Md. counties mixed in responding to new growth law

ANNAPOLIS — A Maryland environmental group says some counties are meeting the requirements of a new state law that limits growth, but others are not. The group, 1000 Friends of Maryland, says that is putting rural areas of the state at risk.

The group released its report on Tuesday. The law creates a four-tiered system limiting where developers can build residential subdivisions that use septic systems. Local governments have until the end of December to draw new zoning maps restricting development, but under the law the state can’t force them to make changes.

The group credited efforts by Allegany, Baltimore, Caroline, Kent, Montgomery and Worcester counties. And it says Charles, Queen Anne’s and Wicomico counties were rated the most at risk of rural development.