Planning commission approves 12‑month extension for Saint Mary’s assisted‑living site plan

The Leonardtown Planning and Zoning Commission on the record approved a 12‑month extension to the site development plan permit for the Saint Mary’s Assisted Living Memory Care Facility, citing on‑site demolition and stabilization work as evidence the project remains active.

Planning and Zoning Department staff said the 20.51‑acre parcel at the intersection of CNE Church Road and Maryland Route 5 received final site plan and agricultural approval on March 20, 2023, and later obtained a grading permit (Feb. 26, 2024) and a demolition permit (Feb. 29, 2024) to remove three dilapidated structures. Under the town’s municipal code (Chapter 155‑109), approvals become invalid if construction or an authorized use does not commence within 12 months for residential projects, or two years for commercial projects, unless there is evidence of ongoing construction activity.

"They demoed the two dilapidated buildings, established sediment control, and stabilized the site after that was done," Planning and Zoning Department staff said, adding that staff concluded the work met the code standard for continued activity.

A commissioner moved to approve the applicant’s request for a 12‑month extension under Town Municipal Code Chapter 155‑109; another member seconded the motion. The commission voted in favor; the chair called for ayes and the motion carried.

The extension preserves the applicant’s current approvals for an additional year and allows the owner to continue toward construction without reapplying. The staff memo cited Ordinance Nos. 135 and 149 as previous amendments to the time‑limit section of Chapter 155‑109.

No additional conditions, amendments or a revised schedule were recorded in the meeting minutes for this motion. Planning staff told commissioners they were available to answer follow‑up questions and noted the commission could approve with conditions, delay, or deny extensions on future requests.