2020 Comprehensive Plan

How to Be Involved

• Comment on the interactive mapping tool: 2020 Comprehensive Plan Interactive Map Questionnaire
• Get more information: 301-600-1499
• Respond to the questionnaire: 2020 Comprehensive Plan Questionnaire
• Land Use Reclassification Application

Comprehensive Plan - Background

The Division of Planning is launching efforts to draft the 2020 Comprehensive Plan Update. With the 2010 Comprehensive Plan as the foundation, the Division will begin the process by gathering public input and collecting data to define goals and strategies that will guide the City’s growth and development for the next ten to twenty years. The Plan will establish implementation measures and benchmarks to ensure that the community’s vision is put into action and the goals are being met.

The Land Use Article

The Land Use Article from Maryland State Law requires that the City’s Comprehensive Plan is updated every 10 years. The plan must include public input and the Planning Commission and Board of Aldermen are required to consider topics such as: 

• Community Facilities
• Land Use
• Municipal Growth
• Sensitive Areas
• Transportation
• Water Resources among others

In addition to the State requirements, the Plan will also consider Housing, Historic Preservation and Community Character and Design.

Land Use Reclassification

The Division of Planning is currently accepting requests to consider the reclassification of land use for individual properties during the 2020 Comprehensive Plan update. All interested property owners or agents must complete the application by 3:00pm on December 21, 2019. The Applicant is expected to support their request to the Planning Commission and Mayor and Board of Aldermen. For questions, please contact Brandon Mark at (301) 600-1248.

Public Participation

The public is encouraged to participate by completing a five-minute questionnaire or by leaving comments on the interactive mapping tool. With the interactive map, participants can zoom to the neighborhood level and enter a comment on specific issues or can leave comments regarding larger issues that apply City-wide.

In addition to the questionnaire and map, City staff will be presenting the efforts to the NACs and stakeholder groups beginning in July. The public is encouraged to stay engaged throughout the process, it is anticipated that the Planning Commission and Mayor and Board of Aldermen will be considering the Plan during workshops and public hearings during the Fall of 2019 and Spring 2020, public comments during these hearings are strongly encouraged.

Documents

• 2020 Comprehensive Plan Interactive Map Questionnaire
• 2020 Comprehensive Plan Questionnaire