reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  1-505 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions|Subtitle 5 - Growth Tiers|Section 1-505 - Comment by Department of Planning

    The Department of Planning may comment on the growth tiers adopted by the local jurisdictions.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  1-506 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions|Subtitle 5 - Growth Tiers|Section 1-506 - Adoption; Documentation

    (a)    Subject to subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section, a local jurisdiction that chooses to adopt growth tiers is not required to adopt all of the tiers.    (b)    A municipal corporation that exercises planning and zoning authority shall adopt Tier I and may adopt Tier II.    (c)    A county shall adopt Tiers I, III, and IV, and may adopt Tier II.    (d)    If a local jurisdiction does not adopt all of the tiers authorized under this section, the local jurisdiction shall document the reasons the jurisdiction is not adopting a particular tier.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  1-507 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions|Subtitle 5 - Growth Tiers|Section 1-507 - Comments From Department of Planning -- Local Procedures

    (a)    If the Department of Planning comments under § 1–505 of this subtitle on any of the tiers or on an area within one of the tiers, the local legislative body or the planning board shall hold at least one public hearing on the comments by the Department of Planning.    (b)    The local legislative body or the planning board shall review the mapped growth tiers adopted by the local jurisdiction in light of the comments by the Department of Planning.    (c)    If the planning board holds the public hearing under subsection (a) of this section, after the public hearing and the consideration of the comments by the Department of Planning, the planning board shall recommend to the local jurisdiction that either the tiers or an area within the tiers:    (1)    be changed; or    (2)    that the adopted tiers remain unchanged.    (d)    If the planning board recommends that the tiers or an area within the tiers be changed under subsection (c) of this section, the planning board shall provide the recommended mapped growth tier changes to the local jurisdiction.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  1-508 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions|Subtitle 5 - Growth Tiers|Section 1-508 - Designation

    (a)    The growth tiers adopted by a local jurisdiction shall meet the following criteria:        (1)    Tier I areas are areas that are:            (i)    served by public sewerage systems and mapped locally designated growth areas; or            (ii)    a municipal corporation that is a priority funding area that is served by public sewerage systems;        (2)    Tier II areas are areas that are:            (i)    1.    planned to be served by public sewerage systems and in the municipal growth element; or                2.    mapped locally designated growth areas; and            (ii)    needed to satisfy demand for development at densities consistent with the long–term development policy after consideration of the capacity of land areas available for development, including in–fill and redevelopment, within the local jurisdiction;        (3)    Tier III areas are areas that:            (i)    are not planned for sewerage service and not dominated by agricultural or forest land;            (ii)    are not planned or zoned by a local jurisdiction for land, agricultural, or resource protection, preservation, or conservation; and            (iii)    are one of the following:                1.    municipal corporations not served by a public sewerage system;                2.    rural villages as described in § 5–7B–03(f) of the State Finance and Procurement Article;                3.    mapped locally designated growth areas; or                4.    areas planned and zoned for large lot and rural development; and        (4)    Tier IV areas are areas that are not planned for sewerage service and are:            (i)    areas planned or zoned by a local jurisdiction for land, agricultural, or resource protection, preservation, or conservation;            (ii)    areas dominated by agricultural lands, forest lands, or other natural areas; or            (iii)    rural legacy areas, priority preservation areas, or areas subject to covenants, restrictions, conditions, or conservation easements for the benefit of, or held by a State agency, as defined in § 9–206 of the Environment Article, or a local jurisdiction for the purpose of conserving natural resources or agricultural land.    (b)    A local jurisdiction shall strive to avoid creating a Tier III area that is bounded on all sides by land in a Tier IV area.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  1-509 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions|Subtitle 5 - Growth Tiers|Section 1-509 - Incorporation Into Plan

