Bill > HB548

This bill, known as the Maryland Housing Certainty Act, aims to streamline and stabilize the housing development permitting process by establishing clearer rules for local authorities and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (referred to as the "Commission"). Key provisions include that the approval of a housing development project application will be governed solely by the laws and regulations in effect when a "complete application" is submitted, meaning an application with all necessary information for review, even if minor errors exist. Furthermore, once a housing development project receives all necessary approvals, the developer gains "vested rights," meaning they have a guaranteed right to proceed with the approved use and development for at least five years, or a longer period set by the local authority or Commission. The bill also clarifies when certain development taxes and fees can be collected, generally delaying their collection until construction is complete and occupancy permits are met, with exceptions for financing pre-existing debt.