Minor Amendment to the Subregion 1 Master Plan and SMA

How can I participate in the planning process? 

This planning process features a unique community engagement approach designed to specifically capture resident and stakeholder feedback to inform the development of the minor plan amendment. In conjunction with County Council District 1 Councilmember Tom Dernoga, a public town hall meeting was hosted in July 2025. (Review a recording of the meeting here and a summary of questions and answers here-TBA). An additional listening session will be held in Fall 2025 to feature a brief presentation and interactive engagement opportunities. Keep an eye on this project webpage and our social media channels to stay updated about the date of that listening session. 

What is a Minor Plan Amendment? 

A minor plan amendment is an update to an existing approved master plan or sector plan. Minor plan amendments are initiated by the County Council through a formal resolution. A plan amendment is classified as “minor” if it affects less than 50% of the area of the existing approved plan.  

What is a Sectional Map Amendment? 

A sectional map amendment (SMA) is a comprehensive rezoning amendment for properties within an entire geographic area, such as a subregion, planning area, or part of a planning area. The purpose of an SMA is to revise the zoning of property to conform to the recommendations of the applicable master plan or sector plan. If necessary, an SMA will be done concurrently with this minor plan amendment to recommend zoning changes for specific properties to achieve the master plan’s vision and goals. 

What is zoning? 

Zoning is the law that determines what can be built, where it can be built, and how it is built. Zoning works in two parts. The zoning ordinance is the written law and the zoning map shows where the different zoning regulations are applicable. There are several different types of zones, including Residential, Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, Open Space, and Transit-Oriented zones. Each zone has a corresponding list of land uses that are allowed and not allowed inside them. For example, heavy industrial uses are not typically allowed in residential zones, but single-family homes are usually allowed. Different zones also have different permitted building heights, development densities, setback requirements, etc., all of which change the nature of the streetscape. 

What are the implications of any zoning changes on a property in Subregion 1? 

If the planning process recommends rezoning, that will happen at the end of the planning process through a legal update to the County Zoning Map. Even if a property is rezoned, nothing can physically happen to the property unless the owner initiates a change (e.g., sale or redevelopment). Keep in mind that master plans only produce recommendations for the future; no change can occur to a privately owned property unless initiated by the owner. 

How will I know if my property is recommended for a different zone? 

If your property is recommended for rezoning through this SMA, you will be notified through US mail, per 27-3407 Scheduling of Hearings and Public Notice of the Zoning Ordinance. Plan and zoning recommendations are evaluated through: 

• A public comment period through the Joint Public Hearing (Planning Board and District Council) process 

• Work sessions 

Should the County Council recommend additional amendments to the master plan and/or SMA that were not raised in testimony at the Joint Public Hearing, they must hold an additional Joint Public Hearing on those amendments.  

The Prince George’s County Planning Department welcomes and encourages public participation and feedback throughout the plan development and public review period. Note that the County Council has the power to approve the plan and authorize changes to the zoning map. 

Does a change in zoning mean I am at risk of losing my property? 

No. A master plan is aspirational and outlines goals and makes recommendations for the future of a planning area over a 25-year period. Master plans and zoning regulations do not remove ownership or impose development mandates on property owners. If a property owner wants to redevelop a property after the County approves a zoning change through the sectional map amendment, then the requirements of the property’s new zoning classification would apply. 

What part of the County is in Subregion 1?  

Subregion 1 is one of seven subregions in Prince George’s County, located in the northern portion of the County. The Subregion is approximately 44 square miles in size and constitutes approximately 11 percent of the County’s total land area. Subregion 1 forms much of the northern boundary with Howard County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County and acts as the northern gateway into Prince George’s County. The Subregion is served by major highways including I-95, Baltimore-Washington Parkway, U.S. Route 1, MD 200 (the Intercounty Connector), MD 198 (Sandy Spring Road), and MD 212 (Powder Mill Road). While no municipalities are contained in Subregion 1, the plan boundary contains the communities of Beltsville, North Beltsville, West Laurel, and South Laurel. Portions of the Subregion fall into Plan 2035 Established Communities, Rural and Agricultural Areas, and two centers: Konterra Town Center and Muirkirk MARC Neighborhood Center.  

What about the City of Laurel? 

The City of Laurel has its own zoning and planning jurisdiction so the City makes land use decisions separate from the County Planning Department. Due to proximity, the City will be a stakeholder in the minor plan amendment process.  ​