Minor Amendment and SMA to the Central Branch Avenue Sector Plan
Minor Amendment and SMA to the Central Branch Avenue Sector Plan
Michael Calomese
TEL: 301-952-3179
EMAIL: michael.calomese@ppd.mncppc.org
Korey Arsenault
TEL: 301-952-4317
EMAIL: korey.arsenault@ppd.mncppc.org
Kierre McCune
TEL: 301-952-3211
EMAIL: kierre.mccune@ppd.mncppc.org
Project Initiation
Will be updated after May 5 Initiation
The Prince George’s County Planning Department is preparing an amendment to the 2013 Approved Central Branch Avenue Corridor Revitalization Sector Plan.
Guided by the 2014 Plan Prince George’s 2035 General Plan (Plan 2035), the plan update will combine public participation, real estate market analysis, land use and zoning review, and regional best practices to shape updated planning recommendations for the Southern Maryland Hospital Center Focus Area.
Covering approximately 8.84 square miles, the Central Branch Avenue plan area is a linear corridor that straddles the Capital Beltway (I-95/I-495), with a couple of areas inside the Beltway, and the majority of the corridor outside the Beltway along MD 5 (Branch Avenue).
The approved 2013 Central Branch Avenue Sector Plan was developed to build on the opportunities for growth and revitalization created by the potential future growth at Joint Base Andrews, the planned expansion of Southern Maryland Hospital, and the planned Southern Maryland Rapid Transit line along Branch Avenue. The goal of the minor plan amendment is to include recommended policies and strategies from the 2026 Medical Innovation Campus Feasibility Study, thereby adding greater robustness to existing policies and strategies in the sector plan’s Southern Maryland Hospital Center Focus Area. More on the 2026 Medical Innovation Campus Feasibility Study can be found here.
The planning process for the Central Branch Avenue sector plan included public engagement and plan development that took place between 2010 and 2012. This minor plan amendment will also be accompanied by an amendment to the zoning map, or a sectional map amendment. The sector plan was approved in 2013 without a sectional map amendment. The Central Branch Avenue sector plan has been long overdue for a sectional map amendment that fully implements the sector plan’s recommendations. Adoption of the sectional map amendment will fix this longstanding issue.
Project Boundary Map
Timeline
| Milestone | Expected Timelines |
|---|---|
| Initiation | May 5, 2026 |
| Joint Public Hearing | June 29, 2026 |
| Planning Board Adoption | Summer 2026 |
| Council Approval | Fall 2026 |
FAQs
What is a Minor Plan Amendment?
A minor plan amendment is an update to an existing approved master plan or sector plan. Minor plan amendments are initiated by the County Council through a formal resolution. A plan amendment is classified as “minor” if it affects less than 50% of the area of the existing approved plan.
What is a Sectional Map Amendment?
A sectional map amendment (SMA) is a comprehensive rezoning amendment for properties within an entire geographic area, such as a subregion, planning area, or part of a planning area. The purpose of an SMA is to revise the zoning of property to conform to the recommendations of the applicable master plan or sector plan. An SMA is being done concurrently with this plan amendment and will recommend zoning changes for specific properties to achieve the sector plan’s vision and goals.
What is Zoning?
Zoning is the law that determines what can be built, where it can be built, and how it is built. Zoning works in two parts. The zoning ordinance is the written law and the zoning map shows where the different zoning regulations are applicable. There are several different types of zones including Residential, Industrial, Commercial, and Open Space zones. Associated with these zones are a list of land uses that are allowed and not allowed inside of them, for example, heavy industrial uses are not typically allowed in residential zones, but different types of homes are likely allowed. Different zones also have different permitted heights, densities, setback requirements, etc., all of which change the way the streetscape looks and feels.
What are the implications of any zoning changes on a property in the Central Branch Avenue sector plan area?
If the planning process recommends rezoning, that will happen at the end of the planning process through a legal update to the County Zoning Map. Even if a property is rezoned, nothing can physically happen to the property unless the owner initiates a change (e.g., sale or redevelopment). Keep in mind that general plans and master/sector plans only produce recommendations for the future; no change can occur to a privately owned property unless initiated by the owner.
How will I know if my property is recommended for a different zone?
If your property is recommended for rezoning through this sectional map amendment, you will be notified through U.S. Mail, per Section 27-3407. Scheduling of Hearings and Public Notice, of the County Zoning Ordinance. Plan and zoning recommendations are evaluated through:
- A public comment period through the Joint Public Hearing (Planning Board and District Council) process
- Work sessions
Should the County Council recommend additional amendments to the sector plan and/or sectional map amendment that were not raised in testimony at the Joint Public Hearing, they must hold an additional Joint Public Hearing on those amendments.
The Prince George’s County Planning Department welcomes and encourages public participation and feedback throughout the plan development and public review period. Note that it is the County Council that has the power to approve the plan and authorize changes to the zoning map.
Does a change in zoning mean I am at risk of losing my property?
No. A master/sector plan is aspirational; it outlines goals and makes recommendations for the future of a planning area over a 25-year period. Master/sector plans and zoning regulations do not remove ownership or impose development mandates on property owners. If a property owner wants to redevelop a property after the County approves a zoning change through the sectional map amendment, the requirements of the property’s new zoning classification would apply.
