When Eastern Shore Land Conservancy reviews a planned development, our first question is: Does this development follow the community’s comprehensive plan? Every county and incorporated municipality on the Eastern Shore has a comprehensive plan. These plans serve as long-range land-use strategies designed to gather input from residents. They act as guiding documents that reflect the community’s needs and aspirations for growth. A community comprehensive plan is like a holiday wish list, filled with hopes and dreams for the future. Master plans, zoning maps, and zoning ordinances on the other hand, are like the actual gifts received, reflecting what is realistically achievable and available.

A comprehensive plan must outline all growth areas within the community and identify any deficiencies in neighborhoods, such as the need for parks, trails, or sidewalks. It typically includes elements related to natural resources, housing, transportation, and implementation strategies. 

Comprehensive plans are intended to be reviewed and updated at least every ten years, coinciding with the release of census data. However, many plans on the Eastern Shore remain outdated due to limited capacity and technical assistance, particularly in smaller towns with few staff members. When updates do occur, local governments actively seek input and feedback from residents and businesses. This is a crucial opportunity for community members to understand the plan and express their needs and vision for the future. 

Currently, several counties and at least a dozen towns on the Eastern Shore are in the process of updating their comprehensive plans. If you are interested in learning more about your community’s comprehensive plan, all plans in the state of Maryland can be found here: