Subdivision
Each year, when subdivision applications are approved, thousands of new lots are created. Preliminary plans are checked to make sure there are enough public facilities for the proposed development. Final plats, reservation plats, and vacation petitions contain all the necessary engineering details to accurately locate streets, lots, and boundaries. The Planning Department evaluates these plans through the development review process to ensure they meet the County’s Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations.
The new Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations went into effect on April 1, 2022. For a period of three years (until March 31, 2025), Applicants have the option to submit under the requirements of either the new or prior Ordinance.
- Types of Subdivision Applications
- Subdivision & Development Review Committee (SDRC) Meetings & Agendas
Conservation Sketch Plan
An inventory to identify and prioritize important features on a piece of land that should be preserved, such as scenic views, historical sites, environmental areas, and farmland. Before you can file for a conservation subdivision, you need to have a Conservation Sketch Plan in place.
Learn MoreCertificate of Adequacy
A process to confirm necessary infrastructure is built at the same time or prior to the proposed development. It is reviewed during the Preliminary Plan of Subdivision phase and is certified by the Planning Director prior to Planning Board review of the Preliminary Plan. The request for a Certificate of Adequacy is submitted concurrently with the Preliminary Plan of Subdivision application.
Certificate of AdequacyFinal Plat
The final detailed drawings (to scale) of a tract of land, depicting the proposed division into lots or parcels, blocks, streets, or other areas within a proposed subdivision, including all pertinent engineering data necessary to locate every street, lot, block, and boundary line on the ground. Final Plats must conform with the approved Preliminary Plan of Subdivision and Detailed Site Plan, if applicable.
Final PlatSubdivision Ordinance Interpretation
Provides formal written interpretations of any provision of the Subdivision Regulations, including text, standards, compliance with conditions of approval, or other provisions in the Subdivision Regulations. SOIs may be initiated by any person having a contractual interest in land in the County.
Subdivision Ordinance InterpretationVariation
Sometimes, strict adherence to the Subdivision Regulations might cause significant challenges or difficulties for aspects like lot depth, cemetery requirements, private streets and easements, and public utility easements. It’s important to note that variations are different from zoning variances.
VariationVacation Petition
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.
Vacation PetitionThe Subdivision & Development Review Committee (SDRC)
Please note that the Friday, February 27, 2026 SDRC meeting is cancelled.
The Subdivision & Development Review Committee (SDRC) meets every other Friday. The meeting is open to the public but is not a public hearing. SDRC is a coordination and interagency meeting early in the development review process with the applicant and M-NCPPC staff.
Virtual SDRC Meetings (until further notice)
9:30 a.m. | Every other Friday | Agenda (TBA)
Please join SDRC from a computer, tablet, or smartphone:
Join the Microsoft Teams meeting now
- Meeting ID: 228 222 179 714 0
- Passcode: pr9LE2HY
- Dial in by Phone: +1 443-961-1463, 783433341# United States, Baltimore
Find a local number – Phone conference ID: 783 433 341# - New to Microsoft Teams? — Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: Free Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Teams
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- Sign up here to receive the SDRC weekly agenda.
Resources
Contact Us
Development Review Division
PHONE: 301-952-3530
FAX: 301-952-3749
Mridula Gupta
Acting Supervisor, Subdivision Section
PHONE: 301-952-3504
EMAIL: mridula.gupta@ppd.mncppc.org
Sherri Conner
Division Chief, Development Review Division/Acting Division Chief, IRRD
PHONE: 301-952-3168
EMAIL: sherri.conner@ppd.mncppc.org
