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Montgomery County Zoning Code

This document summarizes zoning ordinance provisions for Montgomery County, Maryland. It outlines the purpose of the zoning code as controlling street congestion, promoting public health and welfare, conserving natural resources, and facilitating transportation and public facilities. It also defines key terms used in the zoning code such as agriculture, accessory use, adult entertainment, and sets rules for interpreting tense, singular/plural words, and computing time periods in the code. The document is establishing a framework and common understanding of language for the county's zoning regulations.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
62 views20 pages

Montgomery County Zoning Code

This document summarizes zoning ordinance provisions for Montgomery County, Maryland. It outlines the purpose of the zoning code as controlling street congestion, promoting public health and welfare, conserving natural resources, and facilitating transportation and public facilities. It also defines key terms used in the zoning code such as agriculture, accessory use, adult entertainment, and sets rules for interpreting tense, singular/plural words, and computing time periods in the code. The document is establishing a framework and common understanding of language for the county's zoning regulations.

Uploaded by

Planning Docs
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
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Council Draft

Article 59-1. General Zoning Ordinance Provisions


Division 1.1. In General
Section 1.1.1. Citation

This Chapter is known as the Zoning Ordinance of the Montgomery County Code.
Within this Chapter, the Zoning Ordinance may be referred to as this or the "Chapter."

Section 1.1.2. Severability


A. Each provision of this Chapter is severable.
B. Each provision of any amendment to this Chapter is severable unless the amendment says otherwise.
C. The finding by a court that some provision of this Chapter or any amendment is
unconstitutional and void does not affect the validity of the remaining portions
of this Chapter unless the court finds that the remaining valid provisions alone
are incomplete and incapable of being executed within the legislative intent of
the District Council.

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Division 1.2. Purpose


Section 1.2.1. Purpose of Chapter 59

The purpose of this Chapter is to provide zoning requirements designed to:


A. control street congestion;
B. promote health, public safety, and general welfare;
C. provide adequate light and air;
D. promote the conservation of natural resources;
E. prevent environmental pollution;
F. avoid an undue concentration of population; and
G. promote or facilitate adequate transportation, water, sewerage, schools, recreation, parks, and other public facilities.

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Division 1.3. Applicability


Section 1.3.1. Applicability

This Chapter applies to that portion of the Maryland-Washington Regional District


in Montgomery County, except for certain municipalities in Section 1.3.2, and applies to all structures, lands, and uses over which the County has jurisdiction under
the laws of the State of Maryland.

Section 1.3.2. Nonapplicability to Certain Municipalities

This Chapter does not apply to Brookeville, Poolesville, Laytonsville, Rockville,


Barnesville, Gaithersburg, and Washington Grove.

Section 1.3.3. Annexations


Annexation of Additional Area to the Regional District
Any area annexed into that portion of the Maryland-Washington Regional District
in Montgomery County after October 30, 2014 will immediately upon annexation
be automatically classified in the most nearly comparable zone until a Sectional or
District Map Amendment for such area has been adopted by the District Council.
The Commission must recommend to the District Council zoning for the annexed
area within 6 months after the effective date of such annexation.

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Division 1.4. Defined Terms


Section 1.4.1. Rules of Interpretation

F. Tense

A. How to Compute Periods Measured in Months

G. Use of "Or"

The following rules of interpretation apply to this Chapter.


If a period of time is measured in months, the period begins and ends on the
same day of a month; however, if there are not enough days in the final month
for this to be possible, the period ends on the final day of the final month.

B. How to Compute Periods Measured in Days


If this Chapter requires or allows a person to perform an act within a specific
time period measured in days, the person must compute the deadline in the following manner:
1. If the period follows an event, count the day after the event as the first day
of the period,
2. Count the remaining number of days in the period; however, if the period is 7
days or fewer, omit Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.
3. Do not count the last day if it is a Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday, or if the
office where the person must file a document or perform an act is not open
during the regular hours of that office on that day.

C. Requirements to Act by a Specific Date


1. If the law requires or allows a person to perform an act by a specific date, but
the specific date is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the person may perform the act on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
2. Any action required to be taken within a specific time period is measured
from the date of a final agency action, or, if a party seeks judicial review of
the agency action, from the date the court makes a final decision.

D. Signatures
The signature of a person may be the actual signature of the person or a mark
that the person has authorized.

E. Singular and Plural


The singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular.

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The present tense includes the future tense.


"Or" indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events may
apply singly or in any combination.

H. Use of "Includes"
"Includes" does not limit a term to the specified examples.

I. Title of Articles, Divisions, and Sections


Titles and captions are not part of the law. They only advise the reader of the
content of each Article, Division, or Section.

J. Illustrations and Examples


This Chapter contains numerous illustrations and examples to assist the reader
in understanding and applying the Chapter. To the extent that there is any inconsistency between the text of this Chapter and any such illustration or example,
the text controls unless otherwise provided in the specific section. All illustrations are illustrative.

K. Use of "Chapter"
Chapter means a numbered section in the Montgomery County Code.

Section 1.4.2. Specific Terms and Phrases Defined

In this Chapter, terms that are not specifically defined have their ordinary meaning.
The following words and phrases have the meanings indicated.

A.
Abandonment: The cessation of activity necessary to the operation of a conditional or non-conforming use for at least 6 months.
Abutting: 2 properties are abutting if they share a property line or easement
line.
Accessory Apartment: See Section 3.3.3.A.1
Accessory Structure: See Section 3.7.4.A.1

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Accessory Use: See Section 3.7.4.B

Amateur Radio Facility (Over 65 Feet in Height): See Section 3.5.14.B.1

Adjacent: Being close to or nearby without requiring the sharing of a common


boundary.

Ambulance, Rescue Squad (Private): See Section 3.4.1.A

Adult Entertainment: See Section 3.5.10.A.1

Animal Boarding and Care: See Section 3.5.1.B.1

Adult Entertainment Material or Performance: A book, magazine, periodical,


or other printed matter; photograph, film, motion picture, video cassette,
slide, or other visual representation; sculpture or 3- dimensional representation; recording or other sound representation; or sexual paraphernalia that depicts or describes, or a live performance that depicts, sadomasochistic abuse,
sexual conduct, or sexual excitement as defined in State law.

