Ch. 583

1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(2)     The development of mutually compatible physical development plans for
their respective lands, including the identification and protection of areas important to
the maintenance of an appropriate setting for both institutions;

(3)     The sponsorship of high quality educational programs and activities for
both the academic and general communities;

(4)     The development of compatible or jointly beneficial promotional,
fund-raising, outreach, tourism and other efforts; and

(5)     The identification of other areas for mutual support and cooperative
action.]

[5-206.

(a)     (1) In this section, the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2)     "Dwelling" means the dwelling house of one or more homeowners, and
the curtilage where it is erected, which is used as the principal residence of that

homeowner or homeowners.

(3)     "Homeowner" means a person who, on July 1, 1976, actually resides in a
dwelling in which that person has a legal interest, including any life estate, whether as
sole owner, joint tenant, tenant in common or tenant by the entirety.

(4)     "Principal residence" means a dwelling actually occupied or expected to
be actually occupied by the homeowner or the homeowners for more than six consecutive
months of the present calendar year. Nonoccupancy of the dwelling because of illness or
the need for special care, of the homeowner, is occupancy for the purposes of this section.

(b)     (1) When the Commission or other State agency commences the acquisition
by purchase, gift, or condemnation of the dwelling of a homeowner within the "take line"
established by the Commission, the Commission or other State agency shall offer in
writing the homeowner or homeowners a life estate in that property. Acceptance of the
life estate shall be taken into consideration when determining the value of the property.
Upon acceptance, the recipient of the life estate will pay real estate property taxes,
insurance, and ordinary maintenance costs. Requests for material alterations or additions
to the property must be submitted in writing to the Historic St. Mary's City Commission
and said request must be approved or disapproved by the Commission within 45 days of
the receipt of said request.

(2)     In the case of a purchase, the Commission or other State agency shall
make the offer:

(i) At the time of each offer for purchase; and

(ii) In a document separate and apart from all other documents at the
time of ratification of the sales contract.

(3)     In the case of a gift or condemnation, the Commission or other State
agency shall make the offer at the time of transfer of any right, title or interest, present or
future, in the property.

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