Compatibility is not a new comprehensive planning concept, nor one limited to supporting mission readiness for military installations. For generations, comprehensive plans have addressed the compatibility of different land uses to promote public health and safety, conserve resources, develop infrastructure efficiently, and promote economic growth. These considerations are often reflected in implementing ordinances and plan policies that guide decision making. Heavy industrial and residential uses are traditionally separated due to incompatibility, prime agricultural land and sensitive natural areas/habitats are protected from encroaching development that may threaten them, and capital investments are directed toward those areas in which a jurisdiction desires physical growth and economic development.

Comprehensive plans can and should consider the compatibility needs of military jurisdictions, just as they consider the natural and human made resources and land uses one typically associates with comprehensive plans. Maryland state law dictates that certain elements be included in all comprehensive plans, based on the type (e.g., Charter Counties, Municipalities) and location (e.g. tidal waters) of each jurisdiction. “Elements” are synonymous with planning areas, and include topics such as transportation, housing, land use, and water resources, among others. For each required element, Maryland law prescribes the necessary components, but does not preclude a jurisdiction from including additional planning aspects that it deems necessary for the element to rise to the challenges of the community. For example, § 3-105 of the Land Use Article requires that a transportation element “provide for bicycle and pedestrian access and travelways”, never mentioning newer forms of shared mobility (scooters) nor sustainable carbon emission reduction strategies (electric vehicle charging stations). Jurisdictions, however, are free to analyze transportation modes and strategies not explicitly mentioned in the Land Use Article and address them in their transportation elements. In the same vein, while the Land Use Article does not require a military element in comprehensive plans, it does not prevent the inclusion of one either. In fact, a military element is an excellent way to advance the 12 Planning Visions.

A standalone military element is not the only way to incorporate compatible use planning into a comprehensive plan either. The table below lists many of Maryland's required planning elements and suggestions for how they could address compatible use. For each one, the suggestions assume that the installation is included as a stakeholder in the plan development process. The name of each element is linked to its respective Maryland State Code description for non-charter counties and municipalities.

MD Comprehensive Plan Elements and Compatible Use