ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
|
Legislative and Regulatory Issues Impacting Anne Arundel County
July 2023
Region Plans Region Plans 2, 4, and 7 have Draft Zoning Map and Zoning Change Application have now closed as of June 1st. MBIA has member representatives in regions 2 and 4 put out a call for member comments on the region maps which ended June 9th. The plans will be out for final public notice in August. Regions 1, 3, and 9 are still searching for participants and the Planning and Zoning Department is accepting applications until July 11th, 2023 Many MBIA members have signed up to participate in the new region plan groups. Odenton/Parole Town Center Master Plan The Odenton Town Center Master Plan is expected to be placed before the Anne Arundel County Council in September. MBIA has submitted comments on the code changes that are outlined in the plan. The Parole Town Center Master Plan is likely to be introduced in July. MBIA participated in a workgroup along with NAIOP to review the Parole TC Master Plan with the Office of Planning and Zoning. School APF Bill 52-23 This bill was introduced on June 5th, 2023. The bill raises school capacity thresholds to 100%, allows for the use of available seats from adjacent schools (elementary, middle, or high school), creates an affordable housing exemption, and revises the method and timing of the school utilization chart. A public hearing will be held on the bill July 3rd. March 2023 Annapolis Rent Stabilization Board Alderman DaJuan Gay has introduced legislation that would create a rent control stabilization board that would recommend rent increases in the City of Annapolis. While the bill currently lacks an enforcement mechanism, Alderman Gay has indicated that they will be given the power to enforce rental limits and rent increases will be limited to 10% per year. MBIA has advocated against the legislation and for better representation on the Rent Stabilization Board. Annapolis Workforce Housing Legislation The city of Annapolis is currently considering a workforce housing bill that would create new permitted use standards to be allowed in the city. The bill addresses density, setbacks, height requirements parking, landscaping and site design. The bill would also restrict unit occupancy to eligible households for a minimum of 30 years and 40% percent of the units have to be occupied by families not exceeding 100% of the Area Median Income. The has been recommended to the planning committee with amendments. Anne Arundel ADU Legislation Anne Arundel County has introduced bill 6-23 exempting Accessory Dwelling Units from Impact Fees. The bill also alters the definition of density and exempting ADUs from calculated density. This will make construction ADU’s easier to construct and more available across the County. The bill also requires the Department of Inspections and Permits provide a report to the County Executive and the County Council indicating the number of ADU permit applications filed during the preceding year and the number of occupancy certificates issued for ADUs during the preceding year. November 2022
Forest Conservation Worksheets MBIA has been coordinating an effort between our environmental committee and the Anne Arundel County chapter of MBIA to review the implementation of the forest conservation worksheets and make suggestions for a me efficient implementation. Annapolis Workforce Housing Legislation The city of Annapolis is currently considering a workforce housing bill that would create new permitted use standards to be allowed in the city. The bill addresses density, setbacks, height requirements parking, landscaping and site design. The bill would also restrict unit occupancy to eligible households for a minimum of 30 years and 40% percent of the units have to be occupied by families not exceeding 100% of the Area Median Income. The has been recommended to the planning committee with amendments. The MBIA Annapolis workgroup will be recommending some amendments when the bill comes before the planning commission. October 2022 Forest Conservation Worksheets MBIA has been coordinating an effort between our environmental committee and the Anne Arundel County chapter of MBIA to review the implementation of the forest conservation worksheets and make suggestions for a me efficient implementation. SEPTEMBER 2022 Parole Town Center Master Plan The Parole Town Center Master Plan has been released for review and is currently under the consideration of the planning advisory board. The comment period for the plan is now closed. The code updates that were meant to accompany the plan have not yet been released for review. The plan has been sent to the county council for their consideration. Odenton Town Center Master Plan The release for the Odenton Town center master plan has been released. MBIA has drafted and submitted comments on the plan. We are currently awaiting review. We will be seeking a meeting to further discuss the plan and its implications. Forest Conservation Worksheets MBIA has been coordinating an effort between our environmental committee and the Anne Arundel County chapter of MBIA to review the implementation of the forest conservation worksheets and make suggestions for a me efficient implementation. Legislation Under Consideration Bill 71-22: AN ORDINANCE concerning: Zoning – Critical Area Overlay – Growth Allocation Bill 73-22: AN ORDINANCE concerning: Subdivision and Development and Zoning – Cluster Development JULY 2022 Anne Arundel