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County unveils comprehensive rewrite of agricultural preservation rules to reopen APD applications
Summary
Planning staff presented a proposed repeal and replacement of the agricultural preservation rules to clarify TDR administration, eligibility and preservation definitions and to prepare to reopen the APD application program; staff will host a public information session on 08/28/2025 and begin accepting comments 08/21/2025.
The planning commission heard a detailed presentation on a proposed comprehensive rewrite of Calvert County's agricultural preservation rules and regulations, aimed at updating longstanding policy, clarifying administration and preparing to reopen the Agricultural Preservation District (APD) application program.
Jennifer David, the county's rural planner, said the rewrite would supersede prior versions of the rules and bring consistency to transfer-of-development-rights (TDR) administration. "So the purpose of this evening's session is to present and inform the commission of the proposed repeal and replacement of the rules and regulations for the county's agricultural land preservation program," David said. She reviewed the program's history and the TDR committee's recommendation to lift a moratorium on new APD creation once revised criteria are adopted.
David told commissioners the county has preserved "over 32,600 acres" through county, state and federal programs and partners. The draft rules would update eligibility criteria, clarify that density entitlements apply by APD rather than by parcel, incorporate the 2021 TDR reserve program into the rules, and address agritourism uses. Staff announced a public information session for 08/28/2025 and that Planning & Zoning will accept public comment on the proposed regulation beginning 08/21/2025.
