PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert’s Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) agreed to move forward with a public hearing for the latest draft of the county’s Agricultural Land Preservation Rules and Regulations.
The Department of Planning & Zoning staff have worked with the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board (APAB) to update the rules and regulations. Planning & Zoning proposed the draft in July last year and has been working on revisions following public comment and work sessions.
The latest draft includes:
- Program application requirements, specifically regarding boundary surveys.
- Purchase and Retirement Fund (PAR) program provisions related to boundary surveys.
- Transferrable Development Right (TDR) certification, specifically regarding boundary surveys and multiple easements.
- Residential lot and dwelling entitlements, including tenant houses.
- Agritourism policy, including public and private events.
In particular, the draft focuses on clarifying the requirements and process for an Agricultural Preservation District (APD) and TDRs, with the aim of making them fairer and easier to follow for landowners.
Planning and Zoning Director Jason Brinkley said during the presentation to the BOCC that staff worked to address concerns brought up by both the commissioners and the public.
“I think we’ve addressed all the big concerns we had last year and last summer to keep it flexible, and balance what we’re trying to accomplish with what people are trying to do on the ground themselves.”
The BOCC did not specify the date for the public hearing on the updated rules and regulations. Calvert residents can see the public hearings schedule online.
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