County: Parole Town Center Master Plan The Parole Town Center Master Plan has been released for review and is currently under the consideration of the planning advisory board. The comment period for the plan is now closed. The code updates that were meant to accompany the plan have not yet been released for review. The plan has been sent to the county council for their consideration. Odenton Town Center Master Plan The release for the Odenton Town center master plan has been released. MBIA has drafted and submitted comments on the plan. We are currently awaiting review. We will be seeking a meeting to further discuss the plan and its implications. Legislation Under Consideration Bill 57-22: AN ORDINANCE concerning: Zoning – Nurseries with Landscaping and Plant Sales Bill 59-22: AN ORDINANCE concerning: Planning and Development – Master Plan for Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Bill 63-22: AN ORDINANCE concerning: Zoning – Bulk Regulations – Adult Independent Dwelling Units JUNE 2022 Parole Town Center Master Plan The Parole Town Center Master Plan has been released for review and is currently under the consideration of the planning advisory board. The comment period for the plan is now closed. The code updates that were meant to accompany the plan have not yet been released for review. The plan will be sent to the county council for their consideration. Odenton Town Center Master Plan The release for the Odenton Town center master plan has been released. MBIA has drafted and submitted comments on the plan. We are currently awaiting review. We will be seeking a meeting to further discuss the plan and its implications. Green Notice Comments Anne Arundel County’s Office of Planning and Zoning has issued a draft green notice making changes to the APF requirements governing Roads. The notice would change the requirements to update a traffic study to any project that is more than 3 years beyond its scheduled completion year. This has been interpreted by some members to potentially require renovation projects, redevelopment and other development projects to make additional traffic mitigation changes. MBIA submitted comments on the green notice and is awaiting planning department review. We have also requested that the comments of other interested parties be made available to MBIA members. Legislation Under Consideration Bill 53-22 adopting the Master Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage Systems, 2022. Bill 57-22 FOR the purpose of amending the definition of “nurseries with landscaping and plant sales”; adding a conditional use requirement for “nurseries with landscaping and plant sales” to allow the storage and display of certain materials on a portion of the lot; and generally relating to zoning. May 2022 Green Infrastructure Master Plan The Green Infrastructure Master Plan was passed by the Anne Arundel County Council on April 4th as Bill 8-22. The bill has been heard and amended by the county council. Full details and amendments to the legislation can be found here. Parole Town Center Master Plan The Parole Town Center Master Plan has been released for review and is currently under the consideration of the planning advisory board. The comment period for the plan is now closed. The code updates that were meant to accompany the plan have not yet been released for review. The plan will be sent to the county council for their consideration. Odenton Town Center Master Plan The release for the Odenton Town center master plan has been released. MBIA has drafted and submitted comments on the plan. We are currently awaiting review. We will be seeking a meeting to further discuss the plan and its implications. Green Notice Comments Anne Arundel County’s Office of Planning and Zoning has issued a draft green notice making changes to the APF requirements governing Roads. The notice would change the requirements to update a traffic study to any project that is more than 3 years beyond its scheduled completion year. This has been interpreted by some members to potentially require renovation projects, redevelopment and other development projects to make additional traffic mitigation changes. MBIA submitted comments on the green notice and is awaiting planning department review. We have also requested that the comments of other interested parties be made available to MBIA members. April 2022 Green Infrastructure Master Plan The Green Infrastructure Master Plan has been introduced before the Anne Arundel County Council as Bill 8-22. The bill has been heard and amended by the county council. It is currently scheduled for a new hearing April 4th. Cluster Legislation Introduced Bill 21-22 was withdrawn. We expect to see an alternate version of the bill reintroduced at a later date. Parole Town Center Master Plan The Parole Town Center Master Plan has been released for review and is currently under the consideration of the planning advisory board. The comment period for the plan is now closed. The code updates that were meant to accompany the plan have not yet been released for review. The plan will be sent to the county council for their consideration. Odenton Town Center Master Plan The release for the Odenton Town center master plan has been delayed. OPZ will be holding a public meeting on the plan on April 6th. Green Notice Comments Anne Arundel County’s Office of Planning and Zoning has issued a draft green notice making changes to the APF requirements governing Roads. The notice would change the requirements to