Calvert County Considers Rural Legacy Area Expansion That Could Reduce Density In Some Areas

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert County is looking into expanding the Rural Legacy Area (RLA) program, a state-run program used in Calvert County to preserve large, contiguous tracts of land. The county is considering expanding the program, which could impact the development potential of certain properties.

Participation in the program is voluntary for landowners. In order to participate, the properties must lie within a designated RLA. Calvert County’s RLAs were last expanded in 2023.

The county recently received interest in expanding several RLAs, specifically the Calvert Creeks RLA in the county’s central-eastern area between the Parkers Creek and Fishing Creek watersheds. However, in order to expand the RLA to encompass these areas, the properties would have to change designation from “Tier III” to Tier IV, according to a representative of the Maryland Department of Planning. According to a memo presented to the Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 24 by Jennifer David and Amalia Pleake-Tamm, the change could affect the development potential of properties in Tier III.

The growth tiers are growth areas in the county where septic and sewer use is considered, according to David. In Tier III, major subdivisions can be developed with the approval of the Planning Commission. In Tier IV, major subdivisions are not permitted at all.

“It would force the density to be reduced in some areas,” David said.

With this additional information, Calvert County staff plans to host three public hearings in May, June and July to get landowner feedback on expanding the RLAs. After the public hearings, Planning and Zoning will bring the issue back to the Board of County Commissioners for discussion.

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