Maryland § 5-329

§ 5-329.

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

        (2)    “High–density county” means one of the following jurisdictions:

            (i)    Anne Arundel County;

            (ii)    Baltimore City;

            (iii)    Baltimore County;

            (iv)    Howard County;

            (v)    Montgomery County; or

            (vi)    Prince George’s County.

        (3)    “Low–density county” means any county not listed in paragraph (2) of this subsection.

    (b)    (1)    A county board in a high–density county seeking State funds for the construction of a new school, or the renovation of or an addition to an existing school that would increase the capacity of the school by more than 100 students, shall submit a pedestrian safety plan to the Interagency Commission.

        (2)    A county board in a low–density county shall submit a pedestrian safety plan to the Interagency Commission if the county board is seeking State funds for the construction of a new school, or the renovation of or an addition to an existing school, in a city with more than 10,000 residents and the construction or renovation would increase the capacity of the school by more than 100 students.

        (3)    The Interagency Commission shall approve a pedestrian safety plan if the pedestrian safety plan complies with subsection (c) of this section.

    (c)    (1)    A pedestrian safety plan shall:

            (i)    Be developed in collaboration with:

                1.    The county department of transportation or equivalent agency of the jurisdiction listed under subsection (a) of this section whose county board is submitting the plan; and

                2.    The State Highway Administration;

            (ii)    Be limited to the area surrounding the school for which the county board will not provide transportation to students;

            (iii)    Identify existing and potential safe routes for students to walk or bike to the school;

            (iv)    Evaluate the infrastructure, including sidewalk infrastructure, along existing and potential pedestrian or cyclist routes to the school to determine whether increased capacity is necessary;

            (v)    Analyze existing and potential school zones, including the need for expanding school zones on State and county roads; and

            (vi)    Include documentation of public participation and input related to the pedestrian safety plan, including minutes from a public hearing and written comments.

        (2)    A county board, not the Interagency Commission, shall make all determinations about the contents of a pedestrian safety plan.

    (d)    The Interagency Commission may adopt regulations to carry out this section.