Please click the following link to view a
Document
timeline
(279.83 KB)
of planning regulations in Maryland & Garrett County.
Document Garrett County 2017 Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan (4.06 MB)
Document Appendix D (73.43 KB)
The State of Maryland requires that counties update Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plans (LPPRPs) every five years. The LPPRPs qualify local governments for State Program Open Space (POS) grants and other programs related to three land resource elements: recreation and parks; agricultural land preservation; and natural resource land conservation. The main purpose for the Garrett County LPPRP is to identify future needs and priorities for parks, recreation and open space acquisition, facility development and rehabilitation in the County and its eight incorporated towns. These needs and priorities serve as a guide for land acquisitions and capital investments in the County’s and towns’ Capital Improvements Programs. The 2017 LPPRP describes progress made since the 2012 LPPRP and identifies needs and priorities of current and future County residents and visitors for parks and recreation.
Sustainable Growth & Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012 (The Septic Bill)
The Maryland General Assembly approved the Sustainable Growth & Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012 (Senate Bill 236) during the 2012 General Assembly session. The law, which took effect on July 1, 2012, is sometimes referred to as the Septic Bill since it seeks to limit the spread of residential development on septic systems.
The Act required all jurisdictions, including Garrett County, to adopt land use categories called Tiers. The Tiers were created based on certain criteria in the Act that established where major and minor residential subdivisions may be located and what type of sewerage system will serve them. The Garrett County Commissioners adopted the original Tier Map on December 4, 2012. On November 7, 2016 the Garrett County Commissioners adopted an
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amendment
(241.87 KB)
to the Comprehensive Plan that incorporated a slightly updated version of the Garrett County
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Tier Map
(360.77 KB)
into the Plan. All subdivisions submitted on or after December 31, 2012 must comply with the Tier Map and other provisions of the Act.
Garrett County Heritage Area Management
Maryland’s Heritage Areas are locally designated and State certified regions where public and private partners make commitments to preserving historical, cultural and natural resources for sustainable economic development through heritage tourism. The Garrett County Commissioners adopted the
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Garrett County Heritage Plan
(10.31 MB)
on April 22, 2003. The Plan described the Garrett County’s rich heritage and was the first step towards establishing a Recognized Heritage Area in the county.
The
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Garrett County Heritage Area Management Plan
(32.65 MB)
was adopted by the Commissioners in June 2011 and established the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area. The Heritage Area has four major themes: Transportation, including Braddock’s Trail and the National Road; Man and Nature, highlighting the county’s unique natural resources; Historic Recreation as Garrett County’s natural beauty has inspired travelers from all walks of life to visit and locate to the area; and Cultural Uniqueness, recounting the lives of various cultural groups that settled and have remained in the area. These key heritage topics best describe the local historical, cultural, archeological, natural resource and transportation systems which depict the story of how Garrett County came to be.
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is the official management entity for the Heritage Area. The Chamber can be contacted at 301-387-4386.
Deep Creek Lake Watershed Economic Growth and Planning Analysis Study
In 2004, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) was hired to conduct a study of economic and planning opportunities in the Deep Creek watershed and suggest means and measures to address issues concerning land use, growth and development, environmental quality, and management.
The
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Final Recommendations
(737.24 KB)
were completed in December 2004 based on information found in the following previous reports:
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Issues Summary
(165.04 KB)
, April 2004
Document
Evaluation of Plans, Programs & Regulations
(746.06 KB)
, June 2004
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Case Studies of Lakes & Resorts
(976.91 KB)
, June 2004
Document
Issues and Options Paper
(486.53 KB)
, July 2004
