The New Decade Means New Comprehensive Plans

Local Spotlight

by Joseph Griffiths, AICP, Local Assistance and Training Manager

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 for comprehensive plans to 10 years from 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 and the 60-day review of comprehensive plans and their amendments, Planning is steeped in this topic. Planning began listing comprehensive planning efforts in our September 2020 Planning Practice Monthly edition and will continue to track and publish website links in in future editions as we become aware of local efforts.

If you are aware of any comprehensive planning process currently underway, please contact Joe Griffiths, Local Assistance and Training Manager, at joseph.griffiths@maryland.gov and we will be sure to add them to this list.

Recently Adopted!

Dorchester County 2019 Comprehensive Plan

visionHagerstown 2035 – Comprehensive Plan Update, Washington 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

Brookeville, Update to Transportation, Pedestrian Networks & Streetscaping Elements, Montgomery County

Cecil County Comprehensive Plan

Plan Chesapeake Beach, Calvert County

Emmitsburg Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Frederick County

Town of Galena’s Comprehensive Plan 2031, Kent County