Animal Research Facility: See Section 3.6.1

Age-Restricted: A use restricted to persons who are 55 years of age or older.

Antenna on Existing Structure: See Section 3.5.14.C.1

Agricultural Auction Facility: See Section 3.2.1.A

Apartment Building: See Section 4.1.3.D and Section 4.1.5.D

Agricultural Processing: See Section 3.2.2.A

Artisan Manufacturing and Production: See Section 3.6.4.A

Agricultural Vending: See Section 3.2.12.A.1

Attached Accessory Apartment: See Section 3.3.3.B.1

Agriculture: The business, science, and art of cultivating and managing the
soil; composting, growing, harvesting, and selling crops, and the products of
forestry, horticulture, and hydroponics; breeding, raising, managing, or selling livestock, including horses, poultry, fish, game, and fur-bearing animals;
dairying, beekeeping, and similar activities; and equestrian events and activities. Agriculture includes processing on the farm of an agricultural product to
prepare the product for market and may cause a change in the natural form or
state of the product.

Automobile Storage Lot: See Section 3.5.13.A.1

Airport Approach Area: An area adjacent to an airport, airpark, or airfield designed for fixed-wing aircraft, which is a trapezoidal area extending from both
ends of the landing strip with dimensions as recommended by the Federal
Aviation Agency or the Maryland State Aviation Administration.
Alley: A right-of-way that provides secondary service access for vehicles to the
side or rear of abutting properties.
Amateur Radio Facility (Up to 65 Feet in Height): See Section 3.5.14.A

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Amenity Open Space: See Section 6.3.7.A.2

Animal Services: See Section 3.5.1.A


Antenna: Any structure or device used to collect or radiate electromagnetic
waves, including both directional antennas, such as panels, microwave dishes
and satellite dishes, and omni-directional antennas, such as whips.

Awning: A wall-mounted, cantilevered structure that provides shade and cover


from the weather.

B.
Balcony: A platform projecting from the wall of a building with a railing along
its outer edge, often with access from a door or window. A balcony is not fully
enclosed.
Base Density: The maximum FAR or number of dwelling units per acre permitted by the zoning classification of a property without the use of optional
method Cluster Development, optional method MPDU Development, or TDR
density increase or application of a Floating zone.
Base Zone: The mapped zone and accompanying development standards that
apply to a property before the application of a Floating or Overlay zone.

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Basement: The portion of a building below the first floor joists of which at least
half of its clear ceiling height is above the average elevation of the finished
grade along the perimeter of the building.

3. is located in the AR zone; and


4. could be encumbered by a BLT easement under this Chapter.
When a BLT easement is recorded in the land records, the easement extinguishes the right to build a dwelling unit in the AR zone; this attribute distinguishes a BLT from other TDRs.

Bed and Breakfast: See Section 3.5.6.B.1


Belt Courses: A continuous course of brick, shingles, stone, or tile.
Berm: A continuous linear earthen mound of varying height designed and placed
to screen the view of and reduce the noise from an adjacent, incompatible
use, such as a highway.
Bicycle Parking, Long-Term: Secure bicycle parking intended for use by residents and employees of a building.
Bicycle Parking, Short-Term: Spaces for bicycle parking intended for use by
visitors to a building.
Bikeshare Facility: A facility that includes a bikeshare dock and bicycles and is
part of a network of bikeshare facilities that is available for shared use by the
public and approved by the Director of the Department of Transportation or
the Director's designee.
Binding Element: A condition of an approval that restricts or requires a use,
building type, density, building height, setback, screening, public benefit, or
layout of a development.
Blank Wall: See Section 4.1.7.D.2
Build-to-Area (BTA): See Section 4.1.7.B.3
Building: A structure having one or more stories and a roof, designed primarily
for the shelter, support, or enclosure of persons, animals, or property of any
kind.
Building Height: See Section 4.1.7.C
Building Lot Termination (BLT): A transferable development right (TDR) created from land that:
1. consists of at least 25 acres;
2. is capable of being served by an individual sewage treatment unit that
satisfies Chapter 27A and applicable regulations issued under that Chapter;

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Bus, Rail Terminal/Station: See Section 3.6.6.A.1

C.
Cable Communications System: See Section 3.5.2.A.1
Camp Retreat, Nonprofit: Land used by a nonprofit institution to provide social,
recreational, and cultural activities for children, youth, or adults. A camp
retreat may contain permanent structures for lodging, meeting, and recreational purposes.
Campground: See Section 3.5.10.B.1
Car-Share Space: A parking space intended for use by the customer of a vehiclesharing service to park in-service vehicles.
Car Wash: See Section 3.5.13.B.1
Catering Facility, Outdoor: A land use within the scope of "Recreation and Entertainment Facility, Outdoor." Any structure and land where food and drink is
provided commercially at outdoor events. An outdoor catering facility includes
an enclosed food preparation building.
Cellar: The portion of a building below the first floor joists of which at least half
of the clear ceiling height is below the average elevation of the finished grade
along the perimeter of the building.
Cemetery: See Section 3.5.4.A.1
Central Business District (CBD): Any one of the principal business areas of the
County that has been designated as a central business district in this Chapter
as shown on the official map displayed on the Planning Department website at
http://mcplanning.maps.arcgis.com/apps/OnePane/basicviewer/index.html?a
ppid=b421403f69994752ae555c6e17a169b6