update a traffic study to any project that is more than 3 years beyond its scheduled completion year. This has been interpreted by some members to potentially require renovation projects to make additional traffic mitigation changes. MBIA is drafting comments on the notice and reaching out to other stakeholders to comment as well. The comment period closes April 15th. March 2022 Green Infrastructure Master Plan The Green Infrastructure Master Plan has been introduced before the Anne Arundel County Council as Bill 8-22. The bill will be heard March 7th. MBIA members have offered numerous comments on the measure and we expect to see amendments as the bill is debated. Cluster Legislation Introduced Councilwoman Amanda Fiedler has introduced bill 21-22 which would create disincentives to create cluster developments in Anne Arundel County. MBIA has offered comments mon the measure asking to address issues with the bill. The bill is scheduled to be heard March 7th. Parole Town Center Master Plan The Parole Town Center Master Plan has been released for review and is currently under the consideration of the planning advisory board. The comment period for the plan will be open until March 9th and MBIA members are encouraged to review the plan and offer comments. The code updates that were meant to accompany the plan have not yet been released for review. JANUARY 2022
Greenways Master Plan Anne Arundel County is currently considering the Greenways Master Plan comments. The comment period for the master plan has closed. Final deliberations began on December 8th and remain in progress. Regional Plan Anne Arundel County has appointed the advisors to the regional plans 2,4, and 7. 3 MBIA members has been appointed to the regional groups and will be working with other stakeholders to make sure that the plans implement a favorable policy for Anne Arundel County and MBIA membership. DECEMBER 2021 Greenways Master Plan Anne Arundel County is currently considering the Greenways Master Plan comments. The comment period for the master plan has closed. Final deliberations will begin on December 8th. Regional Plan Anne Arundel County has appointed the advisors to the regional plans 2,4, and 7. 3 MBIA members has been appointed to the regional groups and will be working with other stakeholders to make sure that the plans implement a favorable policy for Anne Arundel County and MBIA membership. Odenton and Parole Master Plans The draft plans for the Odenton have been set for release in December. OCTOBER 2021 Greenways Master Plan The draft Green Infrastructure Master Plan and Mapping comment period ends midnight on Sunday 9/26/21. This master plan will replace the 2002 Greenways Master Plan. This document will be utilized as a guide during the region plans. We are asking MBIA members to review the master plan and interactive mapping and make comments. Below is a link to the master plan Green Infrastructure Master Plan | Anne Arundel County, MD (aacounty.org) Here is a link to the Master Plan Appendices Green Infrastructure Master Plan Appendices | Anne Arundel County, MD (aacounty.org) Below is a link to the interactive mapping Anne Arundel County - Draft Green Infrastructure Feedback Map (aacounty.org) There is also a link to submit comments on this page under ‘submit comments’ Green Infrastructure Master Plan | Anne Arundel County, MD (aacounty.org) Regional Plan Anne Arundel County is currently developing its regional development plans and is looking for applicants to serve on its Stakeholder Advisory Committees for regions 2,4, and 7. The discussion dates for the regions have been scheduled to begin in May. Many MBIA members have already applied to be a part of the Advisory Committees and the committees will be appointed by the County Executive in October. School Capacity Due to the sunset of Bills 92-17 and 15-18, which took effect upon the adoption of the GDP, the school utilization chart (SUC) issued by OPZ in May 2021 is no longer in effect, and that until the Council adopts a new SUC (expected this Fall), schools will be evaluated based on the SUC adopted by the Council by Bill 76-20. The MBIA’s legislative work group submitted comments that due to the sunset provisions, the capacity limits for elementary and middle schools should be 100%; however, it is OPZ’s position that the chart adopted by Bill 76.20, which was based on 95% capacity limits for elementary and middle schools, would be enforced. AUGUST 2021 Strategic Advisory Groups Anne Arundel County is opening registration for participating in strategic advisory groups to comment on their regional plan. The first round of plans will be addressing regions 2,4, and 7. Legislation We are currently in the process of tracking the following legislation and preparing to submit testimony as needed: Legislation we are currently tracking
JUNE 2021
Development Workgroup This group has been meeting to discuss several pieces of legislation that have not yet been introduced. Members of the county council have asked for input from MBIA members on draft bills they intend to introduce at a later date. MBIA has been acting in an advisory capacity on that legislation Bill 20-21 This bill was defeated through efforts by many MBIA members. While the bill is likely to be changed and reintroduced we are hopeful that it will be re-introduced in a smaller scope and more manageable form. Legislation We are currently in the process of tracking the following legislation and preparing to submit testimony as needed: Legislation we are currently tracking
