Town centers are the primary locations for growth and are intended to include a mix of commercial, office, residential, public and quasi-public development. This concentration of mixed uses serve as a catalyst to promote economic development, create more local jobs, expand cultural opportunities, reduce traffic congestion, prevent strip commercial development and provide a range of housing opportunities with convenient access to goods and services for county residents. The provision of adequate roads, water, wastewater systems, public transportation and high-quality internet communication systems, together with public amenities such as parks, town squares, trails, sidewalks, bikeways, indoor recreational and cultural facilities are a county priority.
Starting on March 1, 2025, architectural review (including submittal requirements) will be included in the permit and development review processes.
To see if your project applies for Architectural Review, refer to the Calvert County Zoning Ordinance, Article 25-9.C (link below).
The permit will be reviewed by either the Zoning Reviewer for the associated building permit or the lead Site Plan Reviewer for Development Review.
Architectural review no longer requires a separate application. All architectural documentation and plans will be required as part of the permit application and/or development review process, if applicable. You will see the requirement to upload an architectural review document when uploading the required plan(s).
If proposal received prior architectural review approval, applicant shall submit approval documents with permit submittal.
Calvert County’s town centers closely align with the Maryland Department of Planning’s Priority Funding Areas (PFAs), established in 1997 through the PFA Act (Smart Growth Act). Maryland’s PFAs are targeted communities where local governments seek state investment to support future growth. This includes investments in infrastructure—such as roads, schools, water and sewer services, and economic development—recognizing that these investments are the state’s most important tool for influencing growth and development.
Calvert County’s town centers also closely align with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s designated Sustainable Communities. The Sustainable Communities program, established in 2010, is a place-based designation for older communities that offers resources to support holistic strategies for community development, revitalization, and sustainability in older communities. The designation places special emphasis on infrastructure improvements, multimodal transportation and development that strengthens existing communities.
