Charles County Releases New Development Process Guide

News Release # 2026-030

Thursday Feb. 26, 2026

Charles County Government's Department of Planning and Growth Management has released a new public resource, Overview of the Development Process: Common Ownership Communities, Homeowners' Associations, and Resident Guidance Document. The new guide is designed to help residents better understand how residential development works and clarify who is responsible for each component of the process before, during, and after construction.

As Charles County continues to grow, residents living in neighborhoods with Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) or Common Ownership Communities often have questions about development timelines, infrastructure acceptance, stormwater facilities, inspections, and the transition of responsibilities from developers to HOAs. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step explanation of the development process, from planning approvals and permitting to construction, inspections, and long-term maintenance.

The document explains:

• The roles and responsibilities of developers, the County, HOAs, and residents
• Key phases of residential development, including planning, permitting, and inspections
• How and when residents and HOAs can participate in walkthrough inspections
• Long-term maintenance responsibilities, particularly for stormwater management facilities
• Common questions residents have about roads, amenities, permits, and HOA governance

The guide also includes a comprehensive FAQ section and links to County resources, inspection contacts, and reporting tools to help residents address concerns and access public records.

The Overview of the Development Process Guide is available to the public at: https://charlescountymd.info/HOAGuide

For more information, residents may contact the Department of Planning and Growth Management at 301-645-0650.

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