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