PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – The Calvert County Department of Planning & Zoning is inviting public feedback on proposed amendments to the county’s Comprehensive Plan and town center master plans for Huntingtown, Solomons, and St. Leonard. The proposed changes, which are available for review online, aim to modify several aspects of land use and zoning regulations within these areas.
Key Changes Proposed The amendments include significant changes to zoning regulations in town centers across Calvert County. Most notably, the town center Architectural Review Committees would be dissolved under the new proposal. Additionally, the proposal seeks to limit residential density in town centers to a maximum of four units per acre. Several properties in the southern part of the county, near existing infrastructure, are slated to be rezoned to the Heavy Industrial District.
These changes are part of an ongoing effort to ensure that the town center master plans align with the broader goals outlined in the Calvert County Comprehensive Plan. These amendments are also intended to bring local planning documents into compliance with the Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Public Feedback Sought Residents, business owners, and other stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposed changes and provide feedback. Comments on the proposed amendments can be submitted via multiple channels, including:
- Email: TownCenterUpdate@calvertcountymd.gov
- Fax: 410-414-3092
- Mail: Attn: Mr. John Toohey, Chair, Calvert County Planning Commission, 205 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678
- Hand Delivery: 205 Main St., Prince Frederick
The deadline for public comments is Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. All submissions will become part of the public record and will be available to the public upon request.
Process for Approval The process of adopting the amendments includes several stages of review and public participation. The proposed amendments have already been distributed to neighboring jurisdictions and relevant agencies for a 60-day review period, as required by Maryland state law. This review period is an essential step in ensuring compliance with the state’s Land Use Article, which mandates that the Zoning Ordinance and town center plans are consistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan.
Following this review period, the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will hold public hearings to gather additional public input. The Planning Commission will hold its public hearing on Nov. 20, 2024, followed by the BOCC public hearing on Dec. 10, 2024. Both hearings are key opportunities for residents to voice their opinions.
After considering public input, the Planning Commission will make a recommendation to the BOCC. The BOCC will then decide whether to adopt the amendments, modify them, remand them to the Planning Commission for further revisions, or disapprove them altogether.
Future Announcements Details about future public hearings and any changes to the hearing schedule will be announced via news releases and posted on the county’s official website and social media platforms. To stay informed, residents are encouraged to visit the county’s website or follow updates on the Calvert County Facebook page.
For more information about the proposed amendments, or to review the documents in detail, visit:
