[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of Queen Anne's County 1-6-2004. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Zoning and subdivision regulations— See Ch. 18:1.
Forest conservation— See Ch. 18:2.
Development impact fees — See Ch. 18:3.
In Chapter 18, the following words have the meanings indicated:
ABUT
Having a common border with, or being separated from such a common border by an alley, easement, or right-of-way.
ACCESS LOT
The lot that is the sole access to an adjacent lot and by which pedestrians and vehicles shall have safe, adequate and usable ingress and egress to a property or use.
ACCESSORY BUILDING
A. 
A structure that:
(1) 
Is subordinate to and serves a principal building or a principal use;
(2) 
Is subordinate in area, extent and purpose to the principal building or use served;
(3) 
Is located on the same lot as the principal building or use served except as otherwise expressly authorized by provisions of this Chapter 18; and
(4) 
Is customarily incidental to the principal building or use.
B. 
Does not include any portion of a principal building devoted or intended to be devoted to an accessory use.
ACCESSORY DOCK
A dock for not more than 10 boats that:
A. 
Is accessory to a restaurant or other commercial use that is adjacent to the water; and
B. 
Provides docking for patrons of the establishment for which no rent is charged.
ACCESSORY USE
A use that:
A. 
Is subordinate to and serves a principal structure or a principal use;
B. 
Is subordinate in area, extent and purpose to the principal structure or use served;
C. 
Is located on the same lot as the principal structure or use served except as otherwise expressly authorized by this Chapter 18; and
D. 
Is customarily incidental to the principal structure or use.
ACRE
An area of land equal to 43,560 square feet.
ADAPTIVE REUSE OF AN EXISTING BUILDING
The modification of a building to make it suitable for a use for which it was not originally constructed. An adaptive reuse shall not increase the floor area of the existing building by more than 25%.
[Added 9-7-2004 by Ord. No. 04-11]
ADMINISTRATIVE SUBDIVISION
The adjustment, movement or elimination of a common property line between two or more existing lots of record as authorized by this Chapter 18.
AGENCY
The County Commissioners, the Planning Commission, the Department of Planning and Zoning, the Department of Public Works and any other agency or department of the United States, the state or the County that participates in any review or approval authorized by this Chapter 18.
AGENCY EMPLOYEE
Any elected or appointed official of an agency, any salaried or contractual employee of an agency and any attorney or agent of an agency.
AGE-RESTRICTED HOUSING
A residential complex containing multifamily or apartment dwellings designed for and occupied by persons of 55 years or older. Such facilities may include a congregate meals program in a common dining area.
[Added 7-10-2012 by Ord. No. 12-02]
AGRICULTURAL CONFERENCE FACILITY
A single facility or building located on agricultural land to facilitate and house agricultural meetings and conferences and other activities as permitted by § 18:1-95P.
[Added 9-5-2006 by Ord. No. 06-10]
AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT
A nonpossessory interest in land recorded among the land records of Queen Anne's County that restricts land to agricultural uses and has been approved by MALPF, MET, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, or similar government or nonprofit land conservancy agency or group.
AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT
A service or activity performed in connection with the:
A. 
Cultivation of soil or the raising, harvesting, handling, planting, drying, packing, packaging, processing, freezing, grading, storing or delivering to storage or to market or to a carrier for transportation to market an agricultural or horticultural commodity in its unmanufactured state;
B. 
Raising, sharing, feeding, caring for, training and management of livestock, bees or poultry; or
C. 
Operation and maintenance of ditches, canals, waterways or reservoirs used exclusively for supplying or storing water for farming purposes.
AGRICULTURAL/EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITY
The care, breeding, boarding, rental, riding or training of equines and other farm animals or the teaching of equestrian skill and open houses, clinics and demonstration.
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 09-01]
AGRICULTURAL/EQUESTRIAN EVENT
A competition, exhibition, or other display of skills on private lands, where an admittance fee is charged for spectators.
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 09-01]
AGRICULTURAL/EQUESTRIAN FACILITY
Any private land area, building or structure that is used for an agricultural/equestrian event.
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 09-01]
AGRICULTURAL SUPPORT
A. 
A commercial facility that stores or sells only agricultural equipment or products (e.g., fertilizer, grain, or seed) or processes agricultural products not grown on site.
B. 
Includes, but is not limited to, agricultural tourism (e.g., farm tours, summer camps and bird watching), grain elevators, seed-drying operations, heavy farm equipment sales, and seed, fertilizer, and agricultural chemical supply stores.
AGRICULTURE
All methods of production or management of livestock, poultry, crops, vegetation and soil, other than commercial logging and timber harvesting operations; and includes but is not limited to:
A. 
Tillage, plowing, seeding, fertilization, pest control, harvesting, maintenance of best management practices, and marketing;
B. 
Feeding, housing, grazing, raising, and maintaining animals such as cattle, dairy cows, sheep, hogs, poultry and equine and the handling of their by-products;
C. 
Orchards, nurseries, vineyards, cheese making, winery, U-pick operations, and farm breweries; and
[Amended 3-21-2017 by Ord. No. 16-21]
D. 
Silviculture, sod production, and aquaculture.
AIRPORT-RELATED USES
A use that supports airport operations, including but not limited to aircraft repair and maintenance, flight instruction, and aircraft chartering, aircraft rental, and any other activity which has a direct relationship to the operation of aircraft.
[Added 8-24-2010 by Ord. No. 10-10]
ALLEY
A service way providing a secondary means of access to abutting property and not intended for general traffic circulation.
AMENDMENT
Any change, addition or modification to the provisions of this Chapter 18 or the official Zoning Maps.
AMENITY
A natural or man-made feature that enhances a site.
AMPHITHEATER
A level open space surrounded by an oval or portion thereof that gradually ascends used for seating people on the sloping area for viewing of outdoor events.
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-19]
APARTMENT DEVELOPMENT
A. 
One or more two-to-three-story structures, that contain apartment units, on a lot or parcel including related off-street parking, common outdoor space, and may or may not include common indoor space and recreation components.
B. 
Does not involve the deed restriction protection of on-site open space pursuant to standards set forth in § 18:1-12 of this Chapter 18 unless it is part of a planned residential development where common or public open space is required.
APARTMENT UNIT
A dwelling unit in a building containing three or more dwelling units that the occupants rent or lease from the owner of the dwelling unit.
APPEAL
A procedure for obtaining review of a decision, determination, order or failure to act pursuant to the terms of this Chapter 18 as expressly authorized by Chapter 18:1, Part 7, Article XXII, of this Chapter 18.
AQUACULTURE
An agriculture activity associated with the hatching, raising, harvesting, and breeding of fish or other aquatic plants or animals in natural or artificial aquatic situation that requires a body of water, such as a holding tank, pond, or lake, which can be naturally occurring or created by extraction activity.
ARCADE
A continuous, semicovered area, adjacent to public pedestrian areas.
ARTERIAL HIGHWAY
A. 
A road intended to provide for high-speed travel between or within communities or to and from collectors and expressways. Access is controlled so that only regionally significant land uses may take direct access to these streets.
B. 
Arterial highways are designated in the Queen Anne's County Comprehensive Plan.
ARTERIAL ROAD
A road that:
A. 
Serves traffic movement between urban and regional areas;
B. 
Is characterized by limited/controlled access, channelized grade crossings and signals at major intersections; and
C. 
Is designated in the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
ARTERIAL STREET
Has the same meaning as "arterial road."
ASSISTED LIVING PROGRAM
A residential or facility-based program that meets the requirements of § 19-801, Health-General Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended from time to time.
[Added 9-7-2004 by Ord. No. 04-28]
ATTIC
The space between the ceiling beams of the top story and the roof rafters.
AUCTION
The offering for sale of new and used goods by means of a request or invitation for bids, but does not include retail stores.
AUDIT FEE
A fee paid by a participant attending an educational event or activity for instruction who does not bring an animal.
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 09-01]
AUTHORIZED SURETY
A. 
A performance guarantee and/or a maintenance guarantee in a form required by this Chapter 18.
B. 
Includes, to the extent authorized by this Chapter 18:
(1) 
A bond issued by a company authorized to provide surety in Maryland;
(2) 
A letter of credit issued by a financial institution authorized to do business in Maryland; or
(3) 
A cash deposit.
AUXILIARY SIGN
A sign that provides special information, such as direction, tenant directions, hours of operation, or warnings and that does not include names, brand names or information regarding product lines or services.
AVERAGE GROUND ELEVATION
The average level of the finished surface of the ground within 20 feet of a building or structure.
BANQUET FACILITIES
A sit-down eating and/or liquor sales establishment designed primarily for conducting weddings, receptions, parties and similar functions. Accessory activities, such as entertainment scheduled in conjunction with reserved events may be permitted.
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-19]
BASEMENT
The portion of a building located partially underground, having less than 50% of its clear floor-to-ceiling height below grade and a floor-to-ceiling height of not less than 6 1/2 feet.
BASE SITE AREA
The total site area less any portion of the site located in another zoning district.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
A residential building:
A. 
That contains a permanently occupied dwelling unit;
B. 
That contains no more than five guest rooms, which may not have individual exterior entrances;
C. 
That provides overnight lodging not exceeding 30 consecutive days; and
D. 
Where guests may receive only one meal per day, to be served between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
BEDROOM
A room in a residence marketed, designed or otherwise likely to function primarily for sleeping.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPS)
A. 
Conservation practices or systems of practices and management measures that control soil loss and reduce water quality degradation caused by nutrients, animal waste, toxic substances and sediment.
B. 
Agricultural BMPs include, but are not limited to, strip cropping, terracing, contour stripping, grass waterways, animal waste structures, ponds, minimal tillage, grass and naturally vegetated filter strips, and proper nutrient application measures.
BUFFER YARD
A landscaped area of land along certain zoning district boundaries and streets, and between certain uses, designed to eliminate or minimize potential nuisances and to ensure desired character along public streets.
BUILDING
A. 
A structure built, maintained, or intended for use for the shelter or enclosure of persons, animals, or property of any kind.
B. 
Includes any part of the structure.
C. 
Where independent units with separate entrances are divided by party walls, each unit is a building.
BUILDING CODE
The Building Code of Queen Anne's County, adopted by the County Commissioners on January 3, 1984, as amended.[1]
BUILDING FRONT
A. 
The exterior wall of a building that faces the primary access point of the property; or
B. 
The wall that contains the primary access into the building.
BUILDING HEIGHT
A. 
The vertical distance as measured from the average ground elevation to the highest point of the structure with a flat or sloped roof; and
B. 
On structures with pitched or gabled roofs, the vertical distance as measured from the average ground elevation to a point halfway between the eaves and the top of the pitch or gable; and
C. 
