CHARLES COUNTY, Md., June 17, 2025 — The Charles County Commissioners have enacted two bills, Bill 2025-04 and Bill 2024-16, revising the recordation tax rate and zoning rules for agritourism and ecotourism. Both bills, introduced by the commissioners, take effect July 25, 2025.
Bill 2025-04 increases the recordation tax rate by $2 per $500, setting it at $7 per $500 for property sales or title recordings. This tax applies to documents like deeds or mortgages recorded with the county, impacting homebuyers, sellers, and developers. Passed 4-1 on June 10, 2025, the increase funds Charles County Public Schools and affordable housing in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget without raising property or income taxes. Exemptions exist for transfers between family members, sparing some residents. The hike may raise closing costs, prompting concerns from realtors about affordability for first-time buyers.
Bill 2024-16, Zoning Text Amendment #24-182, relaxes driveway and parking rules for agritourism and ecotourism sites with 50 or fewer parking spaces. Unanimously passed on June 10, 2025, it amends Chapter 297, Article XX, Section 337 of the zoning ordinance, exempting smaller operations—like farm tours or nature attractions—from strict aisle and driveway width requirements. It also permits wider driveways for two-way traffic to enhance visitor access. This supports local businesses by lowering compliance costs while ensuring safe access, boosting the county’s tourism sector.
The commissioners introduced these bills to address fiscal and economic priorities. Bill 2025-04 tackles school and housing funding needs, while Bill 2024-16 promotes agritourism growth. Public hearings preceded enactment, with the tax hike debated on May 20, 2025, and the zoning amendment reviewed on March 11, 2025. The bills balance revenue needs with economic development.
Residents can view the amended codes at www.charlescountymd.gov. The tax increase may raise property transaction costs, while the zoning changes aim to ease burdens on small tourism businesses.
