Calvert County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Calvert County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
Reversal of Industrial II rezoning near Calvert Cliffs
State historic preservation findings cited in public comment indicate the proposed data center campus near Lusby will likely adversely affect two National Register-eligible sites: the Parran's Park tobacco barn complex and the Baltimore and Drum Point Railroad bed.
Sewage overflows in Solomons and Chesapeake Beach
A property at 3690 Third Street just outside North Beach has a failing septic system. Certifying the area as a priority funding area unlocks state money to connect it to public sewer.
Water and Sewer Comprehensive Plan December 2025 Update
A resident presented a three-year timeline arguing the county's water and sewer rate model quietly baked in future growth — including thousands of EDUs from developments like Benedict — and that residents were never told how much the rates depended on new connections.
Town center histories and voluntary historic districts
Staff presented deep-dive histories of the Owings and Huntingtown town centers and floated the idea of voluntary historic districts there, which come with exterior design rules but also a 25% state preservation tax credit. The idea may be pitched at upcoming Huntingtown master plan work sessions.
PFAS and arsenic in drinking water
The draft plan omitted known PFAS contamination near the Naval Research Lab area and relied on arsenic data from 2003. The commission required updated sections on both before recommending adoption.
Aquifer sustainability and saltwater intrusion
Early data center plans called for groundwater wells for cooling, and a draft text amendment would ban that entirely. Speakers worry closed-loop systems still discharge water and that wells could run dry.
Domestic violence services and awareness
The Calvert Safe Housing Network has served 31 survivors and 21 children since May using hotels and landlord partnerships, and wants $277,500 to run the Safe Harbor shelter starting July 2026.
ADA accessibility progress
The county is making real headroom on accessibility — a curb ramp reporting tool, service animal policies, accessible park equipment — but full barrier removal runs through 2041.
Property tax relief for FY 2028
After two straight years of roughly $10 million surpluses, the Board asked staff to bring back options in October for cutting the property tax rate by five or six cents. Each penny cut costs about $1.6 million in recurring revenue.
Child care property tax credit (HB 389)
Two daycare special exceptions were approved in one hearing, adding capacity for working families in northern and central Calvert. Operators say demand far exceeds available spots, and both cited long wait lists and commuting parents.