Md. Code, Local Government § 4–204

(a) A proposal to incorporate an area as a municipality is initiated when a

valid petition is presented to the county commissioners or county council of a county

by:

(1) at least 25% of the registered voters who are residents of the area

proposed to be incorporated; or

(2) at least 20% of the registered voters who are residents of the area

proposed to be incorporated, together with the owners of at least 25% of the assessed

valuation of the real property of the area proposed to be incorporated.

(b) The Office of the Attorney General shall:

(1) create a standard petition form for use by an organizing

community; and

(2) provide the board of elections of each county with the form for

distribution to an organizing community.

(c) A petition presented under subsection (a) of this section shall:

(1) express the interest of the subscribing individuals in the

incorporation of the area;

(2) contain a detailed description of the boundaries of the area

proposed to be incorporated, including a survey of courses and distances or general

landmarks and place names;

(3) state the name of the new municipality, which may not be the

same as a name used by a municipality or county in the State; and

(4) state the names of the individuals who will initially represent the

organizing community on the organizing committee.

(d) The organizing community shall obtain the minimum number of valid

signatures required under subsection (a) of this section within 18 months after the

organizing community receives the standard petition form from the county board of

elections.

(e) Each person signing the petition shall indicate on the petition:

(1) the person’s name and residence address; and

(2) if the petition is intended to be presented under subsection (a)(2)

of this section and the person signing the petition owns real property in the area

proposed to be incorporated, the location and assessed valuation of the property.

(f) Within 60 days after receiving a petition, the county commissioners or

county council shall:

(1) verify that each person who signed the petition:

(i) resides in the area proposed to be incorporated;

(ii) is registered to vote in the elections of that county; and

(iii) if applicable, owns real property within the area proposed

to be incorporated;

(2) verify that the petition meets the requirements of this section;

and

(3) appoint a county liaison if the petition meets the requirements of

this section.

(g) A petition, when received, becomes the property of the county

commissioners or county council and may not be used to initiate another

incorporation.

(h) A proposal to incorporate a municipality and to adopt a municipal

charter may not be rescinded after the formal submission of the proposal in a manner

other than that of a formal charter repeal as provided in §§ 4–313 and 4–314 of this

title.