Zoning Requests Due March 31 for New Land Plan

St. Mary’s County residents who wish to request a change to their property’s proposed land use designation as part of the St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan update may submit a formal request through the county’s Department of Land Use & Growth Management.

The St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan will serve as the county’s long-range planning document, guiding land use decisions through 2050 and helping ensure our community grows responsibly while preserving our rural character, natural resources, and quality of life. Over the past year, the community has been invited to share their thoughts and ideas about the future of St. Mary’s County as part of this planning process.

In February 2026, the county released the draft St. Mary’s 2050 Plan, which is now available for public review and comment.

A key component of the plan is the land use map, which identifies where growth, redevelopment, and preservation are anticipated throughout the county. The draft St. Mary’s 2050 Plan proposes simplifying land use classifications from 23 categories to nine.

Community members can review the proposed land use designation for their property at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/GIS:

1. Click Interactive County Map, to open the GIS Map
2. Locate your property (enter the address in the search bar)
3. In the Map Layers box, scroll down to find the Zoning and Other Regulatory section
4. Click the arrow next to Zoning and Other Regulatory to expand this section
5. Scroll down and select Land Use (Proposed 2050)
6. Click the Legend (list icon on the right) to view each of the land use categories and associated color codes

If a property owner believes a different designation is more appropriate, they may submit a request for consideration, using the form available at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/LUDrequest. In general, a property’s land use designation could be changed if the requested designation is consistent with the land use designation of surrounding properties.

Requests must be submitted by 5pm March 31, 2026. Residents may submit requests in person, by mail, or via email.

Please note that a land use designation guides long-term planning but does not change a property’s zoning. Any requests for future zoning changes will be considered through a separate process, at a later time.

Additionally, properties within the Lexington Park Development District are not currently eligible for land use designation change requests.

For more information or assistance, call the Department of Land Use & Growth Management at 301-475-4200, ext. 1500 or email [email protected]. Community members also are welcome to stop by LUGM to speak with staff member. Hours and location are available at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/LUGM.

About St. Mary’s 2050

St. Mary’s 2050: Charting Our Tomorrow is an update to the county’s comprehensive plan and will guide future land use and development decisions while supporting economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and quality of life. Continued engagement is a key component of creating a plan that reflects a shared vision for the county’s future.