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Chapter 50
Article I. In General
Division 50.1. Purpose
Section 50.1.1. Purpose of Chapter 50
The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the legal division and transfer of land through the
coordination of new transportation facilities with other existing and planned facilities, determination of
adequate public facilities, provision of land for public uses, protection of natural resources and sensitive
environmental features, and promotion of the health, safety, and welfare of the present and future
inhabitants of the Maryland-Washington Regional District within Montgomery County, in accordance
with the General Plan and any other purpose enumerated in the Land Use Article.

Division 50.2. Definitions and Interpretations

THESE SECTIONS ARE STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Division 50.3. Applicability

Section 50.3.1. Applicability of the Chapter
A.

This chapter applies to all land within Montgomery County that lies within the MarylandWashington Regional District, as defined by the Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of
Maryland.

B.

Any subdivision or resubdivision of land must be approved by the Planning Board and recorded
by plat prior to any offer to sell or contract for sale of the subdivided land, and any development
or construction of any building on the land.

C.

A building permit for the construction of a dwelling or other structure must not be issued unless
the dwelling or structure would be located on a lot or parcel which is shown on a plat recorded
in the County Land Records, or unless the unplatted parcel is granted an exception to platting
under this Chapter.

D.

A building permit must not be issued for the construction of a dwelling or other structure that
crosses a lot line between two or more platted lots or parcels, that is located on part of a
previously platted lot or parcel, or that is located on an outlot, except in the following instances:
1.

A building permit for a public amenity or an underground parking facility that crosses
the vertical plane of any lot line, if shown on a Project Plan or Sketch Plan for optional
method development, approved in accordance with the procedures of Chapter 59. An
underground parking facility that crosses the vertical plane of any lot line and extends
into a public right-of-way that extension must be approved by the appropriate public
agency; or

2.

An addition to an existing dwelling, a porch, deck, fence, or accessory structure

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associated with an existing one-family dwelling located on part of a previously platted

lot, recorded by deed before June 1, 1958.
Section 50.3.2. Exceptions to Platting Requirements.
A.

Recording of a subdivision plat under this Chapter is not required for:

1.

Agriculture and uses located on agricultural land.

a.

The partition or conveyance of unplatted agricultural land used strictly for

agriculture.

b.

The issuance of a building permit for a dwelling unit on an unplatted parcel of

agricultural land 25 acres or greater in size.

c.

The issuance of a building permit for conditional uses associated with

agriculture, and approved under Zoning Ordinance, unless the Board of Appeals
requires subdivision as a condition of the approval.

d.

The issuance of a building permit for any equestrian facility building on land
classified in an agricultural zone.

2.

Court action. The partition of land by will or through action of a court of competent
jurisdiction unless or until a building permit is required.

3.

Public taking. Where a lot previously shown on a record plat has been changed in size or
shape by transfer of a part of the lot for public use by reference to a recorded
instrument, such as a right-of-way plat or conveyance deed; provided, that the outlines
and dimensions of such remainder may be clearly determined by reference to the
previously recorded plat. This provision also applies to unplatted parcels that qualified
for an exception to platting prior to the transfer.

4.

Adjoining properties. Part(s) of lots created by the sale or exchange of land by deed
recorded prior to May 19, 1997 between owners of adjoining platted properties for the
purpose of small adjustments in boundaries. This applies only to adjustments that did
not exceed either a total of 2,000 square feet or one percent of the combined area;
provided, that additional lots were not created and the total area of resulting ownership
was not reduced below the minimum size required by this Chapter or by Chapter 59 of
this Code.

5.

Utility rights-of-way. The partition or conveyance of unplatted land for use as part of an
electric transmission line right-of-way or other public utility right-of-way and for which a
building permit may be issued for a structure related to the electric transmission line or
other public right-of-way.

6.

Single residential lot. An application for a building permit for one (1) single-family
detached dwelling unit, on a parcel, not previously included on a recorded plat, which
the Planning Department has determined has not changed in size or shape since June 1,

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1958, provided:
a.

A sufficiently detailed description and location plat of the parcel and proposed
structure has been furnished to the Planning Department to:
i.

locate the parcel on the base maps of Montgomery County;

ii.

show that the approval of the building permit application would not
result in obstructing the future opening, extension or widening of any
road deemed essential in the public interest, nor would it otherwise
jeopardize any planned public facility;

iii.

show that the parcel and use comply with the zoning ordinance (except
for road frontage) and clearly show the setbacks, side and rear yards
and any other information needed to check compliance with
regulations, including establishment of a building restriction line along
any existing or proposed road sufficient to provide for future expansion
or opening of such road to its ultimate width; and

iv.

show that the approval of the permit would not adversely affect the
General Plan for the physical development of the regional district or any
portion thereof.

7.

Telecommunications facilities. A building permit for telecommunications

towers/antennas, including associated accessory structures.

8.

Certain Residential Property in the City of Takoma Park. An application for a building
permit for one single-family detached dwelling unit on property located in the portion of
the City of Takoma Park annexed into Montgomery County on July 1, 1997 that was
recorded by a deed prior to January 1, 1982 and which remains otherwise buildable
under the Prince Georges County Zoning and Subdivision Regulations on June 30, 1997,
provided that a description and locational survey drawing of the lot and proposed
structure have been furnished with the permit application, sufficiently detailed to locate
the lot and structure on the 1 inch equal 200 foot scale base map of Montgomery
County.

9.

Certain commercial properties adjoining state highways. An application for a building

permit for an addition to a building on commercially zoned property:
a.

adjoining a state highway;

b.

located within a state approved Community Legacy Plan Area on October 30,
2012;

c.

with less than 10,000 square feet of gross floor area on October 30, 2012 where
subsequent building permits cumulatively allow increases in total gross floor
area by less than 2,000 square feet; and

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that includes a description and locational survey drawing of the lot and
proposed structure on a 1 inch equals 50-foot scale base map of Montgomery
County in any building permit application that demonstrates that the additional
floor area will not extend into any adopted master plan road right-of-way.

Division 50.4. Administration

Section 50.4.1. Approving Authority
This Chapter is administered by the Planning Board.
Section 50.4.2. Effect of Chapter on Other Ordinances
This chapter must not be deemed to repeal or modify or otherwise affect in any manner any other
ordinance, resolution, rule or regulation of the county; provided, that wherever this chapter imposes
more stringent regulations, restrictions, limitations or requirements, the provisions of this chapter must
prevail.
Section 50.4.3. Enforcement of Chapter
A.

Definitions. In this section, these terms have the following meanings:

1.

Administrative Civil Penalty. A monetary penