INVITATION TO BID: The Coastal Resiliency Study for Hoopersville, MD

Dorchester County has been awarded a $55,000 State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Grant for a Coastal Community Resiliency Study for Hoopersville, to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of nuisance flooding, storm surge, erosion and projected sea level rise. The County has developed a project plan and is soliciting proposals to provide technical and administrative support in the implementation of its plan, and for the documentation of the planning process. Please visit the bid invitations page for more information.

Comp. Plan Solar Chapter Public Comments

Solar Energy Systems – Call for public comments: The Dorchester County Department of Planning and Zoning has created a website mailbox for all Dorchester residents to drop off their comments about the installation of solar panels throughout the County.  The address is zoninginbox@docogonet.comWe ask that you format your comments and input according to the topics discussed at the 2 work sessions with Council and at the public meeting of March 17, 2021.

The main topics are:

  • The size of each solar projects – what feels right … what is too big ?
  • The visibility of the solar projects
    • Where should they be located ?
    • How far should the solar projects be from residential neighborhoods, town boundaries, historic sites (size of setbacks) ?
    • How deep and how tall should the vegetation screen around the projects be ?
    • Should the security fence be mandated to feature a privacy screen ?

The other topics we are interested in hearing public comments are thoughts about which safeguards should be in place to make sure decommissioning / removal of panels is fully guaranteed, and how to address the concern about the potential pollution for the long-term effect of chemicals to the aquifer, if applicable. Dorchester Planning and Zoning Department looks forward to receiving your comments until April 19, 2021. At that time, the comment period will close, a compilation of the comments will take place, and a public meeting with Planning Commission will be announced to review all public input.

PUBLIC NOTICE

All County Offices are open to the public.
Appointments are highly recommended, please
contact the appropriate office to schedule. Visitors
will be required to follow all CDC guidelines when
inside buildings. Masks are required while in the building 
and social distancing will be strictly enforced.

Click Here to View Declaration to Continue Local State of Emergency and Executive Order

PUBLIC NOTICE


DORCHESTER COUNTY IS FOLLOWING THE MARYLAND STRONG: ROADMAP TO RECOVERY PLAN

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW GOVERNOR HOGAN’S EXECUTIVE ORDERS

CORONAVIRUS DISEASE INFORMATION

(COVID-19)

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Floodplain Information

Are you in a Floodplain?  Do you need information about building in the Floodplain?  Are you interested in further protecting your home from flooding?  Why should you purchase Flood Insurance?  Where is the Floodplain in Dorchester County?  Click here to find information about these questions and Dorchester County’s Floodplain Management Program.

County Property for Sale

Dorchester County takes a proactive approach to dealing with vacant, blighted and abandoned property.  If a property does not sell at the annual tax auction, the County will take ownership and maintain the property until it can be transformed into productive property by new home owners, non-profits, adjacent property owners or neighborhood groups. We do this through a progressive policy which encourages affordable home ownership. Check out the list of available properties and process for purchasing here.

Comprehensive Pan Solar Chapter- Public Comments

Solar Energy Systems – Call for public comments: The Dorchester County Department of Planning and Zoning has created a website mailbox for all Dorchester residents to drop off their comments about the installation of solar panels throughout the County.  The address is zoninginbox@docogonet.com

Background:

  • Maryland has adopted a State legislation in 2006, later amended in 2019 (SB 516), whereas 50% of the energy produced is mandated to originate from renewable sources by 2030, including 14.5% coming from solar energy
  • 23,000 acres of additional land-based solar panels is estimated to be needed in the State to meet that requirement
  • There has been a proliferation of utility grade solar applications in the County over the last several yea​rs
  • There is growing concern amongst County citizens and County officials that the proliferation of land-based solar installations is having a negative impact on its rural landscape, agricultural resources as well as historic and cultural resources
  • In reaction to the above, a dedicated section of the 2020 Comprehensive Plan is being created to address analysis of the current conditions, and strategies for the development of future solar applications

We ask that you format your comments and input according to the topics discussed at the 2 work sessions with Council and at the public meeting of March 17, 2021.

The main topics are:

  • The size of each solar projects – what feels right … what is too big ?
  • The visibility of the solar projects
    • Where should they be located ?
    • How far should the solar projects be from residential neighborhoods, town boundaries, historic sites (size of setbacks) ?
    • How deep and how tall should the vegetation screen around the projects be ?
    • Should the security fence be mandated to feature a privacy screen ?

The other topics we are interested in hearing public comments are thoughts about which safeguards should be in place to make sure decommissioning / removal of panels is fully guaranteed, and how to address the concern about the potential pollution for the long-term effect of chemicals to the aquifer, if applicable.

Dorchester Planning and Zoning Department looks forward to receiving your comments until April 19, 2021.

At that time, the comment period will close, a compilation of the comments will take place, and a public meeting with Planning Commission will be announced to review all public input.

Thank you.

Regional Technology Park

Let our natural beauty and signature Eastern Shore lifestyle move you to Dorchester’s Technology Park. Conveniently located off U.S. Route 50, the Tech Park is a full-service business enterprise zone with 12 competitively priced, builder-ready lots. With prices beginning at $23,000/acre, our building lots range from 2.2 to 5.5 acres. Our economic development team is headquartered at the Eastern Shore Innovation Center, the Tech Park’s flagship business incubator. As business neighbors, our network ensures you real-time advice, assistance and advocacy. Learn more here.