Maryland Department of Planning -  Comprehensive Plans Landing Page*

A comprehensive plan is a document, officially adopted by the local governing body, which spells out the manner in which a municipality, county or sub-area of a county must develop. Typically, it includes a map showing proposed future land use and anticipated transportation and community facilities. It also contains policies for protecting environmental features and recommendations for amending local development-related ordinances in a manner that helps achieve the comprehensive plan’s objectives. It must also explain how the jurisdiction will provide water for development and address the handling of sewage treatment plant discharges. Municipal comprehensive plans must explain how anticipated growth will impact community facilities and the environment, and identify areas where growth will occur. The plan has legal significance in that zoning, provision of water and sewer, and other local actions must be consistent with its recommendations. The comprehensive plan may also be known as a “master plan”, “master development plan” or “comprehensive master plan".

Source*: Maryland Office of Planning (Date: 240708)