STATE OF MARYLAND

   ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

 BALTIMORE CITY

 BALTIMORE COUNTY

   CHARLES COUNTY

Watershed Conservation District Transitional Provisions

The Charles County Department of Planning, Growth and Management is drafting the Watershed Conservation District zoning code provisions.  It is PGM's intent to have the Text/Map Amendments in front of the Charles County Planning Commission by late November or early December 2016. After the Planning Board has reviewed the provisions, it will then be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action. We believe we can complete work within the 6 month time period.

 

Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Updates

The Charles County Zoning Code rewrite request for proposals is now out for advertisement.   The Department of Planning, Growth, and Management is now awaiting responses from interested parties.  Please see the attachment.  After the proposals have been evaluated, PGM will hire a consulting team to update the County Codes.

Transportation Conference

On Wednesday, November 16, 2016 the Charles County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Transportation Conference.  Speakers to include: Charles County (Rail & VanGO), Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Aviation Administration (and Maryland Airport), State Highway Administration (Regional Planner for Charles County), Motor Vehicle Administration (Highway Safety Office), Maryland Transportation Authority (Harry Nice Bridge).  The event will be held at the Pavilion on the Green, Indian Head, MD.  For more information, check out the Chamber of Commerce website.

HOWARD COUNTY

Ellicott City Temporary Development Moratorium Bill Tabled

Through intense advocacy, including meeting with every Councilmember and providing state of the art mapping and scientific resources to the County Council, the MBIA was able to get CB 65 tabled with a commitment to working on real solution to downtown Ellicott City flooding issues in the near term as well as long term in its place. The MBIA opposed this legislation and testified against it at a September 19th public hearing and submitted this testimony.

   MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Subdivision Staging Policy

The 2016-2020  Subdivision Staging Policy dealing with transportation and school improvements and Bill 36-16 that amends the impact tax rates continue to be dominant issues with PHED and GO Committees and the Council holding work sessions over the past month. The Council is still in "discuss and consider" mode, with straw votes on transportation test, impact tax,  school test and impact tax issues tentatively scheduled for November 1. Significant changes under consideration include eliminating the school facility payment test and payment, and offsetting this "lost revenue" with a percentage increase in the current school impact tax; increasing the surcharge on homes 3500-8500 square feet from the current $2 square foot to $6 square foot; and applying the surcharge to homes where renovation, remodel or rebuild puts them over the 3500 square foot threshold.   Consideration is also being given to replacing the policy area transportation test with a higher transportation impact tax. MBIA is monitoring the work sessions and meeting with councilmembers on these SSP issues.

Registry of Vacant Properties 

A bill establishing a Registry of Vacant Properties sponsored by Councilmember Hucker is scheduled for public hearing on November 1at 7.30 pm.   Modifications to the bill to address exemption of vacant properties that are under construction, rehabilitation, or repair or under a building permit or planned for demolition, have been submitted by MBIA.

Subdivision Regulations Rewrite

The Subdivision Regulations Rewrite was on the PHED Committee agenda on October 31; the Council focus on the SSP may delay completion of the Regulations Rewrite which had been intended for this calendar year.

Bethesda Sector Plan

Three spirited public hearings were held in October on the Bethesda Sector Plan, with the majority of testimony stating concerns with the usual suspects .... building height, density, school overcrowding and traffic congestion. 

  PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Urban Street Design Manual

The County Council has proposed CR-85-2016, a resolution concerning the Urban Street Design Manual.  The design manual will incorporate the urban street design standards and specifications as consistent with Plan Prince George's 2035 for Regional Transit Districts and Local Centers in Prince George's County.  This resolution will be considered in the Transportation, Housing, and Environmental Committee. 

 

CB-72-2016 - Preliminary Plans Exemptions

The Council convened as the Committee of the Whole to discuss CB-72-2016 a Subdivision Bill proposing a limited amendment from the Preliminary Plan of Subdivision requirement within the County Subdivision Regulations for conversions of certain condominium townhouse dwelling units to record lot units, provided the proposed development meets certain requirements.  The Committee of the Whole voted 7-2 for a favorable recommendation as to a Draft (2).