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Certified Site Plan: A final document that incorporates all elements of the
site plan approved by the Planning Board, including: a project data table; all
necessary engineered drawings; specific references to all agency approvals
required by the Planning Board approval resolution; and a complete copy of
the approval resolution.
Charitable, Philanthropic Institution: See Section 3.4.2.A
Child: A biological child or an adopted child. A child does not include a stepchild,
foster child, or grandchild, or a more remote descendant.
Clinic (Up to 4 Medical Practitioners): See Section 3.5.7.A.1
Clinic (More than 4 Medical Practitioners): See Section 3.5.7.B.1
Combination Retail: See Section 3.5.11.A.1
Commercial Kitchen: See Section 3.5.14.D.1
Commercial Vehicle, Heavy: Any motor vehicle, tandem axle trailer, or semitrailer used for carrying freight or merchandise, or used in any commercial
enterprise that is:
1. greater than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight;
2. rated by the manufacturer with a load capacity of more than one ton;
3. 21 feet long or longer, measured from the extremes of the vehicle, including any object on the vehicle; or
4. more than 8 feet high, with properly inflated tires, measured from the
ground to the highest part of the vehicle, including any racks but excluding
any antennas.
A heavy commercial vehicle does not include a recreational vehicle, a motor vehicle owned or operated by the County or other government agency, a
machine or a vehicle for agricultural use, or a tow truck that is less than 10,000
pounds gross vehicle weight, shorter than 21 feet in length as measured under
subsection 3, and less than 8 feet high as measured under subsection 4.
Commercial Vehicle, Light: Any motor vehicle or trailer used for carrying freight
or merchandise, or used in the promotion of any commercial enterprise that is
not a heavy commercial vehicle and not used as an office or containing an entry for transactions. A light commercial vehicle is not a recreational vehicle, a

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motor vehicle owned or operated by the County or other government agency,


or a machine or vehicle for agricultural use.
Commission: The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.
Common Open Space: See Section 6.3.5.A.2
Community Garden: See Section 3.2.3.A
Conditional Use: A use that must meet the conditional use standards in Division
3.2 through Division 3.7 and requires approval by the Hearing Examiner, under
the findings in Section 7.3.1. A conditional use is a special exception.
Conference Center: See Section 3.5.10.C.1
Confronting: Properties that are directly across a right-of-way with a master
plan width of less than 80 feet from each other based on a line between the 2
properties that is drawn perpendicular to the right-of-way. Properties within a
45 degree diagonal across an intersection are also confronting.
Construction Administration or Sales Office: See Section 3.5.15.A.1
Contractor Storage Yard: See Section 3.6.2.A
Country Inn: See Section 3.5.3.A.1
County: Montgomery County, Maryland.
Coverage: See Section 4.1.7.B.5
Crematory: See Section 3.5.4.B.1
Cultural Institution: See Section 3.4.3.A

D.
Day Care Center (13 - 30 Persons): See Section 3.4.4.E.1
Day Care Center (Over 30 Persons): See Section 3.4.4.F.1
Day Care Facility: See Section 3.4.4.A
dBA: A-weighted decibels measure as defined in Chapter 31B.
DBH: Diameter at breast height.
Detached Accessory Apartment: See Section 3.3.3.C.1

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Detached House: See Section 4.1.5.A


Detached House or a Building for a Cultural Institution, Religious Assembly,
Public Use, or Conditional Use allowed in the zone: See Section 4.1.3.A
Development Rights: The potential for the improvement of a property, measured in dwelling units or units of commercial or industrial space, existing
because of the zoning classification of the property.
Distribution Line (Above Ground): See Section 3.6.7.A.1
Distribution Line (Below Ground): See Section 3.6.7.B
District: That portion of the Maryland-Washington Regional District in Montgomery County.
District Council: The Montgomery County Council, sitting as the District Council
for that portion of the Maryland-Washington Regional District located in
Montgomery County.
Dormitory: See Section 3.3.2.B
DPS: Department of Permitting Services or the Director of Permitting Services'
designee.

Environmental Site Design (ESD): Stormwater management practices, nonstructural techniques, and site planning to mimic natural hydrologic runoff
characteristics and minimize the impact of development on water resources as
specified in the Maryland Design Manual.
Equestrian Activity: The care, breeding, boarding, rental, riding, or training of
horses, or the teaching of equestrian skills.
Equestrian Event: A competition, exhibition, or other display of equestrian
skills.
Equestrian Facility: See Section 3.2.4.A
Established Building Line: A front setback line that is greater than the minimum
setback required for structures in a designated zone.
Euclidean Zone: A zone that is applied to a specific geographic area on the zoning map.

F.

Drive-Thru: See Section 3.5.14.E.1

Family Burial Site: A location used for the permanent interment of deceased
persons and ashes related to the property owner by blood, marriage, or adoption.

Dry Cleaning Facility (Over 3,000 SF): See Section 3.6.3.A.1

Family Day Care: See Section 3.4.4.C

Dry Cleaning Facility (Up to 3,000 SF): See Section 3.6.3.B

Farm Airstrip, Helistop: See Section 3.2.11.A.1

Duplex: See Section 4.1.3.B and Section 4.1.5.B

Farm Market, On-site: See Section 3.2.11.B.1

Dwelling Unit: A building or portion of a building providing complete living


facilities for not more than one household, including, at a minimum, facilities
for cooking, sanitation, and sleeping.

Farm Supply or Machinery Sales, Storage, and Service: See Section 3.2.5.A

Dwelling for Caretaker/Watchkeeper: See Section 3.3.3.D

E.
Educational Institution (Private): See Section 3.4.5.A
Encroachment: Any structure that is located between the lot line and the required setback lines or above the height limit.