Steeples, cupolas, and chimneys that are of limited size that do not contribute to mass and bulk are not subject to the building height; or
D. 
Except as otherwise provided herein.
BUSINESS DAY
A day of the week, excluding Saturday, Sunday and designated holiday observances, on which the office of the Clerk to the County Commissioners is open during its customary hours of 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
BUSINESS DIRECTIONAL SIGN
An off-premises sign that provides information on one or more businesses intended to provide locational information to travelers on designated arterial roads.
CALIPER
The diameter measured two inches above the root collar.
CAMOUFLAGED TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY
A telecommunications facility that is disguised, hidden, or integrated within a structure that is not a tower, or is mounted within trees so as to be screened from view. Examples of camouflaged facilities include, but are not limited to, those incorporated into a flagpole with a flag, steeple, chimney, or similar structure.
CAMPGROUND
A commercial, for-profit area used for camping and/or recreational vehicles, limited to tenancies of not more than 30 calendar days.
CAMPING COOPERATIVE
A seasonal, nonprofit campground organized as a cooperative housing corporation that does not offer short-term campsites for rent to members of the public, whose members hold long-term leases for campsites, that does not allow year-round residency, and that includes recreational amenities and administrative structures available only for use where only recreational vehicles as defined in § 14:3-12B and tents are allowed and only by members of the cooperative housing corporation.
[Added 3-26-2024 by Ord. No. 24-02]
CANNABIS
[Added 4-11-2017 by Ord. No. 17-06; amended 3-12-2024 by Ord. No. 24-04]
A. 
The plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of the plant, including all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentration greater than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
B. 
Includes cannabis product, cannabis concentrate, and cannabis-infused product.
C. 
Does not include hemp or hemp products, as defined in the Agriculture Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, § 14-101.
CANNABIS CONCENTRATE
Any product intended for medicinal, or adult use derived from cannabis that is kief, hashish, bubble hash, oil, wax, or other products produced by extracting cannabinoids from the plant through the use of solvents, carbon dioxide, or heat, screens, presses, or steam distillation. Cannabis-infused product oil, wax, ointment, salve, tincture, capsule, suppository, dermal patch, cartridge, or any other products containing cannabis concentrate or usable cannabis that has been processed so that the dried leaves and flowers are integrated into other materials.
[Added 4-11-2017 by Ord. No. 17-06; amended 3-12-2024 by Ord. No. 24-04]
CANNABIS LICENSED DISPENSARY
An entity licensed by the Maryland Cannabis Administration that acquires, possesses, repackages, transports, sells, distributes, or dispenses cannabis or cannabis products, including cannabis concentrate and cannabis-infused product for use by qualifying patients, caregivers, or consumers through a storefront or through a delivery service.
[Amended 3-12-2024 by Ord. No. 24-04]
CANNABIS LICENSED GROWER
An entity licensed by the Maryland Cannabis Administration that cultivates or packages cannabis and is authorized by the Administration to provide cannabis to other cannabis licensees and registered independent testing laboratories.
[Added 3-12-2024 by Ord. No. 24-04]
CANNABIS LICENSED PROCESSOR
An entity licensed by the Maryland Cannabis Administration that:
[Amended 3-12-2024 by Ord. No. 24-04]
A. 
Transforms cannabis into another product or extract and packages and labels the product or extract; and
B. 
Is authorized by the Administration to provide cannabis to licensed dispensaries and registered independent testing laboratories.
CANNABIS PRODUCT
Products that are composed of cannabis, cannabis concentrate, cannabis extract, or other ingredients and are intended for use or consumption, including edible products, oils, and tinctures.
[Added 3-12-2024 by Ord. No. 24-04]
CANOPY TREE
A. 
A tree that would occupy the upper canopy of a forest in a natural ecological situation, often referred to as a shade tree.
B. 
Includes a beech, hickory, oak, sassafras, tulip tree, etc.
CAPACITY
The maximum number of individuals that may be accommodated by the use as determined by its design or by Fire Code regulations, whichever is greater.
CAPITAL BUDGET
The budget adopted by the County Commissioners from time to time, dedicated to identifying and financing needed capital improvements.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Land acquisition, site development, site-related improvements, purchase of equipment, or construction of structures necessary for the expansion or construction of public schools and emergency service facilities in the County; and includes all related costs.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
The schedule of capital improvements to be undertaken by the County as determined from time to time by the County Commissioners or as set forth in the capital budget.
CARETAKER DWELLING
A dwelling unit that is used exclusively by either the caretaker, manager, or operator of a principal permitted use and that is located on the same parcel as the principal use.
CARRY-OUT FOOD SERVICE
An establishment in which the design of the physical facilities, the serving or packaging procedures permit or encourage the purchase of prepared, ready-to-eat food intended to be consumed off the premises, and where the consumption of foods in motor vehicles is neither permitted nor encouraged.
CELLAR
The portion of a building located partially underground, having more than 50% of its clear floor-to-ceiling height below grade and with a floor-to-ceiling height of less than 6 1/2 feet.
CHESAPEAKE BAY CRITICAL AREA
All land and waters defined in § 8-1807 of the Natural Resources Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, including:
A. 
All waters of, and lands under, the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries to the head of tide as indicated on the state wetlands maps and all state and private wetlands designated under Title 16 of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland; and
B. 
All lands and water areas within 1,000 feet of the landward boundaries of state or private wetlands and the heads of tides designated under Title 16 of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
CHURCH
A building wherein persons regularly assemble for religious worship.
CITATION
The description of an instrument or writing by reference to the names of all parties to the instrument, the date of the instrument and the place where the instrument is recorded among the land records.
CLUSTER SUBDIVISION
A residential subdivision in which single-family residential dwelling units are concentrated in a discrete area of the existing lot such that significant open space is created and protected in accordance with the district regulations set forth in Chapter 18:1, Part 3, Article V, of this Chapter 18.
COASTAL FLOODPLAIN
An area inundated by a one-hundred-year storm as designated on the FEMA flood insurance maps whose surface elevation is seven feet or less, based on the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929.
COFFEE SHOP
An establishment that is engaged in serving food that is primarily not prepared on the premises and beverages.
COLLECTOR HIGHWAY
A road that connects residential streets to the highway system and high-speed arterial roads or provides access to nonresidential uses and arterial streets.
COLLECTOR ROAD or STREET
A road that:
A. 
Serves traffic movements between arterial and local roads and serves through traffic within local areas; and
B. 
Is designated in the Transportation Element of the Queen Anne's County Comprehensive Plan.
COLLOCATION
Placement of an antenna on an existing tower, building, or other structure capable of supporting more than one antenna, dish, or similar device.
COMMERCIAL APARTMENT
A dwelling unit located above the first floor of a commercial building.
COMMERCIAL FORESTRY
Commercial logging operations and/or selective cutting or clearing primarily for commercial purposes.
COMMERCIAL STABLE
A building or land where horses are kept for remuneration, hire, sale or boarding.
COMMERCIAL USE
Any development approved by the County or a municipal corporation that involves the retail or wholesale marketing of goods and services. Commercial uses shall be categorized as follows:
A. 
HIGH COMMERCIAL USESInclude the following and other similar uses of comparable intensity, scope, character, and impact: bowling alleys; package stores/stores selling liquor, beer or soft drinks (in sealed containers, not for consumption on-premises); retail sales or stores; recreational vehicle sales; convenience stores; convenience stores with gas pumps (does not include high-speed diesel fuel pumps, truck parking, overnight vehicle parking except in association with vehicle repair, truck stops, travel plazas); fast-food restaurants; gasoline service stations (does not include high-speed diesel fuel pumps, truck parking, overnight vehicle parking except in association with vehicle repair, truck stops, travel plazas); taverns; bars; shopping centers; regional shopping centers; new and used vehicle sales/service and repair with exterior storage and/or repair areas; light manufacturing and assembling of goods in conjunction with retail or wholesale sales (provided that all manufacturing and assembling activities are conducted indoors and such activities are clearly subordinate to the principal commercial use of the property).
[Amended 3-26-2019 by Ord. No. 18-11]
B. 
MEDIUM COMMERCIAL USESInclude the following and other similar uses of comparable intensity, scope, character, and impact: auto accessory stores; commercial or trade schools (e.g., dance studios, schools for martial arts); grocery stores and supermarkets (excluding convenience stores); laundries; theaters and auditoriums (indoor); boat sales and repair; furniture sales; garden centers, garden supplies and greenhouses; lawnmower and garden equipment sales; auto repair with repair areas; warehouses with no exterior storage; and non-fast-food restaurants.
C. 
LOW COMMERCIAL USESInclude the following and other similar uses of comparable intensity, scope, character, and impact: business or professional offices; medical offices and clinics; veterinary offices; all other office uses; barbershops and hairdressers; deli, coffee shops, ice cream stores and stands; dry cleaners; light mechanical repair stores (e.g., watch, camera, bicycle, television); photography; tailoring; upholstering and upholstery stores; print/copy shop; banks and other financial facilities; service businesses; and travel agencies.
COMMON AREA
A. 
Any open space, private road, or other land, structure, or improvement that is designed or reserved for the common use or benefit of the property owners in any subdivision of two or more lots or other planned residential development of two or more units.
B. 
Does not include any public road or other land, structure, or improvement owned by the County or the State of Maryland or any other governmental agency.
COMMUNITY PIER
A. 
A boat docking facility used by owners and tenants of land within subdivisions and their guests, or owners and tenants of condominiums, apartments and other multiple-family residential uses and their guests.
B. 
Does not include a private pier or commercial marina.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Queen Anne's County Comprehensive Plan text and all accompanying maps, charts and explanatory material adopted by the County Commissioners on May 21, 2002, and all amendments to the Comprehensive Plan.
CONFERENCE CENTER
A facility designed for the primary purpose of conducting training, discussions, meetings, conferences or seminars with attendant amenities required for such purposes and for the care of the participants, including facilities for lodging, food service and recreation.
CONVENIENCE STORE
An establishment where food, tobacco, drugs, periodicals, or similar items of household convenience are kept for retail sale, and which typically is open to the public beyond the normal sales hours of other retail establishments.
CONVERSION DWELLING
A. 
A single-family residential dwelling, that is not a manufactured home, which may be converted or altered to accommodate two or more families in separate dwelling units, as a rental facility or condominium.
B. 
Conversion dwelling shall not be defined to include additions to or expansions of existing units where not proposed in conjunction with the creation of additional residential units.
C. 
Conversion dwellings can be located in districts where multifamily units are permitted by right and as conditional uses subject to the requirements of this Chapter 18.
CORNER LOT
The lot abutting two or more streets or roads at their intersection.
