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