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Farm Tenant Dwelling: See Section 3.3.3.E.1


Farming: See Section 3.2.6.A
Fence: Any structure of posts and non-masonry connected material.
Fence, Boundary: A fence that is up to 5 feet high and constructed of unpainted
wood posts and connecting material.
Fence, Deer: A fence that is up to 8 feet high and constructed of an open mesh
ranging in size from 1.5 x 1.5 inches to 2 x 2.75 inches made of heavy weight,

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plastic or similar material that allows a clear view through the fence and may
be constructed with wood, metal, or fiberglass posts.
Fence, Rustic: A fence that is up to 4 feet high and constructed of unpainted
wood where the number of posts do not exceed 1 post for every 6 feet of fence
plus 1 and the number of rails between any 2 posts do not exceed 3; the rails
must leave at least 75% of the space created between the posts open.
Filling Station: See Section 3.5.13.C.1
Floating Zone: A flexible zone that is to be used for a designated purpose,
but whose location is to be determined in the future as part of a Local Map
Amendment.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR): The ratio between the gross floor area of all buildings on
a tract divided by the area of the tract.
Food Service Truck: A mobile food service where food or drink is prepared,
served, or sold from a commercial vehicle.
Footprint: The area encompassed by a building's outer wall at ground level.
Freight Movement: See Section 3.6.8.A
Frontage: A property line shared with an existing or master-planned public or
private road, street, highway, or alley right-of way, open space, or easement
boundary.
Funeral Home, Undertaker: See Section 3.5.4.C.1

Greenhouse: A structure used for the cultivation and protection of plants


including a hoophouse or high tunnel.
Grocery Store: A Retail/Service Establishment with at least 80% of the sales
floor area devoted to the sale of food products for home preparation. A grocery store is not a Combination Retail.
Gross Floor Area (GFA):The sum of the gross horizontal areas of all floors of all
buildings on a tract, measured from exterior faces of exterior walls and from
the center line of walls separating buildings. Gross floor area includes:
1. basements;
2. elevator shafts and stairwells at each floor;
3. floor space used for mechanical equipment with structural headroom of 6
feet, 6 inches or more;
4. floor space in an attic with structural headroom of 6 feet, 6 inches or more
(regardless of whether a floor has been installed); and
5. interior balconies and mezzanines.
Gross floor area does not include:
1. mechanical equipment on rooftops;
2. cellars;
3. unenclosed steps, balconies, and porches;
4. structured parking;

G.
Gallery: A covered passage extending along the outside wall of a building supported by arches or columns that is open on one side.
General Building: See Section 4.1.5.F
Golf Course, Country Club: See Section 3.5.10.D.1
Grain Elevator: A structure for elevating, drying, storing, and discharging grain.
Green Area: Outdoor scenic, recreational, or similar amenities, including lawns,
decorative plantings, sidewalks and walkways, and active and passive recreational areas that are available for occupants and visitors of the building.

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5. floor area for publicly owned or operated uses or arts and entertainment
uses provided as a public benefit under the optional method of development;
6. floor area for an historic resource recommended in the master plan to be
preserved and reused, which does not occupy more than 10% of the gross
floor area;
7. interior balconies and mezzanines for common, non-leasable area in a
regional shopping center; and
8. in the LSC and Industrial zones, floor space used for mechanical equipment.
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Gross Leasable Area: The total floor area designed for commercial tenant occupancy and exclusive uses, including basements, mezzanines, and the upper
floors if any, expressed in square feet measured from center lines of joint partitions and exteriors of outside walls.
Group Day Care (9 - 12 Persons): See Section 3.4.4.D.1
Group Living: See Section 3.3.2.A
Group Picnic, Catering, and Recreation Facility: Any structure and land for
company and group picnics, casual banquets, meetings and parties, and onsite and off-site food preparation for catering service.
Guest House: See Section 3.3.3.F.1

H.
Hazardous Material Storage: See Section 3.6.8.B.1
Health Clubs and Facilities: See Section 3.5.10.E.1
Hearing Examiner: The Hearing Examiner or Examiners appointed by the
County Council to conduct certain zoning hearings and make recommendations to the County Council and other duties under Chapter 2A.
Heavy Manufacturing and Production: See Section 3.6.4.B
Heavy Vehicle Sales and Rental: See Section 3.5.12.A.1
Height: See Section 4.1.7.C
Helipad, Heliport: See Section 3.6.6.B.1
Helistop: See Section 3.5.14.F.1
High Technology: Any activity that requires advanced scientific equipment,
advanced engineering techniques, or computers. High technology includes
electronics, information technology, optics, nanotechnology, robotics, renewable energy development, telecommunications, and biomedical research.
Home Address, Proof of: Any valid document showing where a person lives as
established by Executive regulations under Method 2 of Chapter 2A (Section
2A-15).

Home Health Practitioner (Low Impact): See Section 3.3.3.G.3.a


Home Health Practitioner (Major Impact): See Section 3.3.3.G.4.a
Home Occupation: See Section 3.3.3.H.1
Home Occupation (Low Impact): See Section 3.3.3.H.4.a
Home Occupation (Major Impact): See Section 3.3.3.H.5.a
Home Occupation (No Impact): See Section 3.3.3.H.3.a
Home Occupation and Home Health Practitioner, Eligible Area: The total
number of square feet of floor area, measured horizontally between interior
faces of walls, in any building on a lot, including the area of a basement and
any accessory building on the same lot but excluding the area of any cellar,
uncovered steps, and uncovered porches. Eligible area does not include any
addition to any building or any accessory building that was constructed within
18 months after DPS approved a Home Occupation on the lot.
Hospital: See Section 3.4.6.A
Hotel, Motel: See Section 3.5.6.C
Household: A person living alone, or any one of the following groups living
together as a single housekeeping unit and sharing common living, sleeping,
cooking, and eating facilities:
1. any number of people related by blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship;
2. up to 5 unrelated people; or
3. 2 unrelated people and any children, parents, siblings, or other persons
related to either of them by blood, adoption, or guardianship.
Household does not include any society, club, fraternity, sorority, association, lodge, federation, or like organization; any group of individuals whose
association is seasonal in nature; or any group of individuals who are in a
group living arrangement as a result of criminal offenses.
Household Living: See Section 3.3.1.A

Home Health Practitioner: See Section 3.3.3.G.1

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I.
Immediate Family Member: A person's parent, spouse, child, or sibling.
Impervious Surface: Any covering that prevents or significantly impedes the
infiltration of water into the underlying soil, including any structure, building,
patio, deck, sidewalk, compacted gravel, pavement, asphalt, concrete, stone,
brick, tile, swimming pool, or artificial turf. Impervious surface also includes
any area used by or for motor vehicles or heavy commercial equipment
regardless of surface type or material, any road, road shoulder, driveway, or
parking area.
Independent Living Facility for Seniors or Persons with Disabilities: See Section 3.3.2.C.1
Individual Living Unit: A private living space located in a Personal Living Quarters building.
Inherent Adverse Effects: Adverse effects created by physical or operational
characteristics of a conditional use necessarily associated with a particular use,
regardless of its physical size or scale of operations.

