Board of County Commissioners Meeting Highlights – July 7, 2026

News Release # 2026-079

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

On Tuesday, July 7, Charles County Commissioners received anupdate from Kaiser Permanente on its planned Charles County medical facility. After purchasing the property in 2020 and completing several years of planning, traffic studies, and regulatory review, Kaiser Permanente placed the project on hold in 2025. The organization cited rising construction costs and broader economic pressures on the health care industry, while noting that it continues to provide health care services and community programs in Charles County.

Charles County Commissioners held a public hearing on Proposed Bill 2026-06: Zoning Text Amendment 25-189 Flexibility for Accessory Dwelling Units. The bill proposes to amend zoning regulations regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Charles County to align with state law. Highlights include the elimination of the 50% maximum living space rule in an accessory building, increasing the maximum ADU size to comply with House Bill 1466, elimination of off-street parking requirements, and an option for internal ADUs in future townhome communities. New accessory dwelling units would still have to comply with Homeowners Association guidelines. County Health Department Sewage and Septic requirements for ADUs in rural areas remain unchanged.

Units would be permitted in any zone where single-family detached housing is permitted, but only one accessory dwelling unit is allowed per lot. Accessory dwelling units may not be permitted on the same lots as a duplex, triplex, or multi-family apartment building. Commissioners unanimously passed the bill.

Commissioners held a work session to discuss Proposed Bill 2026-04: Charles County Employees Collective Bargaining. They reviewed proposed changes to the bill and reached consensus on an updated version. A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, at 6 p.m.

Finally, commissioners were briefed on a proposed plan to shift the 2026 Oath of Office venue from the Charles County Government Building Auditorium to the College of Southern Maryland Fine Arts Center Theater at the La Plata Campus. The change of venue was proposed due to ongoing renovations inside the County Auditorium. Commissioners requested additional information on the feasibility of using Thomas Stone High School as a site.

For more information on the meeting, including a full list of briefings, approval items, actions on boards and commissions, and more,visit the Charles County Board of County Commissioners webpage and select "available archives".

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