Maryland Senate passes key bills for Prince George's County land use and appeals

Prince George's County is set to see significant legislative changes following a recent General Assembly Committee meeting on April 29, 2025. Among the key outcomes, House Bill 1064, which pertains to the Board of Appeals, has passed both the House and Senate unanimously and is now awaiting the governor's signature. This bill mandates that at least three members of the Board of Appeals be appointed by the County Council, streamlining decision-making processes.

Another notable piece of legislation is House Bill 1470, which addresses tree clearing violations in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area. This bill requires the Prince George's County Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) to record a lien within 90 days of issuing a notice of violation for unauthorized tree cutting. The bill applies retroactively to property owners who purchased land before November 7, 2018, and aims to hold current owners accountable for past violations. While the county executive's office has indicated that the bill's impact will be manageable, concerns remain about potential dormant violations that could arise.

Additionally, the committee approved a task force under House Bill 1266 to study land use issues in Prince George's County. This task force will consist of various stakeholders, including members from the county council and civic associations, and is tasked with reporting its findings by December 2026. This initiative could pave the way for future legislation aimed at addressing the county's land and development challenges.

In contrast, Senate Bill 832, which sought to allow municipalities to override county zoning laws, failed to pass. Similarly, House Bill 1525, which would have restricted municipalities from annexing land in different legislative districts, also did not advance.

These legislative developments reflect ongoing efforts to enhance governance and environmental protections in Prince George's County, with implications for local land use and community accountability. As these bills move forward, their implementation will be closely monitored by both officials and residents alike.