More broadband in the future and a hearing for amendments of proposed building codes took center stage at the St. Mary’s County commissioners’ meeting Tuesday in Leonardtown.
According to data, the county is trying to improve the county’s broadband infrastructure by leveraging available grants to give opportunities to households and employers to receive affordable, ultra-high capacity, high-speed internet options, and expanded cable offerings throughout the county.
County government is also working to increase competition for wired broadband services by reaching out to internet service providers to encourage expansion in St. Mary’s.
In 2023, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Connect Maryland Network Infrastructure Grant Program issued a notice of intent to award a grant of $2.1 million to Verizon Maryland LLC., which will fund the installation of Verizon broadband in St. Mary’s County.
The estimated cost is $4.2 million and Verizon will cover the remaining balance.
“We’ve been told that money is not being directly allocated to the local municipalities in the future,” St. Mary’s IT Director Bob Kelly said, “and so there’s an effort on the federal level to allocate additional broadband connectivity funding to the state.”
Kelly added that the Maryland Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program is expected to be “the final push to get everybody in the state of Maryland connected,” but added there was no time frame.
The commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with Maryland Verizon LLC and a licensing agreement with Cost Quest.
Hearing on building code changes setThe commissioners approved a public hearing for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, on the proposed amendments to the St. Mary’s County Codes’ Building Construction and Inspection Fees.
State law requires local jurisdictions to implement and enforce new requirements on May 29.
In compliance with state law and Code of Maryland Regulation, the St. Mary’s County Department of Land Use and Growth Management is beginning the adoption process for Maryland Building Performance Standards, and also reviewing additional codes regarding electrical, swimming pools and spas, plumbing and heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration.
The review of the 2021 codes aims to identify necessary modifications relevant to the county.
The new codes also incorporate state-mandated construction drawings be prepared by a licensed professional for residential structures, but would allow for owner-occupied dwellings to be exempt.
“I want to make it clear that it doesn’t affect Harry or Harriet homeowners … if they wanted to put a sunroom on the back of their room,” Land Use and Growth Management Director Jessica S.B. Andritz said. “They wouldn’t need to hire an architect to prepare plans as long as the work is being done for them or their home or even for an immediate family member.”
Other amendments include extending lifespan of permit applications from 180 days to 12 months, and permits from 180 days to 24 months.
“It sounds like we have some moderate changes that some people may have some questions about,” Commissioner President Randy Guy (R) said.
Andritz also proposed deletion of Article IV of the code because the county does not perform building inspections, which are done by third-parties. Fees are set by independent inspectors.
Commissioner Mike Hewitt (R) said builders cannot get inspectors out in a timely fashion and asked if there was some way they could set up appointments online?
“Part of the reason for our recommendation to allow people building, even without an inspection, comes from that frustration, that having to sit and wait for that inspection” Building Code Board of Appeals Chair Wayne Hunt said. “So it’s definitely a problem that we’re experiencing. Part of it might be not having a contract for inspectors. The system is broken and it needs to be fixed.”
Public comments about the public hearing can be emailed to bpservice@stmaryscountymd.gov.
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