    (a)    A local jurisdiction that adopts growth tiers shall incorporate the tiers into the comprehensive plan or an element of the plan:        (1)    when the local jurisdiction conducts the 10–year review of the plan under § 1–416(a) of this title or § 3–301(a) of this article; and        (2)    in accordance with the requirements of this section.    (b)    If a local jurisdiction does not incorporate all of the growth tiers authorized under this section into the comprehensive plan or an element of the plan, the local jurisdiction shall state that a tier is not adopted.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  2-101 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 2 - Planning Commission|Subtitle 1 - Organization and General Authority|Section 2-101 - Authority to Establish

    A local jurisdiction may establish by local law a planning commission with the powers and duties set forth in this division.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  2-102 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 2 - Planning Commission|Subtitle 1 - Organization and General Authority|Section 2-102 - Membership

    (a)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided in this division, a planning commission established under this subtitle shall consist of three, five, or seven members.        (2)    One member of the planning commission may be a member of the legislative body, who serves as an ex officio member concurrent with the member’s legislative term.        (3)    (i)    An ex officio member of a planning commission may not vote on any question in the result of which the ex officio member has an immediate personal or financial interest.            (ii)    When an ex officio member abstains from voting on a question under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the ex officio member shall disclose the recusal.    (b)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the members of a planning commission shall be appointed by:            (i)    the legislative body; or            (ii)    the person designated as the appointing authority in the local law establishing the planning commission.        (2)    If there is a single elected local executive, the members of a planning commission shall be appointed by the local executive and confirmed by the legislative body.    (c)    (1)    The term of a member of a planning commission other than an ex officio member is:            (i)    5 years; or            (ii)    until the member’s successor takes office.        (2)    The terms of the members of a planning commission shall be staggered.    (d)    (1)    A legislative body may remove a member of a planning commission for:            (i)    incompetence;            (ii)    misconduct; or            (iii)    in the same manner as for a member of a State board or commission:                1.    failure to attend meetings under § 8–501 of the State Government Article; or                2.    conviction of a crime in accordance with § 8–502 of the State Government Article.        (2)    The legislative body shall provide to the member:            (i)    a written statement of charges stating the grounds for removal; and            (ii)    an opportunity for a public hearing to contest the charges.    (e)    If a vacancy occurs during the term of an appointed member, the vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as is required for appointment under subsection (b) of this section.    (f)    (1)    The legislative body may designate one or more alternate members to sit on the planning commission in the absence of any member of the commission.        (2)    If an alternate member is absent, the legislative body may designate a temporary alternate member to sit on the planning commission.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  2-103 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 2 - Planning Commission|Subtitle 1 - Organization and General Authority|Section 2-103 - Officers

    (a)    (1)    From among its appointed members, a planning commission shall elect a chair.        (2)    (i)    The term of a chair is 1 year.            (ii)    A chair may be reelected.    (b)    A planning commission may establish and select other officers that it considers appropriate.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  2-104 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 2 - Planning Commission|Subtitle 1 - Organization and General Authority|Section 2-104 - Meetings; Compensation; Employees; Contractors

    (a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a planning commission shall hold at least one regular meeting each month.        (2)    (i)    Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a planning commission appointed by a municipal corporation shall hold meetings quarterly, or more often as the planning commission’s duties require.            (ii)    If there is no business before the planning commission, the chair may cancel the quarterly meeting.    (b)    Each member of a planning commission is entitled to the compensation that the legislative body considers appropriate.    (c)    A planning commission may:        (1)    appoint the employees necessary for the performance of the planning commission’s functions; and        (2)    contract with planners, engineers, architects, and other consultants for services that the commission requires.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  2-105 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 2 - Planning Commission|Subtitle 1 - Organization and General Authority|Section 2-105 - Miscellaneous Powers and Duties

