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Caroline planning staff asks Maryland Department of Planning for help on large‑scale solar and other regulatory obstacles
Summary
In the countys annual report to the Maryland Department of Planning, staff and the planning commission called for state assistance on large‑scale solar siting, reprioritizing Bay Restoration Fund funding, and reviewing state regulatory barriers to housing and redevelopment. The planning commission approved the annual report.
Caroline County planning staff presented the countys annual report to the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP), asking for state assistance on several issues including the siting of large‑scale solar installations on prime farmland, the prioritization of Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) monies for septic and wastewater upgrades, and a review of state regulations that the county says raise housing costs.
Crystal Dads read a summary of the report items that staff will submit to MDP. Key requests included: reconsideration of siting criteria for utility‑scale solar so prime agricultural land is not the default; regional impact assessments for renewable projects; legislative and regulatory collaboration to protect farmland and rural character; and an evaluation of state regulations that increase housing costs (examples listed in the report include expanded on‑site septic reserve area requirements, sprinkler rules adding $10,000–$15,000 to new home cost, and EV readiness costs).
Staff also described several county green infrastructure projects and stormwater improvements completed in 2024, and provided the standard permit and growth statistics MDP requests. Planning staff highlighted that a substantial share of new residential permits are currently issued outside the countys Priority Funding Areas (PFAs), and asked MDP for assistance and best practices in reassessing PFAs.
Commissioners discussed the report and approved sending it as written. One commissioner asked staff to consider adding a specific request for assistance in reevaluating PFAs; staff said they could add that or submit a separate formal request. The commission then voted to approve the annual report for transmission to MDP.
Votes at a glance: Planning Commission voted to approve the countys annual report to the Maryland Department of Planning and authorized staff to transmit it to the state.
