building elements. ZTA #19-154 proposes to amend and codify architectural detailing and site design requirements for single-family attached (duplex, townhouse, and multiplex) residential and multi-family development in Charles County. The ZTA seeks to amend Articles II, III, V, VI, VII, XIII, XIV, XVII, XIX, XX, XXI, and Appendix A of the Zoning Ordinance, including definitions and provisions associated with accessory uses and structures, architectural appearance, building materials, building restriction lines, dwelling units per acre (density), encroachment allowances, height limitations, parking, recreational amenity requirements and other interrelated use code requirements. The public hearing is set for October 5th - Public Record closed on 10/20. School Allocation Policy Amendments – -Public hearing October 20th. Comments open until October 30th.
County Operations – Update
Charles County is currently in Phase 3 of the Maryland Roadmap to Recovery process, within this phase indoor dining has been expanded to 75 percent capacity and larger outdoor gatherings allowed. Offices are open, you schedule in person meetings. A fair amount of staff are tele-working, with limited staff in offices. Forest Conservation Ordinance Revisions PC Public Hearing 8/31 -The Environmentalists feel it’s not strong enough. We need “Qualified Professionals” to send letters in support of the changes. Changes in the Variance Process and Offsite forest conservation requirements. These revisions basically just clean everything up. There’s nothing detrimental to our industry. The Environmental Committee will be reviewing this measure – ZTA 19-154 – Townhouse Design Standards – Revisions The documents were uploaded on 9/21 to Board Docs – the purposed of these guidelines is to set forth requirements, procedures, and technical criteria for the comprehensive review of site development plans and exterior building elements. ZTA #19-154 proposes to amend and codify architectural detailing and site design requirements for single-family attached (duplex, townhouse, and multiplex) residential and multi-family development in Charles County. The ZTA seeks to amend Articles II, III, V, VI, VII, XIII, XIV, XVII, XIX, XX, XXI, and Appendix A of the Zoning Ordinance, including definitions and provisions associated with accessory uses and structures, architectural appearance, building materials, building restriction lines, dwelling units per acre (density), encroachment allowances, height limitations, parking, recreational amenity requirements and other interrelated use code requirements. The public hearing is set for October 5th. CHARLES COUNTY STATISTICS AUGUST 2020
Applications Development Services Applications Development Services Issued Rolling Applications Rolling U&O's U&Os Voids CHARLES COUNTY STATISTICS JULY 2020
Applications Development Services Applications Development Services Issued Rolling Applications Rolling U&O's U&Os Voids Private Drive Widening
Traditionally, when a person has applied for a building permit to construct a new home on a Private Drive, the Department has required that person to widen the paving on the Private Drive to widths shown on Table 2.01.01 included within the Road Ordinance. However, this practice has been recently modified based upon an in-depth examination of the County’s Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, and Road Ordinance. The new practice is as follows: If a property owner desires to construct a new home on a lot, and
JUNE 2020
Planning & Growth Management Fiscal Year 2021 Fees and Charges
The Commissioners for Charles County, Maryland adopted the Fees and Charges for Fiscal Year 2021. These fees and charges will be effective July 1, 2020. A copy of the Fees and Charges are available online at https://www.charlescountymd.gov/home/showdocument?id=5678. In addition, it is necessary to note that the plan review fees associated with building permits have had a significant increase. However, the newly adopted fees are comparable or lower than surrounding jurisdictions. Planning Commission Virtual Meeting Information The Charles County Planning Commission will be conducting their meetings virtually during the COVID-19 emergency. Public Meeting Access The meeting will continue to be broadcast on Comcast channel 95 & Verizon FIOS channel 10 and is available to stream on the web via CCGTV at www.charlescountymd.gov/our-county/ccgtv-live-stream. For citizens without access to the listed cable channels and/or the internet, the live meetings are able to be listened to by dialing 301-645-0500. Register to Speak at a Meeting To register to speak during a public comment portion of a Planning Commission meeting, please go to www.charlescountymd.gov/pcspeaker and fill out the Speaker Registration form. Registration must be completed by 4:30 p.m. the Friday before the Planning Commission meeting. Registered speakers will be contacted via phone the night of the meeting. Please make sure you will be available during the duration of the Planning Commission meeting to accept phone calls. Other Ways to Comment To submit a written a comment, please go to www.charlescountymd.gov/pccomment and complete the webform. Written comments should be received by noon on the Friday before the Planning Commission meeting to ensure that the Planning Commission