MAY 2021 GDP Workgroup This month MBIA members of the GDP work group met with members of the Anne Arundel County Council to advocate for changes to the General Development Plan. We have offered numerous direct policy changes and edits to the plan and have received messages of support for our proposals. We will continue to advocate for our interests regarding the general plan and updates will be made available as they develop. Bill 21-21 MBIA members testified against the passage of bill 20-21. The bill was amended in committee but the text of the amendments is not yet available. Legislation We are currently in the process of tracking the following legislation and preparing to submit testimony as needed: Hearing 5/3/2021
APRIL 2021
GDP Workgroup This month MBIA members of the GDP work group met with members of the Anne Arundel County Council to advocate for changes to the General Development Plan. We have offered numerous direct policy changes and edits to the plan and have received messages of support for our proposals. We will continue to advocate for our interests regarding the general plan and updates will be made available as they develop. Legislation We are currently in the process of tracking the following legislation and preparing to submit testimony as needed: Hearing 4/5/21
GDP Workgroup
MBIA is currently in the process of drafting a letter for the Anne Arundel City Council regarding our problems with the General Development plan and offering suggestions for how the plan can be improved in order to meet the growth and economic goals of the county. We have meetings in the coming weeks with members of the Anne Arundel County Council regarding the GDP plan where we will be discussing the plan in greater detail. OPZ/DPW/Permits Meeting This month we had our meeting with various agencies in the County where we discussed several ongoing issues including: Traffic Mitigation clarification request letter – Status with Lori Rhodes
Legislation We are currently in the process of tracking the following legislation and preparing to submit testimony as needed: Hearing 3/1/21 • 8-21 (Fiedler) – Construction & Codes - Permits-Pier and Riparian Rights • 11-21 (Exec) – Plan 2040 GDP • 13-21 (Lacey & Pickard) – Rules & Regs – Board of Appeals • 14-21 (Pruski & Pickard) – Zoning-Setbacks for certain accessory structures in R5 Hearing 3/15/21 • 20-21 (Rodvien) – SEC/SWM & Forest Con-standard grading plan definition & clearing • 21-21 (Haire) – Zoning-Landscaping & tree contract GDP Workgroup MBIA has submitted comments on the Anne Arundel County General plan. We wish to hold the General Plan consistent with current federal guideline regarding conservation efforts min order to avoid density issues arising from underdeveloped areas. Our comments are an attempt to hold the county to data based policy changes in the general plan, prevent unnecessary sprawl, promoting inter agency cooperation in order to address school overcrowding, and helping the county plan for the economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19. Bill 86-20, Planning and Review Timelines for Subdivision Development MBIA is drafting amendments on Bill 86-20 which is meant to address inefficiencies in the Anne Arundel County OPZ Review Process. Currently we are advocating for deadlines for delivering comments for developers. We advocate that 60 days from submission, developers will be required to submit any agency comments that have been received in order to allow developers sufficient time to respond to comments.We also will introduce an amendment to prevent the failures of preliminary plans if the the final plan fails to be approved. We believe that these adjustments will make planning and development much more efficient within Anne Arundel County. GDP Workgroup MBIA has submitted comments on the Anne Arundel County General plan. We wish to hold the General Plan consistent with current federal guideline regarding conservation efforts in order to avoid density issues arising from underdeveloped areas. Our comments are an attempt to hold the county to data based policy changes in the general plan, prevent unnecessary sprawl, promoting inter agency cooperation in order to address school overcrowding, and helping the county plan for the economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19. Written testimony has been submitted on the GDP and Orasl testimony will take place on January 6th Bill 86-20, Planning and Review Timelines for Subdivision Development
MBIA is drafting amendments on Bill 86-20 which is meant to address inefficiencies in the Anne Arundel County OPZ Review Process. Currently we are advocating for deadlines for delivering comments for developers. We advocate that 60 days from submission, developers will be required to submit any agency comments that have been received in order to allow developers sufficient time to respond to comments. We also will introduce an amendment to prevent the failures of preliminary plans if the final plan fails to be approved. We believe that these adjustments will make planning and development much more efficient within Anne Arundel County. GDP Workgroup MBIA has submitted comments on the Anne Arundel County General plan. We wish to hold the General Plan consistent with current federal guideline regarding conservation efforts in order to avoid density issues arising from underdeveloped areas. Our comments are an attempt to hold the county to data-based policy changes in the general plan, prevent unnecessary sprawl, promoting inter agency cooperation in order to address school overcrowding, and helping the county plan for the economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19. Written testimony has been submitted on the GDP and oral testimony will take place on January 6th Workforce Housing
