HB 1044
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
First Reader
House Bill 1044 (Washington County Delegation)
Economic Matters
Washington County - Business Licenses - Zoning Certification Requirement
This bill prohibits the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County from issuing a
business license for the first time unless the applicant submits to the clerk a certification
from specified entities that the location of the business for which the license is sought has
proper zoning. A related provision prohibits the clerk from endorsing a change in the place
of a business until the licensee meets the zoning certification requirement for a license
issued for the first time.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: None. The change is procedural in nature and does not directly affect
governmental finances.
Local Effect: None. The change is procedural in nature and does not directly affect local
governmental finances.
Small Business Effect: Minimal.
Analysis
Bill Summary: The zoning certification that is required in Washington County for the
clerk to issue a license for the first time, or to endorse a change in the place of business,
must be from the county planning commission or, if the business is located in a municipal
corporation, from the municipal corporation.
Current Law: Generally, an applicant for a general business license (in each county) must
submit an application to the clerk of the court, submit a receipt or certificate for certain
taxes, and pay the applicable license fee. Each application for a license must be verified in
the way and contain the information that the Comptroller requires. If a specific place for
doing business is stated in a license, the licensee may change the place of business only if
the clerk endorses the change on the license.
There are limited exceptions to these general requirements in individual local jurisdictions,
including in Calvert County, which has zoning certification requirements similar to those
imposed by the bill.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: HB 1653 of 2020 was referred to the House Rules and Executive
Nominations Committee, but no further action was taken.
Designated Cross File: None.
Information Source(s): Washington County; Judiciary (Administrative Office of the
Courts); Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - February 12, 2021
rh/mcr
Analysis by: Tyler Allard Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
HB 1044/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Washington County - Business Licenses - Zoning Certification Requirement: 17-302 Business Regulation, 17-307 Business Regulation