has adequate time to review the comments. Comments can also be emailed to PlanningCommission@CharlesCountyMD.gov. To submit an oral comment by voicemail, please call 301-645-0652. Voicemails should be received by noon on the Friday before the Planning Commission meeting to ensure that the Planning Commission has adequate time to review the comments. Comments will be limited to no more than three (3) minutes. For information on upcoming Planning Commission agendas, please visit the Planning Commission BoardDocs https://go.boarddocs.com/md/chrlsco/Board.nsf/Public. Waldorf Station Development Agreement A petition to the Planning Commission regarding the Waldorf Station Development Agreement, which designates capital improvements including required environmental permits, road improvements, land dedication, stormwater management facility, and school capacity allocations contingency. The agreement also delineates public benefit commitments; development stages; development review process; and several other compliance requirements as the development plan is implemented. APRIL 2020
Charles County Government Update
The county has suspended all non-essential board, commission and committee meetings until further notice. Emergency meetings will be held virtually. The meeting schedule can be found at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov. Department of Planning and Growth Management Establishes Drop Box for Plan Submittals The Department of Planning and Growth Management (PGM) has established a drop box for the submission of paper copies of plan submittals. Online submissions will continue to be accepted as well. The silver box is located in the County Government Building (200 Baltimore Street, La Plata) alcove of the main entrance and will be available between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The box may be used for submittals to the Codes, Permits, and Inspection Services Division and the Planning Division. The department continues to encourage the use of our online services. Online submissions, project tracking, and payments are available through the Citizen Self Service Portal. Please visit the following website at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/government/planning-and-growth-management County to Waive Online Transaction Fees for Taxes and Water and Sewer Billing During COVID-19 Customers who use Charles County's online services to pay taxes and/or water and sewer utilities will not incur a credit card or electronic check fee. Visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/services/online-payments to make online payments. This action will continue until County Government buildings are reopened to the public. Charles County Government closed its buildings to the public on Monday, March 23, until further notice. This action is being taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to make every effort to protect the public health and safety of residents and employees. For more information on Water and Sewer Billing, call 301-645-0624. All other billing questions should be forwarded to the Treasurer’s Office at 301-645-0685. Land Record Filings Land record filings are now being recorded in the Maryland state circuit courts' clerk's offices. Title searches can be done at MdLandRec.net. Additionally, Plats.net is a digital image reference system for land survey, subdivision and condominium plats. Housing Authority Charles County Housing Authority suspended in-person appointments and inspections. No penalties will be incurred during this time. MARCH 2020
Carpenter Appointed as Director of Planning and Growth Management
Deborah Carpenter has been appointed as the new Director of the Department of Planning and Growth Management for Charles County. Carpenter will begin her employment with Charles County Government on January 13, 2020. Carpenter brings to the county 24 years of experience engaging in land use, transportation, environmental and infrastructure planning. Most recently, Carpenter served as the director for Garrett County’s Department of Planning and Land Management. She provided oversight in the regulation of zoning issues, building code, subdivision administration, parks and recreation planning, environmental planning and education, licensing issuance and renewal, land preservation program administration, sensitive areas protection, comprehensive planning, mapping/geographic information services, stormwater management, sediment and erosion control, and inspection services. Carpenter also worked as the assistant director of Garrett County’s Department of Community and Planning Development and a geographic information services specialist for Garrett County’s Department of Planning and Land Development. Forest Conservation
County Executive Pittman's Forest Conservation bill will be heard again on Monday, November 4. MBIA is working hard to defeat this legislation. Please contact your councilperson to ask them to vote NO on this bill, and contact Angelica Bailey if you plan to attend the hearing. General Development Plan The Council passed a bill on October 21st that will extend the length of time during which projects must wait for school capacity in Anne Arundel County until adoption of the next General Development Plan.Read MBIA's written testimony against this bill >>> |