Charles County Comprehensive Plan

About the Comprehensive Plan

Preserving open spaces. Enhancing transportation. These concepts and others drive the vision for the Comprehensive Plan, a long range plan that guides policy, investment, program, and land use decisions within the County. The Comprehensive Plan update process is now underway, and public input is essential to producing an enhanced Plan that reflects community consensus and identifies ways to maintain Charles County as an ideal place to live, work, shop, and recreate.

Under state law (Article 66B), the County must review its Comprehensive Plan every six years. The County’s first Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1974 and the latest update (the “current” Comprehensive Plan) was completed in 2006.

The 2012 Comprehensive Plan will be the framework for land use, growth management, rural/agricultural policies, economic development, water resources, natural environmental resources, community facilities, and energy efficiency decisions through approximately 2040.

The 2012 Plan will be developed through a scenario (options) approach, which differs from prior Comprehensive Plans. This process provides numerous opportunities for the public to learn about and provide input into the Plan. Please see the Get Involved page for more information.

The Towns of Indian Head and La Plata are incorporated, and have their own Comprehensive Plans. While the Charles County Comprehensive Plan does not set policy inside the towns, town residents and businesses are encouraged to participate in this Countywide comprehensive planning effort.