COTTAGE HOME
A type of multifamily unit in a condominium regime where the detached single-family dwelling is individually owned, and the common areas are commonly owned by the unit owners.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 20-13]
COUNTRY INN
A building containing not more than 20 individual rooms or suites of rooms for the purpose of providing overnight lodging facilities, not to exceed 30 consecutive days, to the general public for compensation which also offers dining facilities for guests.
COUNTRY STORE
A small-scale, rural store providing a limited range of retail uses designed to serve surrounding agricultural and rural residential needs and tourists.
COUNTY
The County of Queen Anne's in the State of Maryland.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
The Queen Anne's County Board of Commissioners.
COUNTY ROAD
A road or street that is maintained by the Department of Public Works, Roads Division, and is a component of the County road system.
COUNTY ROADS ORDINANCE
Chapter 23 of the County Code.
COUNTY ROAD SYSTEM
Those roads that are listed by the Department of Public Works, Roads Division, as an official County road on the Annual Highway Mileage Report as approved by the Maryland Department of Transportation.
COVENANT
A written undertaking by an owner that is required by this Chapter 18 or imposed by the Planning Commission in accordance with authorization contained in this Chapter 18.
COVENANTOR
A. 
A person who owns legal or equitable title to any land that is affected in any manner by a covenant.
B. 
Includes a person who holds any mortgage, deed of trust, or other lien or encumbrance on the land.
CUTOFF
The point at which all light rays emitted by a lamp, light source or luminaire are completely eliminated (cutoff) at a specific angle above the ground.
CUTOFF ANGLE
The angle formed by a line drawn from the direction of light rays at the light source and a line perpendicular to the ground from the light source, above which no light is emitted.
CUTOFF-TYPE LUMINAIRE
A luminaire with elements such as shields, reflectors or refractor panels that direct and cut off the light at a cutoff angle that is less than 90°.
DAY-CARE CENTER
A building that provides day care for children or adults on a regular basis.
DEDICATION
The transfer of property interests from private to public ownership for a public purpose. The transfer may be fee-simple interest or of a less-than-fee interest, including an easement.
DENSITY
The number of dwelling units allowed per acre of base site area, rounded to the next lowest whole number.
DEPARTMENT
The Queen Anne's County Department of Planning and Zoning.
DEVELOPED PARCEL
A lot on which residential density will be increased by deed restricting open space on a noncontiguous parcel.
DEVELOPER
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of a lot or parcel of any land proposed for development, including the option or contract purchaser.
DEVELOPMENT or DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
A. 
The division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels;
B. 
The construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation or enlargement of any structures;
C. 
Any use or change in use of any structures or land;
D. 
Any extension of any use of land; or
E. 
Any clearing, grading or other movement of land for which permission may be required pursuant to this Chapter 18.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
A comprehensive development plan containing information pertaining to the developed parcel and its associated noncontiguous parcels.
DEVELOPMENT SIGN
A sign that, by symbol or name, identifies a residential, commercial or industrial development. A development sign may also provide an index of tenants or others in the development and may contain the name and number of the sales or management agent.
DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (DBH)
A measurement of the size of a tree equal to the diameter of its trunk measurement at 4 1/2 feet above the natural grade.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
A sign that:
A. 
Provides off-site directional information following a standard format for important municipal, emergency or educational uses; or
B. 
Identifies general commercial areas or places.
DISTRICT OPEN SPACE
Land that is restricted under Chapter 18:1, Part 3, of Chapter 18 to open spaces and ancillary agricultural and recreational uses intended to preserve the rural and suburban character of the community.
DOUBLE FRONTAGE LOT
A lot whose front and rear yards abut public or private roads or streets.
DOUBLE-WIDE MANUFACTURED HOME
A manufactured home contained in at least two premanufactured components designed to be joined into one integral component.
DUPLEX
A two-family dwelling, either stacked or sharing a common wall, designed for and occupied exclusively as the residence of not more than two families, whether as renters or owners, each living as an independent housekeeping unit.
DRIVE-THROUGH FOOD/ BEVERAGE STAND
An establishment that by design, physical facilities, and service permits customers to receive food and beverages offered for sale to the public while remaining in their vehicles.
DWELLING
A building or portion of a building that is designated or used for residential purposes.
DWELLING UNIT
A principal building, room or group of rooms providing, or intended to provide, living quarters for not more than one family.
Within the Critical Area, a single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for at least one person, including permanent provisions for sanitation, cooking, eating, sleeping, and other activities routinely associated with daily life. Dwelling unit includes a living quarters for a domestic or other employee or tenant, an in-law or accessory apartment, a guest house, or a caretaker residence.
[Amended 10-13-2020 by Ord. No. 20-04]
EASEMENT
The authorization by a property owner for the use by another and for a specified purpose of any designated part of the property.
EFFLUENT DISPOSAL
The disposal or treatment of sewage, water, or other liquid, either partially or completely treated, or in its natural state, whether generated on-site or off-site; including sewage treatment plants, berm infiltration ponds, spray irrigation facilities and other state and County approved facilities and activities.
[Amended 2-7-2006 by Ord. No. 05-11]
EFFLUENT DISPOSAL USE
Sewage treatment plants; community septic fields; berm infiltration ponds; spray irrigation facilities and other state and County approved effluent treatment facilities that dispose of or treat effluent that is generated on or off-site.
[Amended 2-7-2006 by Ord. No. 05-11]
ELECTRONIC SIGN
A sign whose message may be changed at intervals by electronic process or by remote control, including a device known as a "commercial electronic variable message sign."
EMERGENCY CENTER
An area with buildings and other accessory structures to provide emergency and/or urgent medical services to the public.
[Added 1-24-2012 by Ord. No. 11-17]
EMPLOYEE(S) ON THE LARGEST WORK SHIFT
The maximum number of employees working at the facility during a single given day, regardless of the time period during which this occurs and regardless of whether any employee is a full-time employee. The largest work shift may occur on any particular day of the week, or a lunch or dinner period in the case of a restaurant.
EROSION HAZARD AREA
An area designated as having moderate to high historic erosion rates on the Historical Shorelines and Erosion Rates Maps prepared by the Maryland Geological Survey, 1975.
EXISTING LOT
A lot of record that exists at the time when an application is submitted for administrative, sliding scale, large-lot, or any subdivision under this Chapter 18.
EXISTING PRINCIPAL BUILDING
The principal building on the lot at the time when a residential accessory structure is erected.
EXTERIOR STORAGE
A. 
Outdoor storage of fuel, raw materials, products, and equipment.
B. 
In the case of lumberyards, includes all impervious materials stored outdoors.
C. 
In the case of truck terminals, includes all trucks, truck beds, and truck trailers stored outdoors.
FACADE
The exterior walls of a building exposed to public view.
FAMILY
One or more persons related by blood, marriage, adoption or guardianship, or not more than five persons not so related, occupying a dwelling unit and living as a single housekeeping unit.
FAMILY DAY-CARE CENTER
A day-care center that, including any relatives of the care provider, cares for no more than eight children or adults.
FARM
A. 
A parcel or combination of parcels under the same ownership that is:
(1) 
Classified as an agricultural use by the Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation; and
(2) 
Used for agricultural purposes, including farming, dairying, pasturing, agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, aquaculture, silviculture and animal and poultry husbandry.
B. 
Includes necessary accessory uses for packing, treating or storing produce that are purely secondary to and support normal agricultural activities conducted on the parcel.
C. 
Does not include the business of garbage feeding of hogs or other animals or the raising of such animals as rats, mice, monkeys and the like for use in medical or other tests and experiments.
FARM BREWERY
A part of a producing farm operation that brews beer from ingredients grown and produced on the farm. Incidental operations include fermenting, distilling, blending, aging, storing, administrative activities, warehousing, bottling, and shipping facilities. Retail sales and tasting facilities for beer and related promotional items shall be permitted as part of the use. Planned promotional events or other organized activities as permitted under Section 2-110 of the Alcoholic Beverages Article, as amended, of the Annotated Code of Maryland are included in this definition.
[Added 3-21-2017 by Ord. No. 16-21]
FARM BUILDING
A structure utilized to store farm implements, hay, feed, grain, or other agricultural or horticultural products or to house poultry, livestock, or other farm animals. Such structure shall not include habitable or occupiable spaces, spaces in which agricultural products are processed, treated, or packaged; nor shall a farm building be a place of occupancy by the general public.
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 09-01]
FARM EMPLOYEE
A person who:
A. 
Is employed full-time, on a permanent basis in the operation of a farm on which a farm employee dwelling is located; or
B. 
Is a member of the immediate family of the owner of the farm.
FARM EMPLOYEE DWELLING
A dwelling on a farm that is used solely as a dwelling for farm employees and includes single-wide manufactured homes, but does not include migrant labor camps.
FARMERS MARKET
An establishment or premises used by more than two growers in the sale of farm products, 50% or more of which have been grown within Queen Anne's County.
FARM FIELD
A. 
Any five acres or more in agricultural production of food or fiber for two out of the last five years; and
B. 
Any land that is fallow, conservation reserved, or set aside due to Soil Conservation Service best management practices, crop rotation or federal, state or local government programs.
FARM STAND
A structure or vehicle temporarily used by no more than two growers in the sale of farm products, 50% or more of which have been grown within Queen Anne's County.
FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT
An establishment whose:
A. 
Principal business is the sale of food and/or beverages in a ready-to-consume state for consumption:
(1) 
Within the restaurant building;
(2) 
Within a motor vehicle parked on the premises; or
(3) 
Off the premises as a carry-out order; and
B. 
Principal method of operation usually involves serving food and/or beverages in paper, plastic or other disposable containers.
FINAL CERTIFICATE
An occupancy certificate or a zoning certificate.
FIRST FLOOR COMMERCIAL APARTMENT
A dwelling unit located on the first floor of a building used primarily for commercial purposes.
FLOOR AREA
A. 
The sum of the gross area for each floor of a building's stories measured from the exterior limits of the faces of the structure.
B. 
Includes:
(1) 
Habitable basement floor area; and
(2) 
If the attic meets the Queen Anne's County Building Code standards for habitable floor area, attic floor area.
C. 
Does not include:
(1) 
Cellars, unenclosed porches, or arcades;
(2) 
Any floor space in an accessory structure or in a principal structure that is designed for the parking of motor vehicles in order to meet the parking requirements of this Chapter 18;
(3) 
Floor space associated with a group day-care center that is an accessory to a principal commercial or industrial use, and is provided as a service to patrons or employees of the principal commercial or industrial use;
(4) 
Floor space in structures that require only the issuance of a zoning certificate; or
(5) 
Floor space associated with commercial apartments.
FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR)
The total floor area of a building divided by the base site area. Where the lot is part of a larger development and has no buffer yard, that lot area may be used instead of the base site area.
FOOTCANDLE
A unit of illumination produced on a surface one square foot in area on which there is a uniformly distributed flux of one lumen.
FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION
A group of people formally organized for a common interest, usually cultural, religious, or entertainment, with regular meetings, rituals and formal written membership requirements.
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign not attached to a building, resting on or supported by poles, standards or any other type of base on the ground.
FRONT LOT LINE
A lot line that separates a lot from a public or private street or road.
FUNERAL HOME
A service providing for the temporary interment, preparation, visitation and memorial of the dead.
GARDEN CENTER
A. 
A place of business:
(1) 
Where retail and wholesale garden products and produce are sold to the retail consumer; and
(2) 
That imports most of the items sold, which may include plants, nursery products and stock, fertilizers, potting soil, hardware, power equipment and machinery, hoses, rakes, shovels and other garden and farm tools and utensils.
B. 
Includes a greenhouse or nursery.
GAS STATION
A. 
An establishment providing sales of vehicle fuel and services, such as lubrication, oil and tire changes and minor repairs.
B. 
Does not include an establishment providing paint spraying or body repair.
GLARE
The brightness of a light source that causes eye discomfort.
GRADED ROAD
A roadway or embankment located at or adjacent to ground level.
GREENHOUSE
An enclosed structure, permanent or portable, that is used for the growth of small plants.
GROUP DAY-CARE CENTER
A day-care center that, including any relatives of the care provider, cares for nine or more children or adults.
GROWTH AREAS
Those lands designated and identified as most appropriate for future growth and residential density. The growth areas have been designated as follows: Stevensville, Chester, Kent Narrows, Grasonville, Centreville, and Queenstown.
GUEST LODGE
A building that contains one room or suite unit, not to exceed four bedrooms, that may or may not be equipped with kitchen facilities, such that each independent unit has a separate entrance and, if attached, are divided by vertical party walls so that one unit is not above or below another unit; and:
[Amended 1-17-2006 by Ord. No. 05-28]
A. 
Are for transient stays of 30 consecutive days or less for compensation with or without meals; and
B. 
Are not to be used for permanent residence; and
C. 
Have common facilities for reservations and cleaning services; and
D. 
Have on-site management; and
E. 
Are only permitted on the grounds of a country club.
HABITABLE ATTIC
The portion of an attic, accessible by a stairway, which has a ceiling height of at least 7 1/2 feet above the attic floor.
HEDGEROW
An area typically occurring as a band approximately 20 feet wide and dominated by smilax, black cherry, poison ivy, ailanthus, sumac and other forms of successional vegetation.
HELIPAD
A landing pad for use by one helicopter.
HERITAGE SIGNS
A sign located within a public access easement or on public property with educational content identifying historic, cultural or natural resources. The design of heritage signs is determined by the County.
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-19]
HIGH DRY STORAGE FACILITIES OR RACKOMINIUMS
A fully enclosed structure used to store boats indoor during seasonal or nonseasonal times with facilities for associated repairs, refurbishing and maintenance offered by fully accredited, licensed and insured marine service contractors. The facility may or may not have the following associated uses such as: a maritime convenience store, an office and office space, luxury rest facilities or club house including shower areas, changing rooms, lockers and lounging areas and full-service fueling station.
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-19]
HIGH-SPEED DIESEL FUEL PUMP
A fuel pump that has flows equal to or greater than 10 gallons per minute.
[Added 3-26-2019 by Ord. No. 18-11]
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
Any structure or cultural resource, including but not limited to residential, agricultural and commercial buildings, that is equal to or greater than 50 years of age, or otherwise deemed to be of exceptional historical significance by meeting one or more of the following aspects of Queen Anne’s County, Maryland or United States history.
[Added 5-15-2007 by Ord. No. 06-20]
A. 
Association with historic events or activities;
B. 
Association with persons who are important to the community or to specific developments of history;
C. 
Embodiment of distinctive characteristics of a type, period, method of construction, or the work of a master; and/or
D. 
Potential to provide important information about history or prehistory.
HOME OCCUPATION
A business, profession, occupation, or trade conducted within a residential building or accessory structure for gain or support by a resident of the dwelling.
HOTEL
A building or group of buildings:
A. 
Containing individual rooms or suites of rooms, each having a private bathroom, for the purpose of providing overnight lodging facilities for periods not to exceed 30 days to the general public for compensation with or without meals; and
B. 
Which have common facilities for reservations and cleaning services and on-site management.
IMPACT FEE
Any charge, fee, or assessment that is:
A. 
Levied as a condition of issuance of a building permit or development approval; and
B. 
Intended to fund any portion of the costs of capital improvements or any public facilities.
IMPACT FEE SUBAREA MAP
The map of development subareas adopted by the County Commissioners in which impact fees for specified capital improvements are imposed.
IMPACT FEE SUBAREAS
A geographically defined area in the County that has been designated by the County Commissioners as an area in which new development will create the need for specified capital improvements to be funded in part or in whole by impact fees.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
Any man-made surface that is resistant to the penetration of water. "Impervious surface" includes areas of stored lumber, outdoor storage or display, and junkyards.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE RATIO
The total impervious surface area of a lot or site divided by the base site area.
INCIDENTAL ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
An accessory structure that is:
A. 
So designed that it may be dismantled or moved with minimum labor and expense; and
B. 
Does not itself, or in combination with other incidental accessory structures, occupy more than 5% of the area of any yard.
INDUSTRIAL USE
A. 
Any development approved by the County or a municipal corporation that have the following characteristics and include the following categories of use.
(1) 
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USESInclude wholesale distribution and manufacturing activities generally conducted indoors where nuisances associated with the use, such as noise, odor, smoke and dust, are minimal; blacksmith shops; boat building; miniwarehouses (with and without outdoor storage); self-storage facility (interior access only); materials sales or storage yards (excluding asphalt or concrete mixing); bulk materials or machinery storage (fully enclosed); boat repair and auto repair; carpet and rug cleaning plants; contractors' offices and equipment storage yards; dry-cleaning and laundry plants serving more than one outlet; extermination shops; food processing and packing plants; fuel oil (storage and sales); furniture cleaning plants; furniture refinishing shops; lumberyards; manufacturing (including the production, processing, cleaning, testing and distribution of materials, goods, foodstuffs and products) in plants with fewer than 500 employees on a single shift; mirror supply and refinishing shops; monument works; ornamental iron workshops; pilot plants; printing plants; scientific (e.g., research, testing or experimental) laboratories; trade shops (including cabinet, carpentry, planing, plumbing, refinishing and paneling); truck terminals; wholesale business and storage (wholesale business are not warehouse clubs that can be joined for a membership fee where a variety of goods are offered in bulk at wholesale or discounted prices); showrooms; incidental retail stores (that do not exceed 25,000 square feet of floor area) associated with building and plumbing supply distribution operations.
[Amended 7-13-2021 by Ord. No. 21-03]
(2) 
(a) 
Have severe potential for negative impacts on any uses located relatively close to them; differ from light industrial uses in that they require unenclosed structures that are large, tall and unsightly, such as concrete batching plants; have severe potential for generation of odor and may involve large amounts of exterior storage; and, because of their scale, are likely to have a regional impact.
(b) 
Include public airports and public heliports; manufacturing activities (including outdoor storage), a significant part of which may be conducted outdoors, where nuisances associated with the use, such as noise, odor, smoke and dust, are significant; asphalt or concrete mixing plants; bulk material or machinery storage (unenclosed); motor or rail terminals; and manufacturing (including the production, processing, cleaning, testing and distribution of materials, goods, foodstuffs and products) in plants with 500 or more employees on a single shift.
INFORMATIONAL KIOSK
Any structure erected in a public place with approval of the Department of Planning and Zoning for the specific purpose of displaying information to direct pedestrians. Information kiosks can be erected on public access easements, boardwalks and County lands. Information kiosks are distinguished from "freestanding signs."
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-19]
INSTITUTIONAL RESIDENTIAL USE
Includes convents or monasteries, group-care facilities, rooming houses, migrant labor camps, shelter-care homes, assisted living programs and residential care facilities.
[Amended 9-7-2004 by Ord. No. 04-28; 7-10-2012 by Ord. No. 12-02]
INSTITUTIONAL USE
Uses approved by the County or a municipal corporation, including:
A. 
Outdoor recreational uses, which include:
(1) 
Areas of active recreational activities, including, but not limited to, jogging, cycling, tot-lots, playfields, playgrounds, outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts and golf courses;
(2) 
Passive recreational uses, including, but not limited to, arboretums, areas of hiking, nature areas and wildlife sanctuaries; and
(3) 
Picnic areas, public and private parks, garden plots and beaches;
B. 
Institutions such as aquariums, youth camps, cemeteries, churches, conference centers associated with nonprofit institutions, community or recreational centers, gymnasiums, privately owned libraries or museums, indoor recreational centers, public or private schools, indoor skating rinks (ice or roller), indoor swimming pools, tennis, racquetball, handball courts, rural country clubs and all other indoor recreational uses;
C. 
Institutional residential uses such as convents or monasteries, group-care facilities, nursing homes, protective living facilities, rooming houses and sheltered-care homes, assisted living programs and residential care facilities;
[Amended 7-10-2012 by Ord. No. 12-02]
D. 
Public services;
E. 
Public utilities;
F. 
Family day-care centers; and
G. 
Group day-care centers.
H. 
MEDICAL CAMPUSA parcel or group of parcels with a minimum combined area of 10 acres with a group of two or more buildings designed to concentrate medical care and services in a single location and offer a variety of medical services to promote the practice, teaching, and progress of medicine and care of residents. Uses could include diagnostic centers, research facilities, medical labs, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, medical training facilities, medical specialties and medical support services.
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-27]
INSTITUTIONAL USE, FOR-PROFIT
An institutional use that is operated by a group, agency, foundation, corporation or organization that is not recognized by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States Government as having nonprofit status.
INSTITUTIONAL USE, NONPROFIT
An institutional use which is either operated by an agency of government or is operated by a group, agency, foundation, corporation or organization which is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States Government as having nonprofit status.
INSTRUMENT OF TRANSFER
An instrument, in the form required by this Chapter 18 by which one or more development rights are transferred.
JUNKYARD
Any land or structure used for a salvaging operation, including, but not limited to, the storage and sale of wastepaper, rags, scrap metal and discarded materials and the collection, dismantlement, storage, and salvage of one or more untagged, inoperative vehicle.
KENNEL
Any structure in which dogs or cats are kept for sale, boarding, grooming or breeding, for which any fee is charged.
