2944

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 430

[(5)](V) Zoning classifications.

(2) THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS SHALL REQUIRE
SUPERVISION OF A RESPONSIBLE ADULT.

(c) (1) A public group home FOR MENTALLY RETARDED
INDIVIDUALS may not be located in any area where a local
zoning law specifically prohibits a public group home FOR
MENTALLY RETARDED INDIVIDUALS.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (1) of this
subsection and for these purposes, a public group home:

(i) Is deemed conclusively to be a
single-family dwelling;

(ii) Is permitted in all residential
zones; and

(iii) May not be subject to any special
exception, conditional use permit, or procedure that differs
from that required for a single-family dwelling of similar
density in the same zone.

7-319.

(a) The Director shall:

(1)   In accordance with the rules and regulations
described in § 7-318(b) of this subtitle, determine the
need, if any, for one or more public group homes FOR
MENTALLY RETARDED INDIVIDUALS in each county or multicounty
region of this State; and

(2)  Prepare a needs study.

7-320.

(a) (1) If the Director certifies that a public group
home FOR MENTALLY RETARDED INDIVIDUALS is needed in a county
or multicounty region, the county or the counties in the
region, in consultation with local consumer groups, promptly
shall choose a site that meets the requirements of the rules
and regulations adopted under this subtitle.

(c) If, within 5 months after the Director certifies a
need for a public group home FOR MENTALLY RETARDED
INDIVIDUALS, a suitable site is not submitted to the
Director, the Director shall declare the county or counties
to be in default. However, for good cause shown, the
Director may extend the 6-month period for not more than
another 3 months.

7-321.