Council Bill 65-20 allows a developer to construct workforce housing, instead of an office use, in mixed use districts. The developer does this by filing a new development plan or amending an existing plan at any time during or after approvals by the Office of Planning and Zoning. The Bill also reduces the amount of office space required in Mixed Use Development Residential districts from 10 to 25% to 0 to 25%. Finally, the Bill clarifies that the maximum residential densities, maximum floor area ratios, and maximum building heights do not apply to workforce housing. It passed on September 21. MBIA’s letter of support is attached. Stormwater Management Council Bill 67-20 addresses the responsibility requirements with regard to stormwater management practices that will be owned or maintained by HOA’s by requiring applicants (the person or entity that applies for the grading permit) to post a warranty and security to correct any deficiencies that occur within the warranty period. It passed on October 5. APFO School Utilization Chart The School Utilization Chart for the 2022 school year was introduced as Council Bill 76-20. It passed on October 19. Master Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage Systems Council Bill 77-20 proposes several changes to the County 2017 Master Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage Systems. It was amended on October 19 and will be heard and likely voted on at the November 2 public hearing. Use of Development Impact Fee Funds Council Bill 78-20 would allow development impact fees to be used to pay for the studies and analyses of the fees periodically required to ensure that the County’s fees pass legal muster. It passed on October 19. MBIA’s letter in opposition can be found here. Extension of Public Water and Wastewater Systems Council Bill 79-20 would modify the current convoluted process for property owners to petition the County for public water or wastewater service. As the County is moving forward to convert properties from septic systems to public sewer, this Bill serves to simplify and streamline the petition process in the hope of making more petitions successful. It passed on October 19. Water and Wastewater Facilities Assessments Council Bill 80-20 would replace the County’s current front foot assessment method for recouping the County’s costs for the construction of water and wastewater systems with a per-equivalent dwelling unit (“EDU”) method. It passed on October 19. Subdivision – Site Development Plan Review Timelines and Requirements Council Bill 86-20 would provide additional time for certain development application re-submittals; amending the applicability of Site Development Plans to provide exemptions to common, minor uses of land; to amend the process and time period for delivering comments to developers throughout the Site Development Plan process; amend the contents of the Site Development Plan application to reflect an updated checklist on file at the Office of Planning and Zoning; require reservation of land for public facilities during the site development plan process; and extend the time requirements for duration of approval for adequate public facility testing, among other changes. The Administration’s goal is to streamline the development review process. It is scheduled for a public hearing on November 2 but will likely be postponed due to its complicated nature. Construction Code Update
Council Bill 60-20 modifies modify the County Code Article 15, Construction and Property Maintenance Codes, and the Construction Code Supplement to the County Code for the adoption of the 2017 version of the National Electrical Code, and the 2018 versions of the International Building Code, Residential Code, Energy Conservation Code, Existing Building Code, Fuel Gas Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, and Swimming Pool and Spa Code. It passed on September 8. Public Works Council Bill 61-20 requires that, whenever water service is turned off for a lack of a backflow preventer, a service charge of $50 shall be paid in order to restore the water service after the backflow preventer is repaired or replaced. “Meter test” is added to the list of items that are subject to a charge of $35. New language is also added to allow the $35 charge (for meter reading, special billing or a meter test) to be waived by the Office of Finance in accordance with a written policy of DPW. It passed on September 8. Glen Burnie Sustainable Community Overlay Council Bill 64-20 addresses redevelopment in the Glen Burnie Sustainable Community Overlay Area, and creates an optional, not mandatory, method of redevelopment. It passed on September 8. MBIA’s letter of support is attached. Workforce Housing Council Bill 65-20 would allow a developer to construct workforce housing, instead of an office use, in mixed use districts. The developer does this by filing a new development plan or amending an existing plan at any time during or after approvals by the Office of Planning and Zoning. The Bill also reduces the amount of office space required in Mixed Use Development Residential districts from 10 to 25% to 0 to 25%. Finally, the Bill clarifies that the maximum