County planning staff warns of state bills that could constrain local zoning control

Calvert County planning staff updated the commission on a set of Maryland General Assembly bills that county officials say could alter local land-use authority.

Jason Brinkley, Director of Planning & Zoning, highlighted five bills staff has been tracking and singled out three with potentially significant local impact. He described HB239 (cross-filed as SB36), referred to in testimony as the Starter & Silver Homes Act of 2026, as a governor-backed bill that would broaden where townhouses are permitted and would allow lot splits in existing subdivisions older than three years, potentially increasing allowable density throughout the county. Brinkley said the Board of County Commissioners has already sent a letter in opposition.

He also flagged HB778 (described as a bill that would redefine single-family dwellings to include townhomes) and HB548/SB325 (the Maryland Housing Certainty Act), which would extend development permit tolling periods to five years and could delay the implementation of zoning changes. Brinkley recommended waiting to see details of proposed amendments to the bills (including a set of 14 sponsor amendments introduced for SB36) and the related fiscal notes before the Planning Commission considers drafting its own letter of opposition; the BOCC, he said, speaks for the county on such matters while the Planning Commission may choose to express its view as a body.

Public commenters also addressed the bills: Susan Dezurek reported an organized campaign that had generated nearly 500 letters from local residents opposing the Starter & Silver bills; she said Keep Calvert County supports more starter homes but opposes the proposed statewide mandates. Staff said they will continue to send updates to the commission as the legislative process unfolds.