Transcript Document
Planning.Maryland.gov
The Sustainable Growth and
Agricultural Preservation Act of
2012
Arnold Preservation Council
March 9, 2015
Planning.Maryland.gov
BENEFITS
• Over the next 20-25 years:
Prevent 50,000 new septic systems
Stop as much as 1.1 million pounds of nitrogen
pollution from being pumped into surface
water
Prevent the loss of at least 100,000 acres of
forest and farmland
• Even more benefits over the longer term
Planning.Maryland.gov
Planning.Maryland.gov
How does the law affect
new development?
• Existing lots and relatively new lots are grandfathered
under the Bill
• After December 31, 2012, if a Tier Map was not
adopted, no residential major subdivisions without
public sewer
• If Tiers adopted, for new residential subdivisions:
Tier I - public sewerage
Tier II - public sewerage; septic systems shall be
viewed as interim
Tier III - septic systems
Tier IV - no major subdivisions w/o exemption
Planning.Maryland.gov
How does the law affect
new development?
• Controlling authority required for new and
community sewerage and shared facilities
• Required Planning Board Review,
Recommendation & Public Hearing For major
subdivisions in Tier III
Planning.Maryland.gov
Changes in Response to the Law
Definitions of minor subdivisions
Date of parcels eligible for subdivision
Comprehensive plans to redefine the
purpose of agricultural and natural
resource zones
Rural Legacy Area boundaries
TDR programs
Planning.Maryland.gov
CAPACITY REMAINS FOR SEPTIC
DEVELOPMENT
• Even with the restrictions, a large amount of
development capacity remains for septic
development in Maryland
• There are almost 40,000 subdivided,
undeveloped residential lots outside of PFAs
• Many additional subdivisions were
grandfathered under the provisions of the
law
• Minor subdivision definition increase to 7
adds capacity
Planning.Maryland.gov
Planning.Maryland.gov
Planning.Maryland.gov
Questions