residential densities, maximum floor area ratios, and maximum building heights do not apply to workforce housing. A public hearing was held on September 21. MBIA’s letter of support is attached. Stormwater Management Council Bill 67-20 addresses the responsibility requirements with regard to stormwater management practices that will be owned or maintained by HOA’s by requiring applicants (the person or entity that applies for the grading permit) to post a warranty and security to correct any deficiencies that occur within the warranty period. A public hearing will be held October 5. APFO School Utilization Chart The School Utilization Chart for the 2022 school year has been introduced as Council Bill 76-20. A public hearing will be held October 19. Master Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage Systems Council Bill 77-20 proposes several changes to the County 2017 Master Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage Systems. Members are encouraged to review the bill and send any comments or concerns to Angelica Bailey abailey@marylandbuilders.org. A public hearing will be held October 19. Use of Development Impact Fee Funds Council Bill 78-20 would allow development impact fees to be used to pay for the studies and analyses of the fees periodically required to ensure that the County’s fees pass legal muster. A public hearing will be held October 19. Extension of Public Water and Wastewater Systems Council Bill 79-20 would modify the current convoluted process for property owners to petition the County for public water or wastewater service. As the County is moving forward to convert properties from septic systems to public sewer, this Bill serves to simplify and streamline the petition process in the hope of making more petitions successful. A public hearing will be held October 19. Water and Wastewater Facilities Assessments Council Bill 80-20 would replace the County’s current front foot assessment method for recouping the County’s costs for the construction of water and wastewater systems with a per-equivalent dwelling unit (“EDU”) method. A public hearing will be held October 19. Construction Code Update
Council Bill 60-20 would modify the County Code Article 15, Construction and Property Maintenance Codes, and the Construction Code Supplement to the County Code for the adoption of the 2017 version of the National Electrical Code, and the 2018 versions of the International Building Code, Residential Code, Energy Conservation Code, Existing Building Code, Fuel Gas Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, and Swimming Pool and Spa Code. A public hearing will be held on September 8. Public Works Council Bill 61-20 would require that whenever water service is turned off for a lack of a backflow preventer, a service charge of $50 shall be paid in order to restore the water service after the backflow preventer is repaired or replaced. “Meter test” is added to the list of items that are subject to a charge of $35. New language is also added to allow the $35 charge (for meter reading, special billing or a meter test) to be waived by the Office of Finance in accordance with a written policy of DPW. A public hearing will be held on September 8. Glen Burnie Sustainable Community Overlay Council Bill 64-20 addresses redevelopment in the Glen Burnie Sustainable Community Overlay Area, and creates an optional, not mandatory, method of redevelopment. A public hearing will be held on September 8. Workforce Housing Council Bill 65-20 would allow a developer to construct workforce housing, instead of an office use, in mixed use districts. The developer does this by filing a new development plan or amending an existing plan at any time during or after approvals by the Office of Planning and Zoning. The Bill also reduces the amount of office space required in Mixed Use Development Residential districts from 10 to 25% to 0 to 25%. Finally, the Bill clarifies that the maximum residential densities, maximum floor area ratios, and maximum building heights do not apply to workforce housing. A public hearing will be held on September 8. Plan 2040 Please click here to participate in the “online open house” for Plan 2040, the plan for development in Anne Arundel County for the next 20 years. While social distancing requirements prevent in-person public meetings, the County has used innovative technology to set up an interactive website where you can review draft elements of Plan 2040 and provide comments. The online open house is available from August 5 - September 10, 2020. AUGUST 2020
Construction Code Update
Council Bill 60-20 would modify the County Code Article 15, Construction and Property Maintenance Codes, and the Construction Code Supplement to the County Code for the adoption of the 2017 version of the National Electrical Code, and the 2018 versions of the International Building Code, Residential Code, Energy Conservation Code, Existing Building Code, Fuel Gas Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, and Swimming Pool and Spa Code. A public hearing will be held on September 8. Public Works Council Bill 61-20 would require that whenever water service is turned off for a lack of a backflow preventer, a service charge of $50 shall be paid in order to restore the water service after the backflow preventer is repaired or replaced. “Meter test” is added to the list of items that are subject to a charge of $35. New language is also added to allow the $35 charge (for meter reading, special billing or