LANDSCAPE SURFACE AREA
The surface area of land not covered by any impervious surface or used for outside storage or display that is maintained to support plant life.
LANDSCAPE SURFACE RATIO
The total landscape surface area of a lot or site divided by the base site area.
LARGE-LOT SUBDIVISION
A residential subdivision in which single-family residential lots are of sufficient size such that on-site lands are protected and the character of the entire community is preserved in accordance with the district regulations set forth in Chapter 18:1, Part 3, Article V, of this Chapter 18.
LATERAL OIL/GAS DRILLING AND EXTRACTION
A. 
The process of searching for and extracting oil and gas reserves from the subsurface of property by drilling from and establishing wells on adjacent property.
B. 
Does not include any surface activity and refers only to the property toward which subsurface drilling and extraction wells are directed.
LEGAL NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
Any building or structure legally established prior to the effective date of this Chapter 18 or subsequent amendment that does not fully comply with the standards imposed by this Chapter 18.
LIVE-WORK UNIT
A dwelling unit with living space in combination with a shop, office, studio, or other work space within the same unit, where the resident occupant both lives and works. The live-work unit possesses the following characteristics:
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-19]
A. 
The work space component must be located on the first floor and basement of the building, with an entrance facing the primary abutting public street and with double frontage along pedestrian walkways or pathways.
B. 
The dwelling unit component must be located above or behind the work space, improved as a dwelling and maintain a separate entrance located on the front or side facade and accessible from the primary abutting public or private streets.
C. 
The office or business component of the unit shall not exceed 50% of the total gross floor area of the unit. The living space shall not exceed 60% of the total gross floor area of the unit.
D. 
LIVING SPACESpace within the dwelling unit for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, bathing, washing or sanitation purposes. Living space does not include closets, common or shared hallways or stairways providing access to individual dwelling units.
E. 
The business component of the building may include home occupations, offices, small service establishments, homecrafts which are typically considered accessory to a dwelling unit, or retailing associated with fine arts, crafts, or personal services. It may not include a wholesale business, a manufacturing business, a commercial food service requiring a license, a limousine business or auto service or repair for any vehicles other than those registered to residents of the property.
F. 
ARTIST'S STUDIOA place designed to be used, or used as, both a dwelling place and a place of work by an artist, artisan or craftsperson, including persons engaged in the application, teaching or performance of fine arts such as, but not limited to, drawing, vocal or instrumental music, painting, sculpture and writing.
G. 
Prohibited uses include: amusement and recreation uses; bars; pet stores, kennels, animal hospitals; gun and firearm sales; and, automotive service stations and motor vehicle repair garages.
LOCAL ROAD
A road or street:
A. 
Designed to provide vehicular access to abutting property; and
B. 
Designated in the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
LOT
A. 
A parcel of land undivided by a public or private road that is recorded by the Recorder of Deeds.
B. 
Notwithstanding Subsection A of this definition, two or more areas of land divided by a private road which would otherwise qualify as separate lots under Subsection A of this definition may be treated as a single lot if an appropriate plat and any private road covenants required by this Chapter 18 include a legend and provisions declaring that the divided parcel:
(1) 
Shall be treated as a single lot for purposes of this Chapter 18;
(2) 
Shall remain in common ownership unless and until the same is further subdivided; and
(3) 
Shall not be further subdivided without approval of the Planning Commission.
LOT AREA
The area contained within the boundary lines of a lot.
LOT FRONTAGE
The linear footage between the intersection of the side lot lines and the front lot line. When a lot has more than one street lot line, lot width shall be measured, and the minimum lot frontage required by this Chapter 18 shall be provided, at each such line.
LOT LINE
A line dividing one lot from another lot, or from a public or private street or road, except that where any portion of the lot extends into the public right-of-way or a proposed public right-of-way, the line of such public right-of-way shall be the lot line.
LOT OF RECORD
Any validly recorded lot that, at the time of its recordation, complied with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations.
LOT OWNER
A. 
A person, including a covenantor, who, at anytime when the identity of a lot owner is to be determined for purposes of this Chapter 18 or any covenant, is the owner of any lot within a subject area.
B. 
Does not include a mortgagee, the holder of any other security interest in the property, the County, or any governmental agency.
LOT WIDTH
The distance between the side lot lines at the front setback line. Where there is only one side lot line, lot width restrictions shall be measured between the side lot line and the opposite lot line.
LUMINAIRE
A complete lighting unit consisting of a light source and all necessary mechanical, electrical and decorative parts.
MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE
A guarantee of facilities or work to insure or maintain the correction of any failures of any improvements required pursuant to this Chapter 18.
MAJOR EXTRACTION AND DREDGE DISPOSAL USE
All extraction operations that disturb more than five acres, except extraction associated with aquaculture; dredge disposal uses that disturb more than 10 acres of land; and all nonlateral oil and gas drilling and extraction.[2]
MAJOR SITE PLAN
Any site plan other than a minor site plan.
MAJOR SUBDIVISION
Any subdivision other than an administrative or minor subdivision.
MANUFACTURED HOME
A dwelling unit that:
A. 
Is fabricated in an off-site manufacturing facility for installation or assembly at the building site; and
B. 
Bears a label certifying that it is built in compliance with the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, as amended.
MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY
A planned residential development that:
A. 
May be a rental community or subdivision; and
B. 
Contains manufactured homes.
MAP AMENDMENT
An amendment that involves a change of one or more district boundaries as shown on the Zoning Maps and/or a change in the zoning classification of specific property.
MARINA
A. 
Any waterfront facility for the mooring, berthing, storing, securing, or repair of watercraft.
B. 
Does not include community or private piers.
MARITIME CONVENIENCE STORE
A small-scale retail store, no larger than 1,200 square feet with hours of operation from 18 to 24 hours daily, seven days a week, providing a limited range of retail goods and services designed to serve surrounding maritime needs, which may or may not include waterfront fueling for water craft only, and tourists needs.
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-19]
MARQUEE SIGN
A permanent wall-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building that advertises only present and scheduled events.
MEGA FARM
A. 
Any livestock operation containing more than 1,000 animal units per farm.
B. 
Generally refers to confined animal feeding operations (CAFO) regulated under federal law.
MIGRANT
An individual who is employed in the agricultural or seafood industry in a seasonal or other temporary nature, and who is:
A. 
Required to be absent overnight from the migrant's permanent place of residence, and includes any person who accompanies and resides with a migrant, such as immediate family members; or
B. 
Housed at a migrant labor camp, but has no permanent place of residence.
MIGRANT LABOR CAMP
A facility, including structures, buildings, barracks, trailers, mobile homes, converted buildings and unconventional enclosures of living spaces, used or intended for the use of housing migrants, or the real property on which is located a facility used or intended for use as housing for migrants. Migrant labor camps do not include farm employee dwellings.
MINIMUM FLOOR ELEVATION
The lowest elevation permissible for the construction, erection or other placement of any floor, including a basement floor.
MINIWAREHOUSE
A. 
A building, or group of buildings, divided into two or more individual units, each unit being leased to an individual solely for dead storage and not in conjunction with the day-to-day operation of a business.
B. 
May include an office for the sole purpose of conducting business specific to the miniwarehouse site.
MINOR EXTRACTION AND DREDGE DISPOSAL USES
Dredge disposal sites that disturb fewer than 10 acres; and the following uses that disrupt five or fewer acres of land: gravel, sand or similar extraction, except extraction associated with aquaculture; lateral oil and gas drilling and extraction; and storage operations.
MINOR SITE PLAN
A site plan that involves only:
A. 
Planned residential developments with five or fewer dwelling units;
B. 
Projects resulting in total floor area (existing or proposed) of equal to or less than 10,000 square feet;
C. 
Outside areas used for sales, storage, or display; or
D. 
Approval of projects in any County business park.
MINOR SUBDIVISION
The subdivision of land into no more than seven lots, including the creation of any required easements or rights-of-way.
[Amended 10-9-2012 by Ord. No. 12-14]
MIXED USE
The combining of retail/commercial and/or service uses with residential or office use in the same building or on the same site in one of the following ways:
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-19; amended 7-10-2012 by Ord. No. 12-03]
A. 
VERTICAL MIXED USEA single structure with the above floors used for residential or office use and a portion of the ground floor for retail/commercial or services uses.
B. 
HORIZONTAL MIXED USEA single structure which provides retail/commercial or service use in the portion fronting the public or private street or public accessway with attached residential or office uses behind.
C. 
HORIZONTAL MIXED USETwo or more structures on one site which provide retail/commercial or service uses in the structure(s) fronting the public or private street or public accessway, and residential or office uses in separate structure(s) behind or to the side.
Mixed Use Options
Number of Floors
Percentage of Residential Use or Commercial Apartments
Vertical mixed use
2
50% of total gross floor area with residential located on upper floor
Vertical mixed use
3
66% of total gross floor area with residential located on upper floors
Vertical mixed use
4
75% of total gross floor area with residential located on upper floors
Horizontal mixed use — single structure
1
50% of total gross floor area using a vertical split with commercial located along the street front or public accessway
Horizontal mixed use — single structure
2
50% of total gross floor area using a vertical split with commercial located along the street front or public accessway on all floors
Horizontal mixed use — single structure
3
66% of total gross floor area using the following allocation:
Floors 1 and 2 — 50% vertical split of commercial and residential uses with commercial located along the street front or public accessway
3rd floor — 100% residential use
Horizontal mixed use — single structure
4
75% of total gross floor area using the following allocation:
Floors 1 and 2 — 50% vertical split of commercial and residential uses with commercial located along the street front or public accessway
Floors 3 and 4 — 100% residential use
Horizontal mixed use — multiple structures
N/A
50% of total gross floor area of development with retail/commercial fronting the public or private street or public accessway
Horizontal mixed use with a marina
N/A
50% of the total site area
MOBILE HOME
A dwelling unit that:
A. 
Is fabricated in an off-site manufacturing facility for installation or assembly at the building site;
B. 
Does not bear a label certifying that it is built in compliance with the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, as amended; and
C. 
Was constructed before the enactment of the federal regulations.
MODULAR HOME
A dwelling unit that:
A. 
Is fabricated in an off-site manufacturing facility for installation or assembly at the building site; and
B. 
Bears a label certifying that it is built in compliance with Title 6 of Article 83B of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
MULTIFAMILY
A planned residential development consisting of more than one dwelling unit (such as duplexes, townhouses, cottage homes, apartments or multiplex) that involves the identification and protection of required open space and is accomplished pursuant to design and improvement standards set forth in Article V of Part 3 of Chapter 18:1.
