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HB 548

Land Use - Permitting - Development Rights (Maryland Housing Certainty Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gabriel Acevero and 22 co-sponsors

Maryland bill streamlines residential development permitting to increase housing supply and reduce approval delays for new residential projects statewide.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 591
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Bill Summary · HB 548

Legislative bill overview

HB 548, the Maryland Housing Certainty Act, modifies Maryland's land use permitting and development rights framework to streamline housing development. The bill appears designed to reduce regulatory barriers and provide greater certainty for developers pursuing residential projects. Specific provisions would need to be reviewed in the bill text, but the title suggests reforms to permitting timelines, approval processes, or by-right development provisions.

Why is this important

Housing affordability and supply constraints are critical issues in Maryland, particularly in the Baltimore-Washington corridor where demand significantly exceeds available inventory. Streamlined permitting can reduce development costs and timelines, potentially increasing housing supply and moderating price growth. However, these reforms directly affect local land use control, environmental review processes, and community input mechanisms—making this a high-stakes policy debate.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state mandate: Developers and state legislators may support reducing local approval barriers, while municipalities and community groups typically resist state-level preemption of zoning decisions
  • Environmental and infrastructure review: Faster permitting could reduce environmental impact assessments and infrastructure capacity reviews, raising concerns about sustainable growth and public service adequacy
  • Displacement and equity: Rapid housing development in existing neighborhoods may trigger gentrification concerns, though housing advocates argue supply increases ultimately benefit affordability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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