Maryland’s Transit and Housing Opportunity Act: What Calvert County Should Understand

By Dawn Riley, Associate Broker, Realtor, Master Certified Negotiator and Pricing Strategy Advisor | Published August 4, 2026

The 2026 Act promotes mixed-use housing near qualifying rail stations and limits certain parking mandates. Its most direct effects are outside Calvert County because Calvert has no qualifying rail station.

Where the law applies

The law focuses on transit-oriented development areas served by rail stations with qualifying weekday service. It addresses mixed-use zoning on certain State or WMATA land and parking rules close to those stations.

Parking requirements change

Local governments generally may not require minimum off-street parking for covered residential or mixed-use projects within one-quarter mile of a qualifying station unless supported by an approved recent parking study.

The Calvert County limitation

Calvert County does not currently have a qualifying passenger rail station. It would be misleading to say this law directly rezones Prince Frederick, Huntingtown, Dunkirk or Lusby.

Why Calvert residents may still care

Housing and job growth near regional transit can affect commuting choices, development pressure and the wider Southern Maryland market. Calvert commuters who connect to rail elsewhere may also see indirect effects.

Local planning remains local

Calvert County land-use decisions continue through local plans, zoning and infrastructure processes. This Act should not be used as proof that a specific Calvert parcel gained development rights.

The bottom line

This law deserves attention, but it should not be overstated. My role is to identify the issue early, verify the controlling information and strategically position my client with clear deadlines and documented facts.