Staff Contact Person: Aimee Dailey
Phone: (301) 645-0721
E-mail: daileya@charlescounty.org
- Why are we updating the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Plan?
- What is the focus of the update?
- What is the process for the update? How will decisions be made?
- Tentative Project Schedule
- How can I get more information or become more involved?
- Slideshow from May 3, 2007 Public Information/Input Session
Why are we updating the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program?
Charles County’s Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program was last revised and adopted in June of 2001. Title 8, Subtitle 18, Section 09 of Maryland’s Code of Regulations requires local jurisdictions to review their Programs and propose necessary amendments at least every six (6) years. As such, the process to review and update the Charles County Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program was initiated in March of 2007.
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What is the focus of the update?
Charles County’s Critical Area Regulations are currently contained in two separate documents – the Charles County Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program and the regulatory provisions contained in Article IX of the Charles County Zoning Regulations, also referred to as the Critical Area Ordinance. One of the goals of the 2007 update is to combine these two sets of regulations into a single ordinance document which will replace the current provisions in Article IX of the Zoning Regulations.
Additional updates to the Program consist of changes identified during implementation of the regulations over the past six years, clarification of certain requirements and language in the Plan, and changes mandated during the Maryland General Assembly’s 2006 and 2007 sessions. Areas of focus for the update include:
• Definitions;
• Buffer provisions;
• Buffer exempt areas;
• Density requirements;
• Reforestation requirements;
• Site plan requirements;
• Fee-in-lieu; and,
• Shore erosion control policies.
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What is the process for the update? How will decisions be made?
After discussion with Chesapeake Bay Critical Area staff (March 2007) and an initial public input session with the public (May 2007), staff will draft the proposed changes in the form of a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA). This ZTA will basically be new language for the Charles County Zoning Ordinance and will replace the existing language in Article IX of the Zoning Ordinance.
There will be many opportunities for the public to participate and provide feedback to local officials. We encourage you to attend the public meetings and hearings.
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| Spring 2007 | Meet with Critical Area Commission and conduct public information/input session |
| Summer 2007 | Prepare a draft of the changes |
| Fall 2007 | Internal review of the draft changes |
| Winter 2007-2008 | Planning Commission Public Hearing and Work session(s) on the Draft Plan County Commissioner Bill Introduction and scheduling of Public Hearing |
| Spring 2008 | County Commissioner Public Hearing and Work Session(s) on the Draft Plan |
| Summer 2008 | Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission Public Hearing on Draft Plan |
| Fall 2008 | County Commissioner Final Approval |
* This schedule is tentative and subject to change.
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How can I get more information or become involved?
1. Participate in upcoming public hearings. Announcements will be posted on the County’s web site and in the local paper.
2. Want More Information? Contact the Environmental Section of the Charles County Planning Office at (301) 645-0650, or visit http://www.charlescounty.org/pgm/planning/plans/ for plan updates.
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