Measure Offers Relief to Property Owners and Developers in Weak Economy
PRINCE FREDERICK, Md.—In an effort to provide relief to businesses dealing with a tough economic climate, the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on June 12 voted to adopt a measure that extends approvals for building projects without relieving approved projects from complying with all laws, including town center master plans. The ordinance grants a two-year extension to project approvals and, as the economy improves, will allow projects to move ahead without having to revisit the approval process.
The measure is a response to the decline in the construction industry and in residential and commercial real estate development. Property owners, builders and developers continue to experience weak demand and a tightening credit market that are delaying completion of construction and development projects.
The ordinance tolls, or suspends, the expiration of approvals for subdivision, site plan, building and grading permits; extends special exceptions granted by the Calvert County Planning Commission; extends approvals and defers payment of water and sewer capital connection and minimum user fees; and allows the transfer of sewer taps between commonly owned projects in the same sewer service area.
Project approvals with expiration dates beginning Jan. 1, 2008, (the date the Maryland legislature recognized the current poor economic conditions) through July 1, 2012, are granted an extension until July 1, 2014. Projects gaining approvals between July 1, 2012, and July 1, 2014, will be granted an additional two years.
The Calvert County Planning Commission held a public hearing on the measure May 16 and kept the record open for public comment until May 30. At its June 6 meeting, the commission recommended the BOCC approve the ordinance.
For more information, contact the Calvert County Department of Planning and Zoning at 410-535-1600 or 301-855-1243, ext. 2356, or email PZ@co.cal.md.us; or the Department of Public Works at 410-535-2204 or email Public.Works@co.cal.md.us.
Source: Calvert County Government