LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Board of County Commissioners received updates on several key issues during its recent meeting, including health care development, housing policy changes and labor relations.
On Tuesday, July 7, commissioners heard from Kaiser Permanente regarding its long-planned medical facility in Charles County. The organization purchased property in 2020 and invested years in planning, traffic studies and regulatory reviews. However, the project was placed on hold in 2025 due to rising construction costs and economic pressures affecting the health care industry. Kaiser officials noted that the organization continues to deliver health care services and community programs in the county while reassessing options for expanded access.
The board also held a public hearing on Proposed Bill 2026-06, a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA 25-189) designed to modernize regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and align with state law. The amendments eliminate the previous 50% maximum living space requirement in accessory buildings, increase allowable ADU size per House Bill 1466, remove off-street parking mandates, and permit internal ADUs in certain future townhome developments. New units must still follow homeowners association rules, and rural sewage and septic standards remain unchanged.
Under the updated rules, ADUs are permitted in any zoning district allowing single-family detached homes, with a limit of one per lot. They are prohibited on lots with duplexes, triplexes or multifamily buildings. Commissioners unanimously approved the bill, advancing housing flexibility while addressing Maryland’s push for more affordable and attainable housing options.
In a work session, commissioners discussed Proposed Bill 2026-04 concerning Charles County Employees Collective Bargaining. They reviewed proposed revisions and reached consensus on an updated version. A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, at 6 p.m.
Finally, the board received a briefing on shifting the 2026 Oath of Office ceremony venue from the Charles County Government Building Auditorium to the College of Southern Maryland’s Fine Arts Center Theater at the La Plata Campus. The proposed change stems from ongoing auditorium renovations. Commissioners requested additional details on the feasibility of using Thomas Stone High School as an alternative site.
These agenda items reflect ongoing efforts to address housing needs, health care access and county operations amid economic and regulatory changes. The ADU amendments, in particular, respond to state mandates while supporting local goals for diverse housing stock in a growing region.
For full details on the meeting, including briefings, approvals and actions on boards and commissions, visit the Charles County Board of County Commissioners webpage and select “available archives.”
