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Town Charter

The Town of Riverdale Park’s municipal Charter delineates the basic structure of the Town. Along with provisions of Maryland State law, the Town’s Charter also outlines the powers that the Town, as a municipal corporation, may exercise.  A municipal charter is analogous to the constitution of a state or a nation. 

Municipal charters by their nature are dynamic documents that from time-to-time require revisions. Charter provisions may be impacted by court decisions, changes to state or federal law, or differ from the needs and desires of municipal officials and the communities they serve. The Local Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland establishes the process by which a municipal corporation may amend a municipal charter.

Amendment Process
Article X §1008 of the Town Charter outlines the following Charter Amendment Process:
 
  • The Charter may be amended in accordance with the Local Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
  • Charter Amendments cannot be passed at the meeting at which it is introduced.
  • After introduction of a Charter Amendment, it must be acted upon by the Mayor and Council at a regular or special legislative meeting that is held not fewer than six (6) nor more than sixty (60) days after the meeting at which the Charter Amendment was introduced.
  • The entire Charter Amendment or a fair summary thereof must be published at least once in a newspaper having general circulation in the Town before it is acted upon by the Mayor and Council.
  • The Mayor and Council can take the following action: pass, pass as amended, reject, or have consideration of the Charter Amendment deferred.