§ 24-150. Legislative findings.

(a)

The following findings are hereby made:

(1)

The General Assembly of Maryland has enacted legislation creating a Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Protection Program codified in the Maryland Annotated Code, Natural Resources Article, Sections 8-1801, et seq., 1983 Edition, as amended.

(2)

The General Assembly of Maryland has adopted certain criteria for development and growth to protect habitat and water quality in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area.

(3)

The criteria adopted by the State allow maximum future additional intense and limited development in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area of only five percent (5%) of the total area designated as Resource Conservation Overlay Zone, and the criteria allow only fifty percent (50%) of the permissible growth increment in the designated resource conservation area.

(4)

Prince George's County is required by the State law to develop a local program to implement the State mandated criteria.

(5)

The quality of life of the citizens of Prince George's County will be enhanced by the effective implementation of the criteria to restore the quality and productivity of the waters of the County, the Chesapeake Bay, and its tributaries.

(6)

The effective implementation of the criteria through the local program is necessary to provide proper planning and development in the best interests of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Prince George's County.

(7)

Development and implementation of the local program may be compromised unless limited restrictions are imposed on the subdivision of land within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area.

(CB-73-1987)