ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland counties need a time out on land-use legislation to deal with bills already passed by the General Assembly.

That’s the word from the Maryland Association of Counties. MACO spokesman Les Knapp says counties need time to deal with bills already been passed and can’t absorb additional requirements or mandates. Knapp says Maryland counties have to adjust to new septic system requirements and 10 counties will have to deal with stormwater fees next year.

Knapp says the association is seeking a two-year moratorium on new land use and environmental initiatives.

The association spokesman says that since 2006, counties have had to deal with major new land use and environmental legislation or regulations every year. And they’re concerned about state growth policies and the cost of the Chesapeake Bay restoration strategy.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)