To ensure Anne Arundel County grows responsibly, County Executive Steve Schuh today announced he will submit legislation to reduce the time period between General Development Plans (GDP) from ten to eight years.
“Reducing the time period between General Development Plans will ensure more public input and greater transparency in the process,” said Schuh. “This reform will make certain that our zoning designations and infrastructure remain adequate as our population grows.”
Currently, the County undertakes the General Development Plan process every decade. The GDP is Anne Arundel County’s comprehensive plan to guide land use in the County, preserve its assets and conserve its resources. It is prepared in compliance with State requirements and guidelines. Adopted by the County Council, the GDP establishes policies and recommendations to guide land use decisions over a 20 year time frame. All master plans and development regulations adopted by the County must be consistent with the goals, policies and recommendations of the GDP.
“Compressing the time frame of the planning cycle ensures that our plans – and the implementation measures they recommend – are fresh and reflective of current conditions, especially external influences, and serve to provide the very best, up-to-date planning and land use guidance for our communities,” said Planning and Zoning Officer Phil Hager.
The reform proposal comes a week after the County announced an extensive schedule of public comment sessions that will provide the citizens a significant opportunity to have their voice heard as county government embarks on the 18-month General Development Plan process. Officials from all relevant land use departments will be on hand to hear the ideas and perspectives of residents in every corner of the County.
Citizens are encouraged to join the conversation at one of the sessions, which will run from 6 pm to 8 pm. To submit comments, see the schedule for public input sessions, or learn more about the process, residents can visit: www.aacounty.org/Plan2040.
The General Development plan is scheduled to be completed by December 2019, with the comprehensive re-zoning legislation submitted to the County Council thereafter.
