Chesapeake Bay Critical Area – Rezoning
A Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Rezoning Overlay is a Zoning Map Amendment used solely for the purpose of establishing or amending the County’s Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Overlay in accordance with County and state law to protect the sensitive environmental resources of the Chesapeake Bay while also respecting the rights of landowners. Either the District Council, the Planning Board, or a property owner may initiate a Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Overlay Zoning Map Amendment.
Pre-Application Conference: Required under new Zoning Ordinance.
Pre-Application Neighborhood Meeting: Required under new Zoning Ordinance.
Subdivision and Development Review Committee (SDRC): Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Overlay Zoning Map Amendments may be referred to the SDRC, at the discretion of the Zoning Section Supervisor or at the request of the applicant.
Decision Maker: Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Overlay Zoning Map Amendments are decided by the District Council with recommendation from Planning Board, Planning Director, Zoning Hearing Examiner, and municipality (if applicable).
Fees: Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Overlay Zone
- Overlay Zones Only—$5,000 plus $200 per acre up to and including 10 acres, plus $100 for each additional acre
- Underlying Zones—$5,000 plus $200 per acre up to and including 50 acres, plus $100 for each additional acre
- Fee limit—$60,000
Public Notice Requirement
Application Instructions
The new Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations go into effect on April 1, 2022. For a period of four years (until March 31, 2026), Applicants have the option to submit under the requirements of either the new or prior Ordinance. [Note: Review under the prior Ordinance requires a Pre-Application Conference and Statement of Justification to explain why the applicant has not chosen to develop under the provisions of the new Ordinance.]
Any application accepted prior to the effective date of the new Ordinance will be reviewed and decided in accordance to the provisions of the prior Ordinance. See the Transitional Provisions Quick Reference for more information.
Find application materials below separated per the applicable Ordinance.