a meter test) to be waived by the Office of Finance in accordance with a written policy of DPW. A public hearing will be held on September 8. Glen Burnie Sustainable Community Overlay Council Bill 64-20 addresses redevelopment in the Glen Burnie Sustainable Community Overlay Area, and creates an optional, not mandatory, method of redevelopment. A public hearing will be held on September 8. Workforce Housing Council Bill 65-20 would allow a developer to construct workforce housing, instead of an office use, in mixed use districts. The developer does this by filing a new development plan or amending an existing plan at any time during or after approvals by the Office of Planning and Zoning. The Bill also reduces the amount of office space required in Mixed Use Development Residential districts from 10 to 25% to 0 to 25%. Finally, the Bill clarifies that the maximum residential densities, maximum floor area ratios, and maximum building heights do not apply to workforce housing. A public hearing will be held on September 8. Rent Increases During COVID-19 Council Bill 46-20, prohibiting a landlord from increasing rent by more than 3% upon the renewal of a lease, passed on July 6. The bill remains in effect until 120 days following the expiration of the emergency declared by the Governor. JULY 2020
Rent Increases During COVID-19
Council Bill 38-20, an emergency bill, was heard on May 26. This bill would have prohibited residential landlords from increasing rent above 3% in lease renewals during the COVID-19 State of Emergency. The bill failed, but has been re-filed as Council Bill 46-20, a non-emergency bill requiring fewer votes to pass. It will be heard on July 6, 2020. Forest Conservation - Grandfathering Council Bill 22-20 clarifies a grandfathering element from 2019’s Forest Conservation bill. The Code currently provides that an application for a special exception filed on or before December 15, 2019 is governed by the law as it existed prior to January 9, 2020. This Bill provides that all applications associated with the special exception are likewise grandfathered. It passed on June 1, 2020. JUNE 2020
APFO – Workforce Housing
Council Bill 12-20, which exempts workforce housing residential developments from the test for adequate school facilities, passed on May 26, 2020. Forest Conservation - Grandfathering Council Bill 22-20 clarifies a grandfathering element from 2019’s Forest Conservation bill. The Code currently provides that an application for a special exception filed on or before December 15, 2019 is governed by the law as it existed prior to January 9, 2020. This Bill provides that all applications associated with the special exception are likewise grandfathered. It is scheduled for a public hearing on June 1, 2020. Rent Increases Council Bill 38-20, an emergency bill, was heard on May 26. This bill would have prohibited residential landlords from increasing rent above 3% in lease renewals during the COVID-19 State of Emergency. The bill failed, but may return as a non-emergency bill requiring fewer votes to pass. MAY 2020
All County Council meetings will be conducted virtually until further notice.
APFO – Workforce Housing Council Bill 12-20, which exempts workforce housing residential developments from the test for adequate school facilities, is scheduled for a public hearing on May 11, 2020. Forest Conservation - Grandfathering Council Bill 22-20 clarifies a grandfathering element from 2019’s Forest Conservation bill. The Code currently provides that an application for a special exception filed on or before December 15, 2019 is governed by the law as it existed prior to January 9, 2020. This Bill provides that all applications associated with the special exception are likewise grandfathered. It is scheduled for a public hearing on June 1, 2020. APRIL 2020
APFO – Workforce Housing
Council Bill 12-20, which exempts workforce housing residential developments from the test for adequate school facilities, was heard on March 16. Forest Conservation - Grandfathering Council Bill 22-20 clarifies a grandfathering element from 2019’s Forest Conservation bill. The Code currently provides that an application for a special exception filed on or before December 15, 2019 is governed by the law as it existed prior to January 9, 2020. This Bill provides that all applications associated with the special exception are likewise grandfathered. It is scheduled for a public hearing on April 6, 2020. MARCH 2020
Housing for the Elderly of Moderate Means
Council Bill 97-19, which changes Housing for the Elderly of Moderate Means in the R2, R5, R10, R15, and R22 zoning districts from a special exception use to a conditional use, passed on February 3. The bill also affects the allowed density. APFO – Workforce Housing Council Bill 12-20, which exempts workforce housing residential developments from the test for adequate school facilities, will be heard on March 16. FEBRUARY 2020
Forest Conservation
County Executive Pittman's Forest Conservation bill will be heard again on Monday, November 4. MBIA is working hard to defeat this legislation. Please contact your councilperson to ask them to vote NO on this bill, and contact Angelica Bailey if you plan to attend the hearing. General Development Plan The Council passed a bill on October 21st that will extend the length of time during which projects must wait for school capacity in Anne Arundel County until adoption of the next General Development Plan.Read MBIA's written testimony against this bill >>> |