[Amended 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 20-13]
MUNICIPAL CORPORATION
The Towns of Barclay, Centreville, Church Hill, Millington, Queenstown, Queen Anne, Sudlersville, and Templeville.
NET BUILDABLE AREA
The portion of a lot that may be developed after all district regulations and site development standards have been calculated. Net buildable area shall equal base site area less those portions of a lot set aside to meet the requirements for setbacks, open space, landscape surface area, pervious surface area, forest conservation requirements, resource protection, and any other area regulations that prohibit development set forth in this Chapter 18.
NET TRACT AREA
The portion of the total tract for which land use will be changed or will no longer be used for primarily agricultural activities, reduced by the area found to be within the boundaries of the one-hundred-year floodplain.
NIGHTCLUB
A place of amusement and entertainment including, but not limited to a bar, tavern or cocktail lounge which serves food where the percentage of food sales is less than 80%, or drink, but is distinguished by the provision of live entertainment and/or dancing facilities with hours of operation between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. A nightclub is not an adult entertainment facility.
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-19]
NONCOMMERCIAL FORESTRY
A. 
The authorized tree cutting or clearing not intended primarily for commercial gain or profit.
B. 
Includes removal of sick or dead trees and general horticultural practices related to maintaining the health and stability of a forest.
C. 
Timber removed for noncommercial forest activities may be sold by the property owner, provided commercial gain is not the primary reason for the removal of timber.
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot that is a lot of record and does not meet the area or bulk requirements of the district in which it is located.
NONCONFORMING USE
Any use, lot, building, sign or structure that was legally established prior to the effective date of this Chapter 18 or subsequent amendment that would not have been allowed to be established under this Chapter 18.
NONCONTIGUOUS PARCEL
A. 
A parcel included within a development plan that:
(1) 
Is not contiguous with the developed parcel;
(2) 
Is to be designated as open space, wherein only those uses as specified in Column A of the table in § 18:1-12 of this Chapter 18 are allowed; and
(3) 
Meets the following soils criteria:
(a) 
At least 50% of the land shall classify as Class I, II or III soils; or
(b) 
If the land is wooded, 50% of the land is classified as Woodland Groups 1 or 2; or
(c) 
If there is an insufficient percentage of Class I, II or III soils alone and there is an insufficient percentage of Woodland Groups 1 or 2 soils alone, the land must have a combination of the classifications that meets or exceeds 60%.
(d) 
Plats of the noncontiguous parcel must provide the location of all existing buildings.
(4) 
May be less than all of a lot of record.
B. 
The area of the noncontiguous parcel used must be at least 40 acres in size or constitute at least 1/2 the total area of the lot of record, whichever is less.
NONPROFIT INSTITUTIONAL USE
An institutional use that is owned and operated by a nonprofit organization and does not include any commercial activities.
NONRESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Any development approved by the County or a municipal corporation for commercial, industrial, or institutional use.
NONRESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT RIGHT
The use of a residential development right to increase nonresidential floor area and the area of impervious surfaces beyond what is otherwise allowed under this Chapter 18.
NONTIDAL WETLANDS
A. 
Those areas inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and which under normal conditions do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, commonly known as "hydrophytic vegetation"; and
B. 
Are regulated under Title 16 of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
NURSERY
A. 
A place of business used principally for the retail and wholesale sale of plants grown on the site or off the site as well as accessory items that are directly related to the care and maintenance of the plants.
B. 
Accessory items do not include power equipment, such as gas or electric lawnmowers and farm implements.
NURSING HOME
An extended or immediate care facility licensed or approved to provide full-time convalescent or chronic care to individuals who, by reasons of advanced age, chronic illness or infirmity, are unable to care for themselves.
OCCUPANCY CERTIFICATE
A certificate of use and occupancy issued in accordance with the Building Code.[3]
OFFICE
A. 
A place where business or professional duties are conducted.
B. 
Includes business or professional offices, medical offices or clinics, and veterinary offices.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
A sign advertising a business or service that is not located on the same lot as the sign, or any sign advertising a product that is not manufactured on the same lot as the sign (more commonly referred to as "billboards").
ONE-HUNDRED-YEAR FLOOD
A flood that has a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Except for Class III waters (natural trout streams), a body of water with a watershed of less than 400 acres is excluded.
ONE-HUNDRED-YEAR FLOODPLAIN
An area, except tidal waters, having a one-percent chance in any given year of being inundated by a one-hundred-year storm as designated on the FEMA Flood Insurance Maps.
ON-SITE CANNABIS CONSUMPTION ESTABLISHMENT
A premises licensed by the Maryland Cannabis Administration in which cannabis may be consumed, but not smoked or consumed indoors.
[Added 3-12-2024 by Ord. No. 24-04]
OPEN SPACE
Lands specifically designated on a site plan or subdivision plat to be preserved in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 18, Chapter 18:1, Part 3, Article V, and upon which only those uses set forth in § 18:1-12 of this Chapter 18 will be allowed.
OPEN SPACE RATIO (OSR)
Open space lands on a lot or site divided by the base site area.
ORGANIC FERTILIZER STORAGE AND TRANSFER OPERATION
A structure, facility, or bermed area designed to receive and/or store organic materials not produced as a by-product of an agricultural use intended for application to land as fertilizer for agricultural soils or crops.
ORIGINAL INSTRUMENT OF TRANSFER
An instrument of transfer by which development rights are initially transferred from a transferor parcel by the original transferor.
ORIGINAL TRANSFEROR
A. 
A transferor who is the owner of the transferor parcel from which the rights are transferred; and
B. 
All persons who have any mortgage, deed of trust or other lien or encumbrance on the transferor parcel.
OTHER PUBLIC ROAD
A road historically utilized by the general public that is not a part of the County, state, or federal road system.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
A recreational use generally conducted outdoors, including jogging, cycling, tot lots, playfields, playgrounds, outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, arboretums, hiking facilities, nature areas, wildlife sanctuaries, picnic areas, parks, garden plots, and beaches. Enclosed structures associated with outdoor recreational uses shall be ancillary and accessory to the principal use of the property.
OUTSIDE STORAGE OR DISPLAY
Outdoor storage or display of fuel, raw materials, vehicles, boats, manufactured products or equipment.
PARKING
An area or areas of land or a building or part thereof which is provided and maintained upon the same lot or lots upon which the principal use is located for the purpose of storing motor vehicle.
PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE
A financial guarantee to ensure that all improvements, facilities or work required by this Chapter 18 will be completed in compliance with this Chapter 18 and the approved plans and specifications of a development.
PERSON
An individual, corporation, or other legal entity, and includes the federal government, the state, a county, municipal corporation, any other political subdivision of the state, or any of their units.
PETITION
A request for text amendment or a map amendment made by a property owner, a subject property owner or by a group of property owners acting as a private citizens' group.
PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Either a single-family cluster, multifamily, or manufactured home community residential development that involves the identification and protection of required open space.
PLANNING COMMISSION
The Queen Anne's County Planning Commission.
PLANNING DIRECTOR
The Planning Director of the Queen Anne's County Department of Planning and Zoning or the Planning Director's designee.
PRESERVED LANDS
All lands subject to any legal instrument or restriction that prohibits the development of residential or nonresidential uses, including but not limited to conservation easements, covenants, and deed restrictions made pursuant to the following:
A. 
The Maryland Environmental Trust, or private nonprofit land trust;
B. 
The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation;
C. 
A TDR instrument of transfer;
D. 
A noncontiguous development; or
E. 
A planned residential development.
PRINCIPAL BUILDING
A structure or structures in which the main or principal use of the lot is or is intended to be located.
PRINCIPAL USE
The specific primary purpose or purposes for which land is used.
PRIVATE AIRPORT
A facility that:
A. 
Has a paved or unpaved runway;
B. 
Is operated for general aviation purposes;
C. 
Is intended to be or is customarily used by more than two but fewer than 10 aircraft; and
D. 
Does not have fuel or commercial repair and maintenance services.
PRIVATE BOATHOUSE
A structure with a roof and side walls, used to store boats and boating equipment, which is constructed over the water in conjunction with an approved private residential pier or wharf.
PRIVATE COVERED SLIP
A structure with a roof, used to cover a boat slip, which is constructed over the water in conjunction with an approved private residential pier or wharf.
PRIVATE HELIPORT
A paved or unpaved helicopter landing pad intended for the exclusive use of the owners or lessees of property upon which the landing pad is located and any accessory structures designed for the storage of the owners' or lessees' helicopters, provided that no more than two helicopters shall be allowed to use the landing pad or accessory uses.
PRIVATE LANDING STRIP
A paved or unpaved runway for aircraft landings and departures that is intended for the exclusive use of the owners or lessees of property upon which the runway is located and any accessory structures designed for the storage of the owners' or lessees' aircraft, provided that no more than two aircraft shall be allowed to use the runway or accessory structures on a regular basis.
PRIVATE ROAD
An improved road or right-of-way held and/or maintained in private ownership and which is not a component of the County, state, or federal road systems.
PRIVATE STABLE
A building, incidental to an existing residential or agricultural principal use, which shelters domestic animals for the exclusive use of the occupants of the premises.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign affixed to a building or wall in a manner that its leading edge extends more than 18 inches beyond the surface of such building or wall. The sign face of a double-faced projecting sign is calculated by measuring one face of the sign only, provided both faces are back to back.
PROPERTY OWNER
A person or persons having an ownership interest in real property located within the geographic boundaries of Queen Anne's County, Maryland.
PUBLIC AIRPORT
A. 
A facility:
(1) 
Operated for commercial or general aviation purposes;
(2) 
Generally or customarily open for use by the public;
(3) 
That is required by applicable federal regulations to be open for public use; or
(4) 
That is intended to be or is customarily used by 10 or more aircraft as a home base; and
B. 
All accessory uses or structures, including, but not limited to, runways, taxiways, hangars, aircraft parking areas, terminals, administration buildings, maintenance, sheds, fuel facilities and on-field navigation aids.
PUBLIC HELIPORT
A. 
A facility operated for commercial or general helicopter purposes that is:
(1) 
Generally or customarily open for use by the public; and
(2) 
Intended to be or is customarily used by more than two helicopters as a home base.
B. 
Includes all accessory uses or structures.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT
A. 
An improvement, facility, or service, together with customary improvements and appurtenances thereto, necessary to provide for public needs.
B. 
Includes vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems, storm sewers, flood control improvements, water supply and distribution facilities, sanitary sewage disposal and treatment, and public utility and energy services.
PUBLIC PEDESTRIAN ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS
Pedestrian circulation improvements as designated in the circulation plan in the Kent Narrows Design Handbook.
PUBLIC RECREATION
A recreational use owned and operated by a governmental entity, whether local, state, or federal.
