Wicomico County, MD Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

Section 225-72 applies when part of a tract lies within an area an officially adopted county plan designates for a proposed public park, greenway or bikeway, and the owner dedicates that portion to the county before developing the remainder. Rather than losing density for the dedicated acreage, § 225-72B lets the county calculate the permitted density for a single-family detached subdivision as though the dedicated portion were still part of the lot being developed; the Planning Commission may then reduce the minimum lot size and minimum setbacks on the remaining land, as it determines appropriate, so the site can actually accommodate that calculated density.

For a two-family or multifamily project, § 225-72C applies the same as-if-still-part-of-the-lot density calculation without the lot-size or setback reduction step. If the remaining, non-dedicated tract is later divided again for further subdivision or development, § 225-72D gives each resulting parcel its pro rata share of the density bonus that Subsections B and C created, so the benefit of the original dedication follows the land through later splits rather than being captured entirely by the first parcel developed. The bonus is tied specifically to park, greenway and bikeway dedications shown on an adopted county plan; a voluntary dedication without that plan designation does not qualify under this section.