Lighting Fixture (Luminaire): A complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or


lamps together with the parts designed to distribute the light, to position and
protect the lamps and ballast (where applicable), and to connect the lamp to
the power supply.
Light Manufacturing and Production: See Section 3.6.4.C.1
Light Shelf: A horizontal device, which may project into a room, beyond the
exterior wall plane, or both, positioned to reflect daylight onto the ceiling and
to shield the area immediately adjacent to the window from direct sunlight.
Light Vehicle Sales and Rental (Indoor): See Section 3.5.12.B.1
Light Vehicle Sales and Rental (Outdoor): See Section 3.5.12.C.1
Limits of Disturbance: An area on a certified site plan within which all construction work must occur.
Live/Work Unit: See Section 3.5.14.H
Lodging: See Section 3.5.6.A
Lot: See Section 4.1.7.A.3
Lot Area: See Section 4.1.7.A.4

J.

Lot, Child: A lot created for use for a detached house by a child, or the spouse of
a child, of a property owner.

K.

L.
Landfill, Incinerator, or Transfer Station: See Section 3.6.9.A.1
Landscape Contractor: See Section 3.5.5.A
Lawn Maintenance Service: See Section 3.5.14.G
Leader: A downspout for water or a duct for conducting hot air to an outlet in a
hot-air heating system.
Life Sciences: See Section 3.5.8.A

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Lot, Corner: A lot abutting 2 or more streets at their intersection where the
interior angle of the intersection does not exceed 135 degrees.
Lot, Flag: A lot with a narrow strip providing access to a public street where the
bulk of the property contains no frontage.
Lot, Interior: Any lot other than a corner lot, including a through lot.
Lot Line: A line bounding a lot.
Lot Line, Front: A lot line abutting a right-of-way or common open space.
Lot Line, Rear: The lot line generally opposite or parallel to the front lot line,
except in a through lot. If the rear lot line is less than 10 feet long or the lot
comes to a point at the rear, such rear lot line is assumed to be a line not less
than 10 feet long lying wholly within the lot, parallel to the front lot line, or in

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the case of a curved front lot line, parallel to the chord of the arc of such front
lot line.
Lot, Through: An interior lot fronting on two streets, excluding a corner lot.
Lot Width: The horizontal distance between the side lot lines.
Low Income: At or below 60% of the area median income (as determined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), adjusted for
household size.

M.
Management Control Plan: An agreement that binds the owner of land to control signage as approved by the management authority under the agreement.
Manufactured Home: A structure intended for residential use and transportable in one or more sections, which is 8 feet or more in width and 32 body feet
or more in length, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to
be used as a dwelling with a permanent foundation when connected to the
required utilities. Manufactured Home includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein, and is manufactured under
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Code
of Maryland Regulations 05.01.01, as amended and carries the HUD label. A
manufactured home does not include a recreational vehicle.

Mineral Storage: See Section 3.6.8.C.1


Mining, Excavation: See Section 3.6.5.A
Mobile Home: A structure intended for residential use and transportable in one
or more sections, which is 8 feet or more in width and 32 body feet or more
in length, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used
as a dwelling without permanent foundation when connected to the required
utilities. Mobile Home includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and
electrical systems contained therein, and is manufactured under the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Code of Maryland Regulations 05.01.01, as amended and carries the HUD label.
Modal Split: The relative proportion of persons arriving at a destination by each
available method of transportation.
Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU): Any dwelling unit that meets the
requirements for a moderately priced dwelling unit in Chapter 25A.
Monopole: A single, freestanding pole-type structure, tapering from base to top
and supporting one or more antenna for wireless transmission. A monopole is
not a tower.
MPDU Income: The income limit determined by the Department of Housing and
Community Affairs in the administration of the moderately priced dwelling
unit (MPDU) program under Chapter 25A.

Media Broadcast Tower: See Section 3.5.2.B.1

Multi-Unit Living: See Section 3.3.1.E.1

Medical, Dental Laboratory: See Section 3.5.7.C

Multi Use Building: See Section 4.1.5.E

Medical Practitioner: A healthcare professional licensed or certified by a board


administered by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Medical/Scientific Manufacturing and Production: See Section 3.6.4.D.1
Memorial Garden: Any structure and land located on the premises of a Religious
Assembly where ashes of deceased persons may be scattered or placed and
where such areas may be set apart by formal plantings. A memorial garden
includes an individual marker used to identify the location where the ashes of
the deceased person are interred but does not include any individual monuments or headstones.

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N.
Non-Auto Driver Mode Share (NADMS): The percentage of commuters who
travel to their worksite by means other than a single-occupant vehicle as
calculated for an area using an Annual Commuter Survey administered by
the areas Transportation Management District (TMD) or by other acceptable
means.
Noncommercial Kennel: See Section 3.7.1.A

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Noncomplying Use: A term used to describe any structure located in a Residential Detached zone that was erected as or has been converted to a multi-unit
dwelling and used continuously as a multi-unit dwelling from before January
1, 1954, to the effective date of Ordinance No. 8-66, March 23, 1979, even
though such structure does not comply with the provisions of the zone in
which it is located. Noncomplying use does not refer to and is not applicable
to lawful nonconforming uses.
Nonconforming Building or Structure: A structure that was lawful when constructed, that no longer conforms to the requirements of the zone in which it
is located.
Nonconforming Use: A use that was lawful when established, that no longer
conforms to the requirements of the zone in which it is located.
Non-Inherent Adverse Effects: Adverse effects created by physical or operational characteristics of a conditional use not necessarily associated with the
particular use or created by an unusual characteristic of the site.
Nonresidential Street: A right-of-way with a business district street or higher
classification under Chapter 49.
Nursery (Retail): See Section 3.2.7.A.1
Nursery (Wholesale): See Section 3.2.7.B.1

