Subdivision

Subdivision Details

New houses in a 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

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 More

Certificate 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 Adequacy

Preliminary Plan of Subdivision

Before a new neighborhood can be built, the first official step is to look at whether there are enough public facilities – parks, transportation, and emergency services – for the proposed development.

Preliminary Plan of Subdivision

Final 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 Plat

Subdivision 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 Interpretation

Variation

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.

Variation

Vacation 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 Petition
Subdivision & Development Review Committee (SDRC) Meetings & Agendas

The Subdivision & Development Review Committee (SDRC)

Virtual Meetings (until further notice)

9:30 a.m. | Every other Friday | Agenda

Please join SDRC from a computer, tablet, or smartphone:

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Contact Us

Development Review Division

PHONE: 301-952-3530

FAX: 301-952-3749

Mridula Gupta

Acting Supervisor, Subdivision Section

Sherri Conner

Division Chief, Development Review Division/Acting Division Chief, IRRD