[Added 4-10-2018 by Ord.
No. 2018-2]
The Caroline County Commissioners recognize that there are circumstances
when the interests of public health, safety and welfare are best served
by the temporary cessation of activities governed by this chapter
and any other chapters affecting development rights and responsibilities.
When the Commissioners determine such circumstances exist, the Commissioners
may impose a moratorium as described herein.
The Commissioners may impose a moratorium on any activity governed
by this chapter and/or other chapters affecting development rights
and responsibilities, including but not limited to the review and
processing of subdivision or site plans, the issuance of permits or
zoning certificates, and/or the granting of other approvals.
A.
Any moratorium adopted by the Commissioners shall be adopted by resolution
and shall contain at the minimum:
(1)
The public purpose(s) that necessitate(s) adoption;
(2)
The scope of the moratorium, which will be tailored based on
the public purpose(s) to be accomplished and sufficiently specific
to allow implementation by the Zoning Administrator and/or other affected
public bodies, agencies or officials;
(3)
General goals of the moratorium, including but not limited to
study and potential adoption of new plans, ordinances, and/or regulations
and/or amendments of existing plans, ordinances, and/or regulations;
(4)
The duration of the moratorium which shall not be longer than
one year and shall be tailored based on the goals of the moratorium;
and
(5)
The conditions, if any, under which an exception to the moratorium
may be granted.
B.
Upon adoption, the County Attorney shall transmit a copy of the moratorium
resolution to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and
Zoning Administrator, the department head of any other County agency
affected by the moratorium and any legal counsel serving those bodies.
Any moratorium adopted by the Commissioners shall not infringe
upon the vested rights of a property owner.
Any appeal of the moratorium shall be made to the Circuit Court
of Caroline County, Maryland.