Parking, Shared: Privately-owned parking that is available as public parking at


least for some time periods.
Parking, Tandem: The arrangement of parking spaces where one space is
directly in front of another space and one vehicle must be moved to access the
other.
Parking Lot District: A designated area defined in Chapter 60 that does not
require provision of a minimum amount of parking and limits parking that may
be provided to a maximum number.
Permeable Area: Any surface that allows the infiltration of water into the underlying soil. Permeable area does not include any structure, building, patio,
deck, sidewalk, compacted gravel, pavement, asphalt, concrete, stone, brick,
tile, swimming pool, artificial turf, or any area used by or for motor vehicles or
heavy commercial equipment, regardless of surface type or material, including
any road, road shoulder, driveway, or parking area.
Person: Any individual, corporation, association, firm, or partnership.
Person with Disability: A person who has a physical or mental impairment
that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such
impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment.
Personal Living Quarters: See Section 3.3.2.D.1
Pipeline (Above Ground): See Section 3.6.7.C.1

O.
Office: See Section 3.5.8.B.1

Pipeline (Below Ground): See Section 3.6.7.D

Open Space: See Division 6.3

Planning Board: The Montgomery County Planning Board of the MarylandNational Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC).

Overlay Zone: A zone mapped over the underlying base zone that modifies the
requirements of the underlying zone.

Planning Department: The Planning Department for Montgomery County under the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC).

P.
Parcel: A contiguous area of land that is described by deed or plat recorded in
the land records.

Planning Director: The staff member in the Planning Department who is in


charge of all planning, zoning, and land development approval activities of
that Department, and who reports directly to the Planning Board. Planning
Director includes the Planning Director's designee.

Parking: See Section 3.5.9.A

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Plan, Comprehensive: A plan of the entire district or a significant portion of the


district addressing land use and zoning that amends the general plan and any
applicable underlying master plan.

Principal Building: A building in which the principal use of the property is conducted.

Plan, Functional Master: A master plan addressing either a system, such as


circulation or green infrastructure, or a policy, such as agricultural preservation or housing, which amends the general plan. See Land Use Article of the
Annotated Code of Maryland.

Property: One or more tracts that are under common control, operation, or
ownership or are under one application.

Plan, General: A plan for the physical development of the Maryland-Washington


Regional District in Montgomery County. See Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Plan, Master: A plan of any portion of the general plan that may consist of
maps, data, and other descriptive matter, that guides the physical development of the district or any portion of the district, including any amendments,
extensions, or additions adopted by the Commission, indicating the general
locations for major roads, parks or other public open spaces, public building
sites, routes for public utilities, zones, or other similar information. Master
plan includes sector plan. See Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of
Maryland.

Private Club, Service Organization: See Section 3.4.8.A

Public Arts Trust Steering Committee: A committee of the Arts and Humanities
Council that allocates funds from the Public Arts Trust.
Public Facilities and Amenities: Any structures and land of a type and scale
necessary to provide an appropriate environment or to satisfy public needs
resulting from, or related to, the development of a particular project, or to
support County or State government programs or services. Public facilities and
amenities includes:
1. green area or open space which exceeds the minimum required, with
appropriate landscaping and pedestrian circulation;
2. streetscaping that includes elements such as plantings, special pavers,
bus shelters, benches, and decorative lighting;
3. public space designed for performances, events, vending, or recreation;

Playground, Outdoor Area (Private): See Section 3.4.7

4. new or improved pedestrian walkways, tunnels, or bridges;

Porch: A raised structure attached to a building, forming a covered entrance to a


doorway. A porch is roofed.

5. features that improve pedestrian access to transit stations;

Porch, Enclosed: A roofed structure abutting an exterior dwelling wall with any
kind of vertical or horizontal obstruction at the perimeter with the exception
of a column, guardrail, or pillar as required in the Building Code.
Porch, Unenclosed: A roofed structure abutting an exterior dwelling wall with
no obstruction on any other sides at the perimeter with the exception of a
guardrail as required in the Building Code.
Pre-Development Level of Ground: The grade that existed when an application
for a building or demolition permit is filed, that is determined by examination
of the contour lines on the property as they extend to the adjoining properties
and to the street.

6. dedicated spaces open to the public, such as museums, art galleries,


cultural arts centers, community rooms, recreation areas;
7. day care for children or senior adults and persons with disabilities;
8. public art; and
9. a publicly owned or operated government facility.
Public facilities and amenities may be recommended or identified in a master
plan. Public amenities do not include road improvements or other capital projects that are required under Chapter 50 to serve the property.
Public Open Space: See Section 6.3.6.A.2
Public Use (Except Utilities): See Section 3.4.9
Public Utility Structure: See Section 3.6.7.E.1

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2. in a CRN, NR, GR or equivalent Floating zone that is within 1 mile of a transit station or stop as defined by Transit Proximity.

Q.

Regional Shopping Center: A shopping center with a minimum of 600,000 gross


leasable square feet and a minimum of 50 separate tenants.

R.
Rainwater Collection System: A system designed to redirect and store water.
Rainwater collection system includes gutters, downspouts, storage tanks,
cisterns, pumps, and filtration systems.
Railroad Tracks: See Section 3.6.6.C
Receiving Area: Land designated on the zoning map as qualified for development beyond its base density through the transfer of development rights.
Recreation and Entertainment Facility, Indoor: See Section 3.5.10.F.1
Recreation and Entertainment Facility, Major: See Section 3.5.10.H.1
Recreation and Entertainment Facility, Outdoor: See Section 3.5.10.G.1
Recreational Vehicle: A licensed and registered vehicle that is used for the
leisure of the operator and guests and not used as an office or contain an entry
for transactions. Recreation vehicle includes:

Religious Assembly: See Section 3.4.10.A


Renovation: An interior or exterior alteration that does not affect a buildings
footprint.
Repair (Commercial Vehicle): See Section 3.5.13.D
Repair (Major): See Section 3.5.13.E.1
Repair (Minor): See Section 3.5.13.F.1
Research and Development: See Section 3.5.8.C.1
Residential Care Facility: See Section 3.3.2.E.1
Restaurant: See Section 3.5.3.B.1
Retail/Service Establishment: See Section 3.5.11.B.1

2. travel trailers;

Right-of-Way: Land dedicated to the passage of people, vehicles, or utilities


as shown on a record plat as separate and distinct from the abutting lots or
parcels.