PUBLIC SERVICE
A. 
Any service rendered to the general public by an agency of government, or a facility maintained in connection with the rendition of such service, but does not include telecommunications services.
B. 
A recognized volunteer fire company that receives an appropriation from Queen Anne's County shall be construed to be an agency of government.
PUBLIC SEWER
The Queen Anne's County Sanitary District Sewer System and other forms of sewer systems approved by the State Health Department and maintained by a public or private agency authorized to operate the sewer systems.
PUBLIC UTILITY
Uses or structures for the public purpose of power transmission and distribution (but not power generation or cross-country transmission lines or towers); fuel transmission and distribution (but not manufacturing or storage); water treatment and distribution; sewage collection and treatment; telephone service facilities (but not utility truck terminal facilities); radio and television facilities (not including broadcasting studios); and rail or highway rights-of-way (not including stations or terminals).
REAR LOT LINE
A. 
The lot line that is parallel to and the most distant from the front lot line.
B. 
In the case of an irregular or triangular shaped lot, where the rear lot line is not indicated, the rear lot line will be located in the following manner:
(1) 
Twenty feet will be measured along the lot lines from the apex farthest from the front lot line; and
(2) 
An imaginary line will be drawn between the two points that will be considered the rear lot line.
C. 
In the case of double frontage lots that have frontage on more than one road or street, the rear lot line shall be opposite the lot line along which the lot takes legal access from a public or private street or road.
RECEIVING PARCEL
A. 
A parcel that is eligible to receive development rights from a transferor parcel.
B. 
Includes:
(1) 
A parcel in any zoning district, except the Agricultural (AG) or Noncritical Area Neighborhood Conservation (NC) Districts, that is located within the geographic boundaries of a growth area; and
(2) 
A parcel in any Countryside (CS) or Neighborhood Conservation (NC) District located within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area.
RECORDER OF DEEDS
The Queen Anne's County Clerk to the Circuit Court.
RECREATIONAL USE
A use dedicated to the refreshment of body and mind through forms of play, amusement, or relaxation, including both active and passive activities.
REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTER
A group of commercial establishments planned, constructed, and managed as a total entity, with customer and employee parking provided on-site, provision for goods delivery separated from customer access, aesthetic considerations, and landscaping and signage in accordance with an approved site plan.
REQUIRED IMPROVEMENT
A. 
An improvement or facility for a particular site required under this Chapter 18 or under the County Roads Ordinance, the Sediment Control Ordinance, the Stormwater Management Ordinance[4] or by the Department of Health.
B. 
Includes resource protection, lighting, landscaping, and buffer yards.
RESIDENTIAL ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
An accessory structure that would be regarded under other provisions of this Chapter 18 as an accessory structure on a residential lot that is not connected or attached in any manner to the existing principal building.
RESIDENTIAL ACCESSORY USE
An accessory use that would be regarded under other provisions of this Chapter 18 as an accessory use on a residential lot.
RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY
A facility that provides primarily nonmedical resident services to six or more individuals in need of personal assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual.
[Added 7-10-2012 by Ord. No. 12-02]
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Any development approved by the County or a municipal corporation for residential use.
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT RIGHT
The right to erect a dwelling unit on property, as such is inherent in fee-simple ownership of land.
RESIDENTIAL LOT
A lot whose primary use is for residential purposes.
RESIDENTIAL USE
Any use approved by the County or a municipal corporation that is for existing or proposed dwelling units, including but not limited to single-family residential dwellings, single-wide manufactured homes, single-family clusters, manufactured home communities, commercial apartments, multifamily, and first floor apartments.
RESORT COUNTRY CLUB
A privately owned country club, operated on a for-profit basis, which may offer to its members, their guests and the public, golfing, social, meeting, lodging, dining and recreational facilities. The amenities which comprise a resort country club may include but are not limited to lodging facilities, indoor and/or outdoor sports/exercise facilities, a multipurpose conference center, an outdoor meeting area, restaurants, lounges and other features associated with a resort or destination country club complex.
RESORT HOTEL
A. 
A building or group of buildings containing individual rooms or suites of rooms, each having a private bathroom, for the purpose of providing overnight lodging facilities for periods of 30 days or less to the general public for compensation, with or without meals, and having common facilities for reservations, cleaning services, and on-site management.
B. 
Resort hotels are generally located along waterfront, marinas, and beach areas and cater to leisure and recreational-type activities.
RESOURCE PROTECTION LANDS
Those lands protected under Chapter 18:1, Part 4, Article IX, of this Chapter 18.
RESTAURANT
An establishment whose principal business is the sale of food or beverages to customers in a ready-to-consume state and whose principal method of operation includes at least one of the following characteristics:
A. 
Customers, normally provided with an individual menu, are served their foods and beverages by a restaurant employee at the same table or counter at which food and beverages are consumed; or
B. 
A cafeteria-type operation where food and beverages generally are consumed within the restaurant building.
RESULTING LOT
A lot that will exist if the application for administrative subdivision is approved.
RETAIL KIOSK
A small outside building or structure designed for pedestrian access usually referred to as a stand and used to provide information, ticket sales for sightseeing or excursions, small-scale retail incidental to cultural, historic and tourism activities associated with the community and pre-packaged refreshments. Food services are excluded from uses permitted and drive-up/drive-through service is prohibited.
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-19]
RETAIL SALES/SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT
A commercial enterprise that provides goods and/or services directly to the consumer for personal, recreational or educational use. These include: restaurants (excluding fast food), hotels, financial service, spas, salons, wineries, taverns, motion pictures, cultural services, educational services, galleries, food markets and marine stores.
[Added 8-24-2010 by Ord. No. 10-10]
ROAD
An improved right-of-way intended for motor vehicle traffic. "Road" includes the term "street" and has the same meaning, and, unless expressly modified, applies to both public and private roads or streets.
RURAL COUNTRY CLUB
A privately owned or membership-owned country club, which may operate on a nonprofit or a for-profit basis, which offers to its members, their guests and the public golfing, social, dining, lodging, guest lodges, meeting and recreational amenities. The amenities that comprise a rural country club may include a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, lodging (as permitted for a country inn), guest lodges, and other features subject to approval by the Planning Commission.
SATELLITE SIMULCAST FACILITY
A facility used to conduct satellite simulcast betting as defined under and regulated by the provisions of Title 11, Title 8 of the Business Regulation Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
SCENIC CORRIDORS
The Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway (MD Routes 18 and 213), and U.S. Route 50, U.S. Route 301, and MD Route 404.
[Added 8-2-2005 by Ord. No. 05-13]
SCREENING
The method by which a view of one site from an adjacent right-of-way of another adjacent site is shielded, concealed, or hidden. Screening techniques include fences, walls, hedges, berms, or other features.
SEDIMENTATION
The deposition of soil that has been transported from its site of origin by water, ice, wind, gravity, or other natural means as a result of erosion.
SEDIMENT CONTROL ORDINANCE
The ordinance entitled "Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance", adopted by the County Commissioners on February 19, 1985, as amended.[5]
SELF-STORAGE FACILITY (INTERIOR ACCESS ONLY)
[Added 7-13-2021 by Ord. No. 21-03]
A. 
A building, or group of buildings, which provides individual units accessed solely through interior hallways (with no direct outdoor access to individual units), each unit being leased to an individual for dead storage and not in conjunction with the day-to-day operation of a business.
B. 
May include an office for the sole purpose of conducting business specific to the self-storage facility.
SETBACK LINE
A. 
A line extending the full width or length of the lot, establishing the nearest point that a principal building may be erected from any front, side or rear lot line.
B. 
For flag lots and other irregularly shaped lots with narrow road frontage, the front setback line shall be measured from the point or line from which the lot widens to establish the area that may be improved with buildings or structures.
C. 
On corner lots and double frontage lots, the front setback shall apply to each property line abutting a road.
SEWAGE SLUDGE
Accumulated semiliquid suspension, settled solids or dried residue of these solids that is deposited from sewage in a wastewater treatment plant, whether or not these solids have undergone treatment and as regulated by COMAR 26.04.06.
SHIPPING CONTAINERS
A container that is resealable and lockable that is used with standard equipment for intermodal shipments; often found on shipping ships, trains, and trucks for the transport of goods.
[Added 10-22-2019 by Ord. No. 19-15]
SHOOTING CLUB
A commercial or private establishment that provides trap shooting, target practice, skeet shooting, sporting clays, regulated shooting area as defined and is permitted by DNR, and similar shooting-related activities.
SHOPPING CENTER
A group of commercial establishments planned, developed and managed as a unit with off-street parking provided on the property.
SIDE LOT LINE
The boundary of a lot that is not a front lot line or a rear lot line.
SIGN
A. 
Any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors that is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, religious group, product, service, event or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images.
B. 
Does not include:
(1) 
The flag or emblem of any nation, organization of nations, state or city or any religious, fraternal or civic organization;
(2) 
Merchandise and pictures or models of products or services incorporated in a window display;
(3) 
Works of art that in no way identify a product;
(4) 
Scoreboards located on athletic fields; or
(5) 
Vending machines.
SINGLE-FAMILY CLUSTER
A planned residential development that involves the identification and protection of required open space.
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING
A dwelling designed for single-family residential use and occupied by not more than one family and having no roof, wall or floor in common with any other dwelling unit. "Single-family residential dwelling" includes site-built homes, modular homes, and double-wide manufactured homes.
SITE
The land on which development takes place.
SITE AREA
The lot area of a parcel of land proposed for a planned residential development.
SITE DEVELOPMENT
Engineering studies, soil testing, percolation testing, surveys, environmental assessments, site planning, and other studies, drawings, assessments, and tests that may reasonably be required to make a site ready for improvement.
SITE PLAN
A graphic depiction of features on-site, such as existing and proposed structures, paved areas, ingress/egress points and landscaped areas and all information required under Chapter 18:1, Part 7, Article XXV, of this Chapter 18.
SITE-RELATED IMPROVEMENT
Roadway construction, upgrades, or improvements, traffic control devices or measures, and other off-site improvements required for capital improvements or facilities.
SLIDING-SCALE SUBDIVISION
A residential subdivision in which allowable density is inversely proportional to the size of the existing lot, thereby preserving open lands, agricultural uses, and the rural character of the community, in accordance with the district regulations set forth in this Chapter 18.
SMALL-SCALE SOLAR ARRAY
A private use facility or net metering system generating solar energy for a single residential home or neighborhood, a private entity, business, or institutional use. The system may be ground-mounted or roof-mounted. Small-scale solar array systems shall be limited in size to a maximum of two megawatts.
[Added 12-12-2017 by Ord. No. 17-16]
SOLAR ENERGY
Energy generated by the sun that is infinite or constantly renewed.
