Vacation Petition (VPT)

Recorded plats of subdivision may be vacated (abandoned) upon petition by the owner of the property. Minor vacations are those that seek to vacate only unimproved roads and/or alleys provided there is no opposition from adjoining property owners. Major vacations are those that seek to vacate platted properties and/or improved roads and/or alleys.

Application

Pre-Application Conference:  Not required

Pre-Application Neighborhood Meeting: Not required

Subdivision and Development Review Committee (SDRC): Not required

Decision-Making Body: Major Vacations are decided by the Planning Board. Minor Vacations are decided by the Planning Director. 

Fees:  $250 

Major Vacation – Sign postings at the subject site are required 30 days prior to the hearing and mailings are required seven days prior to the hearing to:

  • Parties of record
  • Owners of land adjoining, across the street from, on the same block as, or in the general vicinity of the land subject to the application
  • Every municipality located within one mile of the land subject to the application

Minor Vacation – Sign postings at the subject site are required 10 days prior to the date of the Planning Director’s decision. If Planning Director’s decision is appealed to the Planning Board, mailings are required per Major Vacation requirements (see above). 

Estimated Review Time:  For minor vacations, 30 days minimum. For major vacations, 60 days minimum.

Application Instructions

The new Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations go into effect on April 1, 2022. For a period of two years (until March 31, 2024), Applicants have the option to submit under the requirements of either the new or prior Ordinance. [Note: Review under the prior Ordinance requires a Pre-Application Conference and Statement of Justification to explain why the applicant has not chosen to develop under the provisions of the new Ordinance.

Any application accepted prior to the effective date of the new Ordinance will be reviewed and decided in accordance with the provisions of the prior Ordinance. See Transitional Provisions Quick Reference for more information. 

Find application materials below separated per the applicable Ordinance.

Contact Us

Development Review Division

PRIMARY PHONE: (301) 952-3530

SECONDARY PHONE: (301) 952-4366

FAX: (301) 952-3749