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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.

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 four weeks. Information as to the status of particular permit applications may be obtained by calling 301-952-4707 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 calling 301-952-4707 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 call 301-952-3749.

5. Does Park and Planning issue my permits?

No. The County Department of Environmental Resources 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 call 301-952-3749.

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, 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 call 301-952-3749.

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 call 301-952-3208.

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

If the permit application is for an addition to an existing single-family home, the application may be walked through the process. If the permit application is for a "commercial tenant finish" (i.e., interior alterations within a building for which a building permit was previously approved, to enable a particular occupant to move in) or straight occupancy (without additional construction), the permit application may be walked through the process under certain limited circumstances. Excluded from the commercial walk-through process are permit applications for buildings that existed prior to 1971 unless a detailed site plan was later approved for the property, and permits involving a change in use from that specified on the original building permit. Other applications may be excluded from the walk-through process if problems arise during the walk-through review that necessitate more in-depth review or submittal of more information.

For more information, please call 301-952-3749.

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.

For more information, please call 301-952-3749.

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

The application is returned to the County Department of Environmental Resources (DER). The approved site plan is transmitted to Park and Planning staff located within the Permit Office of DER 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 call 301-952-3749.