Municipal leaders offered power over minor zoning matters

Prince George's County municipalities may soon get a bit more power regarding the appearance of new developments in their borders.

The County Council approved County Bill 16, which cedes a small portion of its zoning authority to cities and towns. The legislation, passed June 8, allows municipal leaders to make their own regulations for landscaping and other minor zoning matters.

Currently, those decisions and larger zoning matters, such as approvals for new communities and buildings, are handled by the County Council. The council meets as the District Council when making zoning and development decisions. Major zoning decisions will continue to be handled by the council.