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1. I purchased my home years ago because the land behind me was wooded. Does anyone have the right to come in now and develop this property?

The development potential of all property is determined by its zoning. You can obtain information on the zoning of property by contacting the Planning Information Services at 301-952-3195 or 301-952-3208.

2. How long does it take to process my permit application?

Most permit applications (excluding those select types that are eligible for a walk-through process) take a minimum of three weeks to process. This is due, in part, to volume, but is primarily due to the amount of research conducted for each application. The permit must first be located to verify the current zoning, legal description, and whether any special exceptions, variances, or other types of waivers have been granted. The permit is then logged in and, depending on the type of application, routed throughout other Divisions for their comments. Once returned to the Permit Office, the permits are processed in the order in which they were received. More complex projects may take longer. Information as to the status of particular permit applications may be obtained by visiting our Permits Tracking application and referencing the permit number.

3. What can I do to quicken the processing of my permit application?

Be certain that all necessary information is submitted with the permit application and paying particular attention to the site plan requirements. Inadequate site plans create the biggest delay in the review process. Information as to the status of particular permit applications may be obtained by visiting our Permits Tracking application and referencing the permit number.

4. What is a site plan, and why do I need to submit one with my permit application?

Section 27-254(c)(1) of the Zoning Ordinance requires that each application for a building or use and occupancy permit be accompanied by a site plan. The site plan is a graphic illustration of the site and all buildings, improvements, parking facilities, landscaping, etc. This description allows the reviewers to accurately determine what is proposed and whether it conforms with applicable zoning regulations. Without a complete site plan, action on permit applications cannot be taken because compliance with zoning regulations cannot be determined.For more information please contact the Planning Information Service office at 301-952-3195 or 3208

5. Does Park and Planning issue my permits?

No. The County Department of Permitting Inspection and Enforcement issues all permits, after review by a number of agencies for conformance with different types of regulations (building, fire, health, etc.). Park and Planning is merely one reviewing agency.

For more information please contact the DPIE Permit Office at 301-883-5900

6. Why does Park and Planning need to see my permit application anyway?

Section 27-255 of the Zoning Ordinance requires referral of most grading, building, general exterior, addition and use and occupancy permit applications to Park and Planning for review and recommendations as to requirements of the County Zoning Ordinance, County Subdivision Regulations, and the State Regional District Act (Article 28, Annotated Code of Maryland). Also reviewed is compliance with any conditions imposed in a zoning (including rezoning and Special Exception) or subdivision matter and conformance with any approved site plan applicable to the subject property. Section 27-597, likewise, requires referral to and review by Park and Planning of sign permit applications for conformance with the sign regulations of the Zoning Ordinance.

For more information please contact the Planning Information Service Office at 301-952-3195 or 3208

7. May I have a business in my home, and do I need a permit for it?

It depends on the type of business. Some home occupations require use and occupancy permits and some do not require them. For more information please contact the DPIE Permit Office at 301-883-5900

8. May I walk my permit application through the process?

A permit application is deemed to be a walk-through by the Department of Permitting Inspection and Enforcement and is typically permits of a minor nature for both residential and commercial projects. For more information please contact the Department of Permitting Inspection and Enforcement (DPIE)  Permit Office at 301-883-5900

9. Why won't you pull my permit application out of the pile and put it on top to review before the others?

Our office receives hundreds of permit applications a week. To treat applicants equally, they are generally processed in the order in which they are received.

10. What happens to my non-walk-through permit application after you complete your review?

The application is returned to the County's Department of Permitting Inspection and Enforcement (DPIE). The approved site plan is transmitted to Park and Planning staff located within the Permit Office of DPIE and must be picked up there by the applicant when the permit is issued. This plan must be available on site, and development and use must be in conformance with the approved site plan.

For more information please contact the DPIE Permit Office at 301-883-5900 and you may check the status of your permit