COMAR
Maryland State regulations are compiled in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). COMAR contains 33 Titles, with each Title usually corresponding to a department or agency. Each regulation is assigned a unique four-part codification number. For example, 09.12.01.02, represents Title 09, Subtitle 12, Chapter 01, and Regulation 02. Click here to access COMAR Online.
Excess/Extra Land
This is a broad, inclusive category of properties being reviewed for possible disposition. Some are operational properties for which disposition would necessitate operational replacement, while others are candidates for clearance. Information about excess land is available to the public for research purposes, and no expectation should be made regarding the site’s availability for sale.
In Process
This is the broad category of making a property ready for sale to the general public. Once a property has been declared as extra property to the transportation needs of the Department, the parcel must be “cleared” through other governmental agencies to determine if they may require it for a general public purpose or an economic development purpose. The property is also offered for consideration to Counties and Municipalities (see State Clearinghouse Process below). In addition to all other requirements, often a property must also be offered back to the Prior Owner.
Joint Development
Broadly defined, this term applies to a partnership between a public agency and private business in which the State can benefit from revenue generated by use of a property that is adjacent to or connected to a public facility. While we tend to refer to transit-related opportunities in and around rail stations and bus facilities, the concept applies to our ports as well as our airports.
Layers
Originating from Geographic Information Systems (GIS) processes, the term refers to a mapped set of criteria that can be overlaid on an existing map. When specific layers (such as “In Process,” or “Excess/Extra Land”) are plotted with the property being researched, a visitor to the Web mapping page can identify whether or not the criteria apply to the property.
Leases
“Leases” describes a category of transaction opportunity offered by MDOT to the private sector and is specific to a property purchased for long-range project purposes that can be leased from the State on an interim basis. The opportunity may or may not include the rental of an improvement on the property.
Legend
A legend on a map is a description or explanation of the symbiology and other information printed on the map. Legends provide a better understanding and interpretation of the data portrayed.
Removals
“Removals” describes a category of transaction opportunity offered by MDOT to the private sector and is specific to parcels of land that have been purchased for a long-term highway project. An improvement exists on the property that can either be relocated off the property, salvaged for parts, or demolished. Anyone interested in pursuing such an opportunity may pay or be paid to remove the improvement.
State Clearinghouse Process
The State Clearinghouse Process is housed at the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP). When a property greater than three acres has received “clearance” from the owner agency to dispose, MDP must circulate the property information to fellow state agencies, county agencies, and local jurisdictions. The agencies and jurisdictions then have the opportunity to purchase the land from the owner agency based typically on a formula of cost plus interest, and accept the property for only a public use. The purchasing agency cannot resell the property to a private concern.
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
For ORE’s purposes, TOD describes development opportunities that are part of or adjacent to MDOT transit stations. TOD projects include amenity additions to a Park & Ride Lot or transit station (such as a convenience store), as well as the quintessential mixed-use development at a larger rail station.