Sec. 14.29.01.03. Proposals for Designation of Recognized Heritage Areas

A. A local jurisdiction with land area located within the geographic boundaries of a heritage area may submit to the Authority a proposal for designation of the heritage area as a recognized heritage area, and if the land area of the heritage area is located within more than one local jurisdiction the proposal shall be jointly submitted by each of the local jurisdictions.

B. A proposal for designation of a recognized heritage area shall:

(1) Include a geographic information system file that identifies the boundaries for the heritage area;

(2) Include a resolution, ordinance, or other appropriate authorization issued by the governing body of each local jurisdiction with land area located within the boundaries of the heritage area establishing that the local jurisdiction has approved the proposal;

(3) Identify the heritage area management entity;

(4) Identify and describe the natural, recreational, cultural, and historic resources that contribute to the special cohesive character of the heritage area;

(5) Identify, as located within the heritage area, any:

(a) Historic districts either listed, or determined by the Director of the Maryland Historical Trust to be eligible for listing, in the Maryland Register of Historic Properties; or

(b) Natural or recreational resources determined by the Secretary of Natural Resources to be of Statewide significance;

(6) Specify the general goals and objectives for preservation, development, and management of the heritage area;

(7) Identify the types of public and private uses within the heritage area that will be intended or designed to advance the goals and objectives of the heritage area;

(8) Describe the strategies for encouraging and accommodating visitation to, and the compatible economic development of, the heritage area;

(9) Provide an economic overview of both the short-term and long-term costs and benefits related to development of the heritage area;

(10) Describe the methods and means to be instituted by the local jurisdictions to assure the long-term preservation and protection of the heritage area’s resources, including zoning, subdivision, and other growth management controls;

(11) To the extent that any of the following State agencies have programs or plans that may be affected by, or may be able to coordinate on, the designation of the heritage area as a recognized heritage area, identify to what extent such agencies were consulted during development of the proposal:

(a) Department of Housing and Community Development regarding housing and neighborhood revitalization;

(b) Maryland Department of Planning regarding land use planning, historic preservation, museum programs, and management of cultural and historic resources;

(c) Department of Commerce regarding tourism, economic development, and job creation;

(d) Department of Natural Resources regarding outdoor recreation and the management of natural resources and State greenways;

(e) Department of Agriculture regarding agricultural activities;

(f) Maryland Higher Education Commission and the State Department of Education regarding educational resources and education of the public about the heritage areas;

(g) Department of Transportation regarding access to and transportation within the heritage area, including on the State scenic byways program and programs for special signage; and

(h) Department of General Services regarding the management, maintenance, and disposition of State property; and

(12) Include any additional information as may be requested by the Authority either prior or subsequent to submission of the proposal.