[Added 12-13-2011 by Ord. No. 11-07]
SOLAR ARRAY
A ground-mounted solar collection system consisting of a linked series of photovoltaic modules excluding single-user residential applications.
[Added 12-13-2011 by Ord. No. 11-07]
SPECIAL EVENTS
Personal or business social engagement or activities conducted at a bed-and-breakfast, single-family residence, or on a farm where quests assemble for parties, wedding events, reunions, birthday celebrations, or similar uses for compensation, during which food and beverages may be served to guests and music and other entertainment is provided to quests. This definition shall not include places of worship.
[Added 3-26-2013 by Ord. No. 13-01]
START OF CONSTRUCTION
The installation of foundation footings or the initial land disturbance for road construction.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE
The ordinance entitled "Stormwater Management Ordinance," adopted by the County Commissioners on April 15, 1992, as amended.[6]
STREAM BUFFER
All lands lying within 100 feet, measured from the normal bank of a perennial stream, or 50 feet from the normal bank of an intermittent stream as shown on the most recent 7.5 minute topographic quadrangle (scale: 1:24,000) maps published by the United States Geological Survey.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATION
Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as the bearing walls, beams or girders, or any change in the dimension or configuration of the roof or exterior walls.
STRUCTURE
A. 
Any construction, production or piece of work that is artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.
B. 
Includes, but is not limited to buildings, telecommunications towers, and signs.
SUBDIVISION
A. 
Any division or redivision of a tract, parcel or lot of land into two or more parts by means of mapping, platting, conveyancing, change, or rearrangement of boundaries.
B. 
All subdivisions are also developments.
SUBJECT AREA
A. 
An area that is restricted or otherwise affected by a covenant.
B. 
If an area restricted or otherwise affected by a covenant is a common area, "subject area" includes both the common area and all other land within the site plan, subdivision, or zoning approval that has any rights or duties with respect to the common area.
SUBJECT PROPERTY OWNER
The owner or owners of a piece of real property located within the geographic boundaries of Queen Anne's County, Maryland, which is the subject of a proposed map amendment.
SUPERMARKET
A retail establishment, other than a convenience store, that sells primarily food items and household goods.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA
Any system of wires, poles, rods, reflecting discs, or similar devices used for the transmission or reception of electromagnetic waves external to or attached to the exterior of any building.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT BUILDING
A structure, cabinet, or box, accessory to a telecommunications facility, which houses equipment related to the wireless transmission of voice, data, or other signal.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY
A. 
Any staffed or unstaffed facility used for the transmission and/or reception of personal wireless services, radio and television broadcast services, and any other radio frequency signals, usually consisting of an antenna or group of antennas, transmission lines, and telecommunications towers.
B. 
Does not include telecommunications equipment building.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER
A structure that supports telecommunications antennas. Tower includes the following:
A. 
LATTICE TOWERA structure that consists of vertical and horizontal supports and metal crossed strips or bars to support antennas and connecting appurtenances;
B. 
MONOPOLEA structure that consists of a single freestanding pole structure to support antennas and connecting appurtenances; and
C. 
GUYED TOWERA tower that is tied to the ground or other surface by diagonal cables that provide support for the tower, antennas, and connecting appurtenances.
TEMPORARY OFFICE
An office as authorized under Chapter 18:1, Part 3, Article VII, § 18:1-55, of this Chapter 18.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, paper, plywood or other light material and intended to be displayed temporarily.
TEMPORARY USE
A. 
A use established for a fixed period of time with the intent to discontinue the use upon the expiration of such time.
B. 
Does not include the construction or alteration of any permanent structure.
TEXT AMENDMENT
Any changes to the text of this Chapter 18 and includes changes that supplement, modify or repeal any of its present or future provisions.
TIDAL WETLANDS
State wetlands that are defined as any land under the navigable waters of the state below the mean high water line, affected by the regular rise and fall of tide, and private wetlands defined as any land not considered state wetlands bordering or lying beneath tidal waters, that is subject to regular or periodic tidal action and supports aquatic growth. Private wetlands include wetlands transferred by the state by a valid grant, lease, patent, or grant confirmed by Article 5 of the Declaration of Rights of the Constitution to the extent of the interest transferred. The term "regular or periodic tidal action" means the rise and fall of the sea produced by the attraction of the sun and moon uninfluenced by the wind or any other circumstance.
TOWERS
A. 
Include towers for telephone, radio, microwave, or other forms of communications transmission that exceed district height limitations.
B. 
Does not mean power transmission line towers, windmills, or telecommunications facilities.
TRACT or TOTAL TRACT AREA
A property or unit of land that:
A. 
Is subject to an application for a grading or sediment control permit, subdivision approval, or project plan approval; or
B. 
Is otherwise subject to this Chapter 18.
TRANSFER
A. 
A transfer of development rights from a transferor parcel to a receiving parcel by an instrument of transfer.
B. 
Includes any intermediate transfers to or among transferees.
TRANSFERABLE DEVELOPMENT RIGHT
A development right transferred to a receiving parcel, either by deed, easement, or other legal instrument, pursuant to Chapter 18:1, Part 6, Article XX, of this Chapter 18.
TRANSFEREE
A. 
A person to whom development rights are transferred; and
B. 
All persons who have any lien, security interest, or other interest with respect to development rights held by a transferee.
TRANSFEROR
A. 
A person who transfers development rights; and
B. 
All persons who have any lien, security interest or other interest with respect to development rights held by a transferor.
TRANSFEROR PARCEL
A. 
A parcel of land in an Agricultural (AG) or Countryside (CS) District:
(1) 
From which development rights are transferred;
(2) 
Which is to be designated as open space, wherein only those uses as specified in Column A of the table in § 18:1-12 of this Chapter 18 are allowed; and
(3) 
Which may be less than all of a lot owned by an original transferor.
B. 
A transferor parcel must meet the following soils criteria:
(1) 
At least 50% of the land shall classify as Class I, II or III soils; or
(2) 
If the land is wooded, 50% of the land is classified as Woodland Groups 1 or 2; or
(3) 
If there is an insufficient percentage of Class I, II or III soils alone and there is an insufficient percentage of Woodland Groups 1 or 2 soils alone, the land must have a combination of the classifications that meets or exceeds 60%.
C. 
Plats of transferor parcels must provide the location of all existing buildings.
TRUCK STOP AND TRAVEL PLAZA
A facility primarily intended for commercial trucks, tractor trailers and recreational vehicles that consists of fuel sales and a restaurant, a fast-food restaurant and/or convenience store on one lot or adjacent lots, and may also include vehicle service and repairs, ancillary retail overnight lodging activities and shower and locker room facilities, all managed as a unit with off-street parking provided on the property.
[Amended 4-23-2019 by Ord. No. 19-04]
TRUCK TERMINAL
An area or building where cargo is stored or from which materials are distributed and where trucks load and unload cargo on a regular basis. Ancillary facilities may provide for parking, storing, or servicing trucks.
UNDERSTORY TREE
A. 
A tree that would occupy the understory of a forest in a natural ecological situation and that is often referred to as an ornamental tree.
B. 
Includes redbud, hazel, alder, holly, hornbeam, dogwood and witch hazel.
USE
The purpose or activity for which land or any structure thereon is designed, arranged or intended or for which it is occupied or maintained.
UTILITY-SCALE SOLAR ARRAY
A commercial production facility that converts sunlight into electricity, via photovoltaics or various other solar technologies on typically ground-mounted systems, for the purpose of wholesale or retail sale of generated electricity to a utility company and off-site customers.
[Added 12-12-2017 by Ord. No. 17-16]
VARIANCE
Permission to depart from the literal requirements of this Chapter 18 granted pursuant to Chapter 18:1, Part 7, Article XXII, of this Chapter 18.
VETERINARY OFFICE
A building or part of a building used for the care, diagnosis, and treatment of sick, ailing, infirm, or injured animals, and those who are in need of medical or surgical attention. Such clinics may or may not also provide long-term lodging of ill animals.
WALL SIGN
A sign mounted parallel to a building facade or other vertical building surface.
WAREHOUSE
A building used for the storage of goods and materials in connection with the day-to-day operation of a wholesale or distribution business, or a business that is not located in the same building or on the same property as the warehouse. The storage of goods and materials as an accessory use to a business is not a warehouse.
WAYFINDING SIGN
An off-premises sign with a County logo that is part of a Kent Narrows Development Foundation sponsored and coordinated program for the purpose of facilitating circulation to and from tourist destinations as recognized by the Kent Narrows Community Plan.
[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-19]
WHIP
An unbranched woody plant more than 24 inches in height and having a caliper of less than one inch.
WINERY
A part of a producing vineyard. Wineries include crushing, fermenting, blending, aging, storage, administrative office functions for the winery, warehousing and shipping facilities. Retail sales and tasting facilities of wine and related promotional items shall be permitted as part of the winery operations. Planned promotional event or other organized activity as permitted under Article 2B, § 2-205 as amended of the Annotated Code of Maryland are included in this definition.
[Added 3-26-2013 by Ord. No. 13-03]
WOODLAND
A continuous area of natural vegetation that predominantly contains trees and other woody plants. A single tree is not a woodland.
WRITING
Includes plats and other nontextual writing.
YOUTH CAMP
A facility or site used for organized activities for children, including sports, arts and crafts, entertainment, recreation and educational activities. "Youth camp" may include incidental food services and facilities for the overnight stay of camp participants. "Youth camp" may also include the incidental use of camp facilities by private organizations otherwise unaffiliated with the youth camp.
ZONING APPROVAL
A building permit or a final certificate required by this Chapter 18 and in a form prescribed by the Planning Director.
ZONING AUTHORITY
Includes the Planning Commission, the Planning Director, the Deputy Planning Director, the Zoning Administrator, and any other employee of the Department of Planning and Zoning.
ZONING CERTIFICATE
A certificate issued in accordance with Title IV when a building permit is not required.
ZONING MAP
A. 
A detailed map showing the location and boundaries of the zoning districts established by this Chapter 18.
B. 
Zoning maps are entitled "Official Zoning Maps, Queen Anne's County, Maryland."
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 10, Construction Codes.
[2]
Editor’s Note: This definition was amended 4-14-2009 by Ord. No. 08-20. The amendments made by Ord. No. 08-20 were removed pursuant to a decision of the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, which held that Ord. No. 08-20 had been preempted by state law.
[3]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 10, Construction Codes.
[4]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 23, Roads, Ch. 14:2, Erosion and Sediment Control, and Ch. 14:4, Stormwater Management.
[5]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 14:2, Erosion and Sediment Control.
[6]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 14:4, Stormwater Management.