A comprehensive plan helps guide public and private actions and decisions
to ensure that all growth and development is done considering appropriate
land use relationships. The Land Use Article states that once a local
planning commission is created, its function and duty is to
prepare a comprehensive plan and present it to its legislative, or governing
body, for consideration and adoption. Local governments in Maryland with
planning and zoning authority must review their comprehensive plans on a
10-year cycle. However, an earlier review, or a comprehensive plan amendment,
should be considered when military operations change, or community development
patterns continue to pose conflicts that may adversely impact continued
military operations.
In addition to enabling local governments to prepare a plan for a jurisdiction's
future, the Land Use Article also outlines the requirements governing the
content and procedures when crafting a comprehensive plan. The
comprehensive planning process leads to developing a master plan (also
known as a comprehensive plan) that guides community growth over time to:
- Provide continuity for community development
- Balance competing interests
- Protect public investments
- Protect and enhance valuable resources
- Shape community appearance
- Promote economic development
- Provide justification for planning decisions
- Express a collective vision for the community
Local governments may carry out comprehensive plan goals, objectives,
and policies through more detailed sub-area plans (e.g., sector, regional,
community, or neighborhood plans) and regulations, such as zoning, subdivision,
site plan, and building codes.
Jurisdictions in Maryland must include the state's
12 Planning Visions in their comprehensive plans and implement them
through zoning ordinances and other development regulations. These 12 visions
reflect the state's ongoing desire to develop and implement sound growth
and development policy. The visions address: quality of life and sustainability;
public participation; growth areas; community design; infrastructure; transportation;
housing; economic development; environmental protection; resource conservation;
stewardship; and implementation approaches.
