The New Decade Means New Comprehensive Plans

Local Spotlight

Many jurisdictions coordinate the development of new comprehensive plans with the arrival of decennial census data. Census data is a foundation of comprehensive planning, providing a snapshot of Maryland communities, outlining growth trends, and distinguishing key demographic indicators.

In 2013, House Bill 409 increased the review period of a local jurisdiction’s comprehensive plan cycle to 10 years, instead of six years. To learn more about the 10-year cycle and when your jurisdiction’s review is due, please visit the Maryland Department of Planning’s (Planning) Comprehensive Plan 10-Year Review Cycle webpage.

As the lead agency for both the Maryland Census 2020 efforts and the 60-day review of comprehensive plans and their amendments, Planning is steeped in this topic. Planning began listing local comprehensive planning efforts in our September 2020 Planning Practice Monthly edition and will continue to track and publish website links in Planning Practice Monthly as we become aware of local efforts.

If you are aware of a comprehensive planning process currently underway, please contact Joe Griffiths, Local Assistance and Training Manager, and we will be sure to add it to this list.

Recently Adopted!

Anne Arundel Plan2040

Rockville 2040, Montgomery County

Gaithersburg Draft Lakeforest Mall Master Plan, Montgomery County

Town of Indian Head, Comprehensive Plan 2020, Charles County

Under Development:

Adelphi Road-UMGC/UMD Purple Line Station Area Sector Plan, Prince George’s County

Annapolis Ahead, Anne Arundel County

Bowie-Mitchellville and Vicinity Master Plan, Prince George’s County

Plan Chesapeake Beach, Calvert County

Dorchester County 2019 Comprehensive Plan

Emmitsburg Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Frederick County