Planning.Maryland.gov The Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012 Arnold Preservation Council March 9, 2015

Planning.Maryland.gov BENEFITS Over the next years:  Prevent 50,000 new septic systems  Stop as much as 1.1 million pounds of nitrogen pollution from being pumped into surface water  Prevent the loss of at least 100,000 acres of forest and farmland Even more benefits over the longer term

Planning.Maryland.gov

How does the law affect new development? Existing lots and relatively new lots are grandfathered under the Bill After December 31, 2012, if a Tier Map was not adopted, no residential major subdivisions without public sewer If Tiers adopted, for new residential subdivisions:  Tier I - public sewerage  Tier II - public sewerage; septic systems shall be viewed as interim  Tier III - septic systems  Tier IV - no major subdivisions w/o exemption

Planning.Maryland.gov How does the law affect new development? Controlling authority required for new and community sewerage and shared facilities Required Planning Board Review, Recommendation & Public Hearing For major subdivisions in Tier III

Planning.Maryland.gov Changes in Response to the Law  Definitions of minor subdivisions  Date of parcels eligible for subdivision  Comprehensive plans to redefine the purpose of agricultural and natural resource zones  Rural Legacy Area boundaries  TDR programs

Planning.Maryland.gov CAPACITY REMAINS FOR SEPTIC DEVELOPMENT Even with the restrictions, a large amount of development capacity remains for septic development in Maryland There are almost 40,000 subdivided, undeveloped residential lots outside of PFAs Many additional subdivisions were grandfathered under the provisions of the law Minor subdivision definition increase to 7 adds capacity

Planning.Maryland.gov

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