3. campers or camping trailers including truck inserts and collapsible units; or

Road, Arterial: See Chapter 49.

4. non-freight trailers as defined by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, used to transport other leisure equipment such as a boat, horse,
motorcycle, show car, race car, snowmobile, or bicycle.

Road, Business: See Chapter 49.

1. motor homes;

Road, Residential Primary: See Chapter 49.

Reconstruction: Constructing the same or less floor area on or within the footprint of an existing building that does not retain at least 25% of its structural
elements.

Rotorcraft: A steep-gradient aircraft whose aerodynamic capability is obtained


by means of rotating blades or wings. Rotorcraft include helicopters and all
steep-gradient aircraft capable of reduced airspeed down to a hover. Rotorcraft does not include ultra-light aircraft.

Recycling Collection and Processing: See Section 3.6.9.B.1

Rural Antique Shop: See Section 3.5.11.C.1

Reduced Parking Area: A designated area defined by a propertys zoning and


location including any property not in a Parking Lot District, and

Rural Country Market: See Section 3.5.11.D.1

1. in a CR, CRT, LSC, EOF, or equivalent Floating zone, or

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Rural Open Space: See Section 6.3.4.A.2

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S.
Seasonal Outdoor Sales: See Section 3.2.12.B.1
Security Pavilion: See Section 3.7.4.C.1
Self-Storage: See Section 3.6.8.D.1
Senior Adult: A person who is 62 years of age or older.
Setback: The minimum distance that a structure or parking area must be located from a specified lot line or right-of-way.
Setback, Front: A distance measured from the front lot line to a structure or
surface parking lot.
Setback, Rear: A distance measured from the rear lot line to a structure or
surface parking lot.
Setback, Side: A distance measured from the side lot line to a structure or surface parking lot.
Setback, Side Street: A distance measured from the side street right-of-way
to a structure or surface parking lot. A corner lot may have 2 front setbacks
instead of a side street setback under Section 4.1.7.B.2.
SF: Square feet.
Shooting Range (Indoor): See Section 3.5.10.I.1
Shooting Range (Outdoor): See Section 3.5.10.J.1
Sign: Any device, fixture, placard, or structure that uses any color, form, graphic,
illumination, symbol, or writing to attract attention or to communicate information.
Sign Area: The surface measurement of a sign under Section 6.7.5.
Sign, Canopy: A sign which forms an integral part of a permanent or semipermanent shelter for sidewalks, driveways, windows, doors, seating areas, or
other customer convenience areas, like awnings or umbrellas.
Sign Concept Plan: A plan required before DPS can issue a permit, (i) for certain
Commercial/Residential, Employment, or Industrial zoned sites where the
total area of signs is greater than 800 square feet; or (ii) for more than one
Commercial/Residential, Employment, or Industrial site developed under a
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management control plan, if the total area of signs on one or more of the sites
is greater than 800 square feet, or (iii) for optional method development projects within an approved urban renewal area. The sign concept plan includes
scale drawings of the site delineating the location, dimensions, colors, shape,
and architectural characteristics of all signs.
Sign, Freestanding: Any sign that is not attached in whole or in part to a building. There are 2 types of freestanding signs:
1. Sign, Ground: A sign erected on the ground or with its bottom edge within
12 inches of the ground, that has its support structure as an integral part
of the sign, and where the dimension closest to the ground is greater than
the height.
2. Sign, Supported: A sign that is attached to a structure like a pole, column,
frame, or brace, as its sole means of support, and is not a ground sign.
Sign, Inflatable Device: A sign that is cold air inflated made of flexible fabric,
resting on the ground or attached to a structure and equipped with a portable
blower motor that provides a constant flow of air into the device. Inflatable
devices may be restrained, attached, or held in place by a cord, rope, cable, or
similar method. An inflatable device is not an object that contains helium, hot
air, or lighter-than-air substance.
Sign Installer: A business or person engaged in a sign related activity, such as
installation, maintenance, alteration, and modification of a sign intended for
use by a person other than the business or person.
Sign, Limited Duration: A non-permanent sign that is:
1. displayed on private property for more than 30 days, but not intended to
be displayed for an indefinite period; or
2. within the public right-of-way.
Sign, Location: A sign which portrays a logo, symbol, name, or address to identify the location of the building or use.
Sign, Off-site: A sign that identifies a location, person, entity, product, business,
message, or activity that is not connected with a use that is lawfully occurring
on the property where the sign is located.

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Signs, Permanent: A sign, requiring a permit from DPS, that is constructed in a


manner and of materials that will withstand long-term display and is intended
to be displayed for an indefinite period of time.
Sign, Portable: A sign installed on a support or structure that permits removal
or relocation of the sign by pulling, carrying, rolling, or driving, such as a sign
with wheels; a menu or sandwich board sign; an inflatable sign; an umbrella,
but not a canopy sign, may be a temporary sign or a limited duration sign, but
not a permanent sign. A portable sign includes a sign attached or painted on a
vehicle parked and visible from the public right-of-way, unless it is a currently
licensed and registered vehicle used in the daily operation of the business. A
portable sign does not include a sign on any light or heavy commercial vehicle,
which is operated within the public right-of-way.
Sign, Temporary: A sign that is displayed on private property for less than 30
days and usually made of a non-permanent material like canvas, cardboard,
paper, or wood.
Sign, Wall: Any sign that is attached to the wall of a building. There are 2 types
of wall signs:
1. Flat Wall Sign: A sign that is parallel to the wall of a building to which it is
attached, but does not extend more than 12 inches from the building face.
2. Projecting Wall Sign: A sign that is attached to a wall of a building and
extends more than 12 inches from the building face.
Sign, Window: A sign that is attached to a window, or which is visible through a
window. A show window or three-dimensional display is not a window sign.
Sill: The framing that forms the lower side of a window or door.

