Bill > H2175

This bill establishes commonsense permitting reforms for businesses and landowners. It amends the state's zoning laws to: 1) Clarify that special permits must be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the zoning ordinance, and can impose conditions and limitations. 2) Specify the criteria the permit granting authority must consider when granting zoning variances, including the benefit to the applicant versus the detriment to the neighborhood. 3) Authorize municipalities to require site plan review for development projects that do not need a special permit or variance, and sets guidelines for the site plan review process. 4) Prohibit local governments from basing decisions on the exaction of monetary payments or property from applicants/landowners, unless the decision contains explicit findings demonstrating the exaction satisfies federal constitutional requirements. Overall, the bill aims to provide more clarity and consistency in the zoning and permitting process for businesses and landowners in the state.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H2175