§ 27-220. Purpose and intent.

(a)

Sectional Map Amendment (SMA) procedures are provided for the comprehensive rezoning of all planning areas of Prince George's County. The following is the intent of establishing these procedures:

(1)

To provide for a systematic review of zoning and land use and how they conform to the principles of orderly comprehensive land use planning and staged development (as reflected in established public plans and policies) and planned public facilities;

(2)

To limit piecemeal rezoning;

(3)

To limit Zoning Map Amendment cases heard by the Zoning Hearing Examiner and approved to:

(A)

Cases where there is a clear legal mandate that the applicant's property rights would be denied if zoning was withheld;

(B)

Cases where there is a pressing public interest;

(C)

Cases involving certain Comprehensive Design and Mixed Use Zones; and

(D)

Cases where the applicant demonstrates that a clear mistake was made in the original zoning or subsequent rezoning by adoption of a Sectional Map Amendment.

(4)

To consider cases where sufficient evidence justifies rezoning but does not compel it. These cases should be considered as a part of the Sectional Map Amendment, except where the most recent Sectional Map Amendment involving the property was adopted more than ten (10) years prior to the application being filed.

(CB-68-1989; CB-53-1991; CB-63-1992)