Calvert County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Calvert County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Permitting and bond calculation frustrations
Calvert County is overhauling how homeowners get building permits. Electrical reviews are now down to under a week on average, a same-day fast track for decks and sheds is in the works, and a new dashboard shows monthly permit volumes. Residents can also book free pre-application meetings and submit concept plans to Environmental Health to catch problems early.
Countywide data center prohibition (Text Amendment 26-31)
The Board directed staff to pursue extending the data center moratorium, removing data centers as a permitted use, and rezoning heavy industrial properties. The incoming board sworn in December 15 will make the final calls, but the process clock is now running. Residents strongly support action.
Lusby apartment project and 2018 MOU dispute
A previous Board of Appeals case (C-04-CV-26-000112) heads to Circuit Court on October 8, 2026; the board expects an update at its next meeting.
Skaggs building two occupancy resolution
The Owings recreation/flex complex has been stuck on repeated temporary occupancy certificates because building two couldn't be used until a red-line plan was approved. Tonight's approval finally unlocks permanent occupancy.
West Side on Maine density and grandfathering dispute
24 townhomes plus two commercial buildings on 3.9 acres along Main Street in Prince Frederick's Old Town sub-area. Commissioners are worried about traffic on already-failing intersections, the dramatic change to Main Street's look, and the fact the project was filed just before density rules dropped from 14 to 4 units per acre.
Proposed Wawa filling station in Solomons Town Center
A Wawa with gas pumps is proposed near the Solomons town center, and neighbors worry 2,000+ daily vehicle trips will clog the two-lane HG Trueman Road access route and endanger pedestrians and cyclists heading to Calvert Marina. The board tabled the case until a traffic study shows how congestion and entrances will be handled.
Potential Data Center and Regional Park Proposal
The county's handling of proposed large-scale data centers near Calvert Cliffs dominated the meeting. Residents pressed for a moratorium and independent studies on noise, water, power costs and school proximity; the board instead advanced a package of zoning text amendments that would apply to projects not yet under construction, with no grandfathering or fast-tracking.
Old Anchor Farm intrafamily lot removal request
A Huntingtown family asked to lift intrafamily restrictions on two critical-area lots so they can sell outside the family after a child's death and a divorce. The commission approved with conditions requiring five TDRs or payment to the preservation fund, over one dissent on the undeveloped lot.
Natelli Land Negotiation Transparency Questions
A resident presented documents showing the county spent roughly 19 months in exclusive negotiations with Natelli Investments over county-owned land, raising questions about transparency, water/sewer debt, and industrial zoning changes made before forest conservation rules were updated.