Planning in Progress

by Joseph Griffiths, AICP, local Assistance and Training Manager

In the December 2021 edition of Planning Practice Monthly, the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) introduced our Priority Funding Areas (PFAs) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). In the April 2022 edition we introduced our Comprehensive Plan FAQs.

For the third edition in our FAQ series, Planning is sharing our Municipal Annexation FAQs. The Local Government Article Division II, Title 4, Subtitle 4, governs requirements for town and city annexations. At least 30 days prior to the public hearing during which a legislative body may approve an annexation, the municipality must submit the annexation plan to Planning for review and feedback.

Planning reviews annexation plans per the requirements of Local Government Article § 4-416. Planning also considers the annexed area for PFA certification, as well as any other areas of state interest. Please see our instructions and guidance for annexation submissions for more information.

In these FAQs, Planning developed responses for questions on annexation law, the annexation process, the connection between annexations and comprehensive plans, PFAs and annexations, post annexation procedures, and where to locate additional annexation resources.

At Planning, we know PFAs, comprehensive plans, and annexations, and we hope that these FAQs will help you better understand them as well.

If you would like to request FAQs on a specific planning topic, please contact Joe Griffiths, Local Assistance and Training Manager, at joseph.griffiths@maryland.gov.