Site Element: A feature, including trash receptacle; outdoor furniture; full cutoff
light fixture; bike rack/locker; recreation equipment; plant container; deck, patio, or sidewalk up to 625 square feet; water feature; compost bin; and trash/
recycling enclosure.
Slaughterhouse: See Section 3.2.8.A
Solar Collection System: See Section 3.7.2.A
Special Event Parking: See Section 3.5.15.B.1
Special Protection Area: A geographic area designated by the District Council
where: existing water resources or other environmental features are of high
quality or unusually sensitive; and proposed land uses would threaten the
quality or preservation of those resources or features in the absence of special
water quality protection measures which are closely coordinated with appropriate land use controls.
Stoop: A small raised platform that serves as an entrance to a building. A stoop
may be covered but cannot be fully enclosed.
Storage Facility: See Section 3.6.8.E.1
Stream Buffer Area: A strip of natural vegetation contiguous with and parallel to
the bank of a perennial or intermittent stream.
Structure: A combination of materials that requires permanent location on
the ground or attachment to something having permanent location on the
ground, including buildings and fences.
Structured Parking: See Section 3.5.9.B

Single-Unit Living: See Section 3.3.1.B.1

Surface Parking for Commercial Uses in an Historic District: See Section


3.5.9.D.1

Site: See Section 4.1.7.A.2

Surface Parking for Use Allowed in the Zone: See Section 3.5.9.C.1

Site Design: The external elements between and around structures that give
shape to patterns of activity, circulation, and form. Site design includes
landforms, driveways, parking areas, roads, sidewalks, trails, paths, plantings,
walls or fences, water features, recreation areas and facilities, lighting, public
art, or other external elements.

Surfaced Parking Area: An area appropriately surfaced for vehicular parking


using materials such as gravel, asphalt, concrete, or pavers.

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Swimming Pool (Community): See Section 3.4.11.A

T.
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Taxi/Limo Facility: See Section 3.6.6.D.1


Teen Center: A supervised building, or a supervised area of a building, which
provides for the social, recreational, or educational use by children between
the ages of 12 and 18 with at least 80% of the facilitys hours of operation for
the use of teenagers.
Telecommunications Tower: See Section 3.5.2.C.1
Tower: A structure, other than a building, with guyed or freestanding supporting
antennas used for radio or television broadcasting, telecommunications, or
wireless transmission.
Townhouse: See Section 4.1.3.C and Section 4.1.5.C
Townhouse Living: See Section 3.3.1.D.1
Tract: See Section 4.1.7.A.1
Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs): The conveyance of development
rights, as authorized by law, to another tract of land and the recordation of
that conveyance.
Transient Visitor: A person residing in the County for any one period of time not
exceeding 6 months, except that, in a Bed and Breakfast, a transient visitor is
a person who resides in the lodging for no longer than 14 days in any one visit.
Transit Proximity: Transit proximity is categorized in 3 levels: 1. Proximity to
an existing or master planned Metrorail Station; 2. Proximity to an existing
or master planned station or stop along a rail or bus line with a dedicated,
fixed path; this excludes a site that is within one mile of an existing or master
planned MARC station; and 3. Proximity to an existing or master planned
MARC station. All distances for transit proximity are measured from the nearest transit station entrance or bus stop entrance.
Transit Station Development Area: An area near a metro transit station, or
along an existing or proposed transit right-of-way, which is not located within
a central business district, that has been designated as a Transit Station Development Area by a master plan.
Transitory Use: See Section 3.5.15.C.1

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Transparency: Percentage of windows and doors on an exterior wall of a building.


Transportation Management Plan: Actions designed to alleviate traffic congestion by reducing dependence on the single-occupancy vehicle through transit,
carpooling, and other alternatives.
Two-Unit Living: See Section 3.3.1.C.1

U.
Urban Farming: See Section 3.2.9.A
Usable Area: The area upon which the density of development is calculated in
optional method MPDU and Cluster Development projects. If more than 50%
of the tract is within environmental buffers, usable area is calculated by deducting from the tract the incremental area of the environmental buffer that
exceeds 50%.
Use: Except as otherwise provided, the purpose for which a property or the
building on that property is designed, arranged, or intended, and for which it is
or may be used, occupied, or maintained.

V.
Very Low Income: Income at or below 50% of the area median income (as determined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)
adjusted for household size.
Veterinary Office/Hospital: See Section 3.5.1.C.1

W.
Water Quality Plan: A plan, including supporting documents, required as part
of a water quality review under Chapter 19 for significant projects proposed to
be located in a special protection area, intended to measure and control the
effect that development will have on water resources or other environmental
features lying within a special protection area.
Wildlife, Game Preserve, and Other Conservation Areas: See Section 3.7.3
Winery: See Section 3.2.10.A

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Workforce Housing: A dwelling unit that satisfies rent limits or sale controls
under Chapter 25B. Workforce Housing is not an MPDU.

X.

Y.

Z.
Zone: An area within which certain uses of land and buildings are permitted and
certain others are prohibited; yards and other open spaces may be required;
lot areas, building height limits, and other requirements are established; and
all of the foregoing apply uniformly within the zone.
Zoning Map: The digital zoning map of the Maryland-Washington Regional
District in the County, together with all amendments to the zoning map subsequently adopted.
Zoning Ordinance: Chapter 59 of the Montgomery County Code, also referred
to as this Chapter.
#.
100-year Flood Plain: An area along or adjacent to a stream or body of water,
except tidal waters, that is capable of storing or conveying floodwaters during
a storm event or a flood expected once every 100 years.

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