 

CB-73-2016 - Mixed-Use Planned Community Development

The County Council has proposed CB-73-2016, a bill that amends the Zoning Ordinance requirements applicable to mixed use planned community development to provide limited alternate regulations, including construction of record lot townhouse residential dwellings, provided the property and proposed development conform with certain statutory requirements (Please note: This bill as drafted would only apply to the Karington Project that is off of Rt. 214 and Rt. 301).  This bill has been referred to the Planning Zoning and Economic Development Committee.  The committee favorably approved a Draft-2 amendment 5-0. 

 

CB-74-2016 - Local Economic Opportunity and Employment (Jobs First Bill)

The County Council has proposed CB-74-2016, a bill that proposes to enhance access for County-based small businesses and County-based minority business enterprises to local economic opportunities through public procurement by increasing participation opportunities. The legislation establishes a County Supply Schedule program and reestablishes the Business Development Reserve Program. The threshold for reserving certain procurement opportunities for County-based small businesses and County-based businesses would increase to $500,000. In addition, there will be requirements for teaming agreements with County-based small businesses where the prime contractor is not a County-based small business, enhancing prompt payment from the County and contractors, and establishing requirements for the timing of award notifications and mandatory debriefings to unsuccessful bidders. The legislation also requires bundled public works procurements for design and construction work and authorizes the purchasing agent to require bonding assistance to County-based small businesses.  This Council Bill passed out of the Public Safety and Fiscal Management Committee with amendments.

 

CB-76-2016 - Green Building Permit Incentives

The County Council has proposed CB-76-2016, a bill that provides a reduction of building permit fees for commercial and residential construction and renovations with LEED certification. LEED certified silver - 25 percent reduction; LEED certified gold -50  percent reduction; LEED certified platinum - 75  percent reduction. Further, permit fees for the installation of solar panels are reduced by 50 percent.  This bill was heard in the Transportation, Housing, & Environment Committee on October 6th.   MBIA testified in support of the legislation.  The bill sponsor Council Member Franklin accepted the building industry's suggested amendments that would allow for additional green building certification (National Green Building Standard - NGBS), which works with single and multifamily residential construction and remodeling.  However, due to concerns from the DPIE and the County Executive's office with respect to the negative fiscal impact to county on the front-end, the bill was held in committee.   

 

CB-79-2016 - Transit-Oriented Development Area Grading Permits Exceptions Procedures

The County Council has proposed CB-79-2016, a bill that will permit, subject to certain specific requirements, the issuance of a grading permit to commence certain rough grading activities on the site prior to approval of a required detailed site plan for the property.  This bill has been referred to the Planning Zoning and Economic Development Committee.  This bill was voted out of committee favorably with amendments.

  ST MARYS COUNTY  

Joint Legislative Meeting

On December 6, 2016, the St. Mary's Legislative Delegation and the St. Mary's Board of County Commissioners will hold a joint legislative meeting.  The purpose of the meeting is to consider proposals made by the Board of County Commissioners, county organizations, and members of the general public for enactment of legislation during the 2017 session of the Maryland General Assembly.  Download the form to submit a legislative proposal >>>   Proposals received by November 4, 2016 will be placed on the meeting agenda and the proponent will be given an opportunity to be heard.  Submit proposals by November 4, 2016 to: Commissioners of St. Mary's County, 41770 Baldridge Street, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650; [email protected] and Deborah C. Rey, Delegate District 29(B), St. Mary's County, 323 House Office Building, 6 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; [email protected] . 

  WICOMICO COUNTY

Development Impact Fees

At the Public Hearing on October 18, 2016, Wicomico County Bill 2016-12 Repeal Chapter 130 of Wicomico County Code, titled "Development Impact Fees" was tabled.   A Councilman offered an amendment to repeal only Section 130-18 which lists the amount of the impact fee and to leave the text in place.  After much discussion the vote on the bill was tabled until the Council could get additional information about their options.  However, no matter which way they go there will be a zero impact fee.  The Eastern Shore Chapter and the Coastal Association of REALTORS are pushing for the Council to repeal the entire code.  We feel leaving the text in place will give the impression that Wicomico County is unfriendly to development.  A call to action was sent out to the entire MBIA membership urging them to contact the Wicomico County Council to request they pass Wicomico County Bill 2016-12 in its entirety.

