For the purpose of this title, all land within the Town of Middletown is hereby designated on the zoning map ^[1] as being in one of the following districts:

(Ord. 182 § 2.0, 1976; Ord. 04-09-02 § 1 (part), 2004; Ord. 05-06-01 § 2, 2005; Ord. No. 24-01-02, § I, 2-12-2024)

A.

Unless otherwise indicated on the zoning district maps, the boundary lines of the districts follow lot lines, center lines of streets, alleys, or such center lines extended, center lines of creeks or the corporate limit line as existing at the time of adoption of the ordinance codified in this title, or measured lines.

B.

Zoning of annexed areas must comply with Article 23A of the Annotated Code which prohibits a municipality from placing annexed land, for a period of five years from the date of annexation, in a zoning classification which permits a land use substantially different from that of the master plan of the county having jurisdiction over the land prior to annexation; however, the county commissioners may waive the five-year requirement.

(Ord. 182 § 2.1, 1976)

Whenever the burgess and commissioners vacate a street or alley, adjacent districts shall extend to the center line of the vacation.

(Ord. 182 § 2.2.2, 1976)

A.

During the two-week period prior to the date of the hearing required by Article 23A, Section 19 of the Annotated Code of Maryland on any proposed annexation of land, the land which is proposed to be annexed shall be continuously posted with a sign to provide public notice of the date, time, place and subject matter of the annexation hearing. The sign shall be at least three square feet in area and conform to Chapter 17.36 Signs, shall identify the name of the person or entity seeking the annexation and shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the property fronting a public right-of-way. The owner of the land, applicant or other person or entity seeking the annexation shall be solely responsible for providing and posting the sign which shall be subject to the approval of the town administrator.

B.

Prior to the hearing required by Article 23A, Section 19 of the Annotated Code of Maryland on any proposed annexation of land, the proposed annexation shall be submitted to the planning commission for review and recommendation regarding the proposed zoning for the property and the consistency of that zoning with the comprehensive plan. The planning commission shall submit it's written report and recommendation to the burgess and commissioners within ninety (90) days of referral. The ninety-day period may be extended by the burgess and commissioners. In the event that the planning commission fails to submit its report within the required ninety (90) days, and no extension has been granted, then the burgess and commissioners may proceed with the public hearing on the annexation without such report or recommendation.

(Ord. No. 23-03-03, § II, 4-10-2023; Ord. No. 09-03-02, § I, 3-9-2009; Ord. 07-11-01 § 1, 2007)