Code of Maryland Regulations Title 34 - DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING

25 Jun 2025 --
0 Comments

Code of Maryland Regulations — Title 34: Department of Planning

Overview

Title 34 of the COMAR contains regulations issued by the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP). These rules provide guidance and standards for:

State and local planning activities

Land use and zoning coordination

Planning grants and technical assistance programs

Historic preservation planning

Geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping

Planning data collection and reporting

The Department of Planning acts as the central state agency responsible for coordinating planning efforts across local jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with statewide planning goals, and providing technical support and funding for planning projects.

Structure of Title 34

Title 34 is organized into Chapters that cover specific programs, processes, or administrative requirements of the Department of Planning. Each chapter contains regulations and rules that implement statutory authority granted to the department.

Chapters of Title 34

Chapter 01 — General Administration

Definitions, scope, and applicability of the Department of Planning regulations.

Procedures for submitting documents, public notices, and agency communications.

Agency organization and authority.

Chapter 02 — Land Use Planning

Standards for developing local comprehensive plans.

Guidelines for coordinating state and local land use planning.

Requirements for plan approval, amendments, and updates.

Chapter 03 — Zoning Coordination

Guidance for state review of local zoning regulations.

Procedures for commenting on zoning changes to ensure consistency with statewide goals.

Chapter 04 — Planning Grants and Technical Assistance

Eligibility criteria for planning grants to local governments.

Application procedures, reporting, and monitoring requirements.

Standards for technical assistance programs provided by the Department.

Chapter 05 — Historic and Cultural Preservation Planning

Procedures for incorporating historic preservation in local and state planning.

Requirements for coordinating with the Maryland Historical Trust and other preservation bodies.

Chapter 06 — Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Mapping

Standards for GIS data collection, maintenance, and sharing.

Guidelines for creating and submitting maps for planning purposes.

Chapter 07 — Planning Data Collection and Reporting

Requirements for collecting and reporting population, housing, land use, and other planning-related data.

Procedures for state-level review and dissemination of planning statistics.

Chapter 08 — Environmental Planning

Integration of environmental considerations in state and local planning processes.

Standards for reviewing development projects for environmental impacts.

Chapter 09 — Capital Improvements Planning

Guidance on planning and prioritizing capital projects at state and local levels.

Procedures for submission of capital improvement plans to the Department of Planning.

Chapter 10 — Compliance and Enforcement

Rules for enforcing planning regulations.

Procedures for handling violations of planning standards and requirements.

Purpose of Title 34

The regulations in Title 34 are designed to:

Coordinate Planning Efforts: Ensure state and local governments follow consistent planning principles.

Support Local Governments: Provide technical assistance, guidance, and grants to help local jurisdictions implement effective planning.

Integrate Land Use and Environmental Considerations: Promote sustainable development and preservation of cultural, historic, and natural resources.

Ensure Compliance: Establish rules and procedures for monitoring, reporting, and enforcing planning activities.