 

Comprehensive Plan

The Wicomico County Council continues their review of their Comprehensive Plan.  At their October 18, 2016 meeting they decided to leave the transition areas around each of the towns and municipalities in place so that these areas would not be down zoned.  They expect to complete their review of the Comprehensive Plan within the month and hold a public hearing.  Once the Comprehensive Plan is adopted they will begin their review of the County Zoning Map.

 

New Administrator

The City of Salisbury Council has appointed R. Hardy Rudasill, a UMES administrator to replace Laura Mitchell who resigned at the end of September.  At their October 24, 2016 meeting they elected Muir Boda to replace Laura Mitchell as Council Vice President.

  WORCESTER COUNTY

Text Amendment Application

The Worcester County Commissioners tabled introducing a proposed Text Amendment Application - Poultry Regulations until more input is received from local farmers.  Local farmers are concerned about how this legislation would affect existing poultry farms.

 

Enterprise Zone

The Worcester County Commissioners approved the re-designation of an Enterprise Zone in the Town of Berlin.  This will provide real property tax credits for 10 years after improvements and income tax credits for up to three years for wages paid to new employees to businesses that locate in economically depressed areas and provide jobs to disadvantaged residents.

 

City Council Elections

The Ocean City Town Council will hold their election for City Council on November 8, 2016.  Mayor Rick Meehan is running unopposed for his sixth mayoral term.  Running for City Council are:  John Gehrig, and incumbents Doug Cymek, Dennis Dare, Tony DeLuca and Mary Knight.  The top four will win seats on the Council.

 

Election Results

The Town of Berlin held their election on October 4, 2016.  Incumbent Mayor Gee Williams was re-elected by a landslide.  Zachary Tyndall won the District 2 council seat and incumbent Councilman Elroy Brittingham, running unopposed, was elected to the District 3 council seat.

  OTHER INDUSTRY NEWS

OSHA Seeks Feedback on Revisions to Record Keeping and Construction Standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed revisions to its existing record keeping and construction standards as part of the agency's Standards Improvement Project.  T he goal of the SIP is to remove or revise outdated, duplicate or unnecessary requirements in OSHA's standards, which will help reduce regulatory burdens on employers while still protecting workers. Read the entire proposal in the Federal Register >>>   NAHB has identified revisions that could affect the home building industry. View the identified revisions and provide any comments to NAHB's Labor, Safety and Health Policy department ( [email protected] ) by Friday, Nov. 11.

Updated - County Guidance on Stormwater Management Administrative Waivers

County Guidance on Stormwater Management Administrative Waivers is available to MBIA members only on the MBIA website . Login and then go to Quicklinks/Government Affairs. Information has been updated to the site for Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's Counties.

WSSC ePermitting Launch, One Stop Shop Closure & Inspections Scheduling

WSSC  ePermitting system will launch on Nov. 21 when paper applications will not be accepted. The DEMO site is available until Nov. 16 for practice.

As WSSC Launches, the Permit Services Counter (One Stop Shop) will be closed from Noon, Nov. 16 through close of business on Nov. 18. Any pre-scheduled inspections during this period will continue. Unscheduled emergencies will be covered. View the inspection and scheduling procedures, click here >>>

MTA/Purple Line Joint Corps/MDE Permit and DNR Forest Conservation Plan

The Maryland Transit Administration proposes to construct a 16.2 mile light-rail transit line, known as the Purple Line, from the Bethesda Metro Station in Montgomery County to the New Carrollton Station in Prince George's County. MBIA sent a letter in support of the Purple Line Joint Corps/MDE Non-Tidal Wetlands Permit and DNR Forest Conservation Plan. View the notice (PN#16-54) detailing the work under the Permit and the FCP >>> Comments are due by November 2nd.