Municipalities - Annexed Land - Land Use and Density

HB 751 would change Maryland's rules for how municipalities develop land they annex. For five years after annexation, municipalities must generally follow the county's land use and density guidelines from the county's comprehensive plan without needing county approval, but cannot exceed a 50% higher density or change land uses substantially without county approval. If the county gives express approval, the municipality can override these guidelines to allow different land uses or higher densities. This bill directly affects municipalities expanding their boundaries and counties managing regional planning for newly annexed areas.