    (a)    (1)    A planning commission shall have the powers necessary to enable the commission to fulfill its functions, promote planning, and execute the purposes of this division.        (2)    On a planning commission’s request, all public officials shall provide to the commission, within a reasonable time, available information that the commission may require for the performance of the planning commission’s functions.        (3)    In the performance of the planning commission’s functions, a planning commission and its members, officers, and employees may enter on any land and make examinations and surveys.        (4)    A planning commission may accept and use gifts and public or private grants for the performance of the commission’s functions.    (b)    (1)    A planning commission’s expenditures, other than gifts, shall be made in accordance with:            (i)    the conditions of the legislative body;  and            (ii)    the amount appropriated by the legislative body.        (2)    The legislative body shall provide the funds, equipment, and accommodations necessary for the performance of the planning commission’s functions.    (c)    (1)    A planning commission shall:            (i)    adopt rules for the conduct of its business; and            (ii)    keep records of its resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations.        (2)    The records required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be open to the public.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  3-101 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 3 - Comprehensive Plan|Subtitle 1 - Requirement and Elements|Section 3-101 - Plan Required; Municipal Inclusion

    (a)    A local jurisdiction shall enact, adopt, amend, and execute a plan in accordance with this division.    (b)    A municipal corporation may be included as part of a county plan under this division if:        (1)    the legislative body of the municipal corporation, by resolution directed to the legislative body of the county where the municipal corporation is located, indicates the intention to participate in the county plan; and        (2)    the legislative body of the county approves the resolution.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  3-102 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 3 - Comprehensive Plan|Subtitle 1 - Requirement and Elements|Section 3-102 - Elements -- Noncharter Counties and Municipal Corporations

    (a)    (1)    The planning commission for a local jurisdiction shall include in the comprehensive plan the following elements:            (i)    a community facilities element;            (ii)    an area of critical State concern element;            (iii)    a goals and objectives element;            (iv)    a housing element;            (v)    a land use element;            (vi)    a development regulations element;            (vii)    a sensitive areas element;            (viii)    a transportation element; and            (ix)    a water resources element.        (2)    If current geological information is available, the plan shall include a mineral resources element.        (3)    The plan for a municipal corporation that exercises zoning authority shall include a municipal growth element.        (4)    The plan for a county that is located on the tidal waters of the State shall include a fisheries element.    (b)    (1)    The planning commission for a local jurisdiction may include in the plan additional elements to advance the purposes of the plan.        (2)    The additional elements may include:            (i)    community renewal elements;            (ii)    conservation elements;            (iii)    flood control elements;            (iv)    natural resources elements;            (v)    pollution control elements;            (vi)    the general location and extent of public utilities; and            (vii)    a priority preservation area element developed in accordance with § 2–518 of the Agriculture Article.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  3-103 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 3 - Comprehensive Plan|Subtitle 1 - Requirement and Elements|Section 3-103 - Development Regulations Element

    (a)    The development regulations element shall include the planning commission’s recommendation for land development regulations to implement the plan.    (b)    The development regulations element shall encourage:        (1)    the use of flexible development regulations to promote innovative and cost–saving site design and protect the environment; and        (2)    within the areas designated for growth in the plan:            (i)    economic development through the use of innovative techniques; and            (ii)    streamlined review of applications for development, including permit review and subdivision plat review.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  3-104 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 3 - Comprehensive Plan|Subtitle 1 - Requirement and Elements|Section 3-104 - Sensitive Areas Element

    (a)    A sensitive areas element shall include the goals, objectives, principles, policies, and standards designed to protect sensitive areas from the adverse effects of development.    (b)    Beginning October 1, 2013, the Department of Natural Resources shall provide a statewide forest resource inventory to local jurisdictions at least every 5 years, to be available for the local comprehensive plan review by local jurisdictions required under §§ 1–416(a) and 3–301(a) of this article.    (c)    Before the plan is adopted, the Department of the Environment and the Department of Natural Resources shall review the sensitive areas element to determine whether the proposed plan is consistent with the programs and goals of the departments.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  3-105 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 3 - Comprehensive Plan|Subtitle 1 - Requirement and Elements|Section 3-105 - Transportation Element

    (a)    The transportation element may include all types of:        (1)    airways;        (2)    highways or streets;        (3)    railways;        (4)    waterways;        (5)    routings for mass transit; and        (6)    terminals for individuals, goods, and vehicles related to airways, highways, railways, and waterways.    (b)    The transportation element shall:        (1)    propose, on a schedule that extends as far into the future as is reasonable, the most appropriate and desirable patterns for:            (i)    the general location, character, and extent of channels, routes, and terminals for transportation facilities; and            (ii)    the circulation of individuals and goods;        (2)    provide for bicycle and pedestrian access and travelways; and        (3)    include an estimate of the use of any proposed improvement.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  3-106 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 3 - Comprehensive Plan|Subtitle 1 - Requirement and Elements|Section 3-106 - Water Resources Element

    (a)    Considering available data provided by the Department of the Environment, the water resources element shall identify:        (1)    drinking water and other water resources that will be adequate for the needs of existing and future development proposed in the land use element of the plan; and        (2)    suitable receiving waters and land areas to meet stormwater management and wastewater treatment and disposal needs of existing and future development proposed in the land use element of the plan.    (b)    The Department of the Environment shall:        (1)    provide, on request of a local jurisdiction, technical assistance on the development of the water resources element; and        (2)    review the water resources element to determine whether the proposed plan is consistent with the programs and goals of the Department reflected in the general water resources program required under § 5–203 of the Environment Article.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  3-107 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 3 - Comprehensive Plan|Subtitle 1 - Requirement and Elements|Section 3-107 - Mineral Resources Element

    (a)    The mineral resources element shall identify:        (1)    undeveloped land that should be kept in its undeveloped state until the land can be used to assist in providing a continuous supply of minerals, as defined in § 15–801(i) of the Environment Article; and        (2)    appropriate postexcavation uses for the land that are consistent with the county’s land planning process.    (b)    A mineral resources element shall incorporate land use policies and recommendations for regulations:        (1)    to balance mineral resource extraction with other land uses; and        (2)    to the extent feasible, to prevent the preemption of mineral resources extraction by other uses.    (c)    Before the plan is adopted, the Department of the Environment shall review the mineral resources element to determine whether the proposed plan is consistent with the programs and goals of the Department.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  3-108 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 3 - Comprehensive Plan|Subtitle 1 - Requirement and Elements|Section 3-108 - Community Facilities Element

    (a)    On a schedule that extends as far into the future as is reasonable, a community facilities element shall propose the most appropriate and desirable patterns for the general location, character, and extent of public and semipublic buildings, land, and facilities.    (b)    A community facilities element may include:        (1)    places of worship;        (2)    fire stations;        (3)    hospitals;        (4)    institutions;        (5)    jails;        (6)    libraries;        (7)    parks and recreation areas;        (8)    police stations;        (9)    schools and other educational facilities;        (10)    cultural facilities;        (11)    social welfare and medical facilities; and        (12)    other public office or administrative facilities.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  3-109 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 3 - Comprehensive Plan|Subtitle 1 - Requirement and Elements|Section 3-109 - Areas of Critical State Concern Element

    The areas of critical State concern element shall include the planning commission’s recommendations for the determination, identification, and designation of areas within the local jurisdiction that are of critical State concern.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  3-110 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 3 - Comprehensive Plan|Subtitle 1 - Requirement and Elements|Section 3-110 - Goals and Objectives Element

    (a)    The goals and objectives element shall include a statement of goals and objectives, principles, policies, and standards.    (b)    The statement shall serve as a guide for the development and economic and social well–being of the local jurisdiction.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  3-111 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division I - Single-Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning|Title 3 - Comprehensive Plan|Subtitle 1 - Requirement and Elements|Section 3-111 - Land Use Element

    (a)    On a schedule that extends as far into the future as is reasonable, the land use element shall propose the most appropriate and desirable patterns for the general location, character, extent, and interrelationship of the uses of public and private land.    (b)    The land use element may include the following public and private land uses:        (1)    agricultural;        (2)    commercial;        (3)    forestry, in accordance with § 5–101 of the Natural Resources Article;        (4)    industrial;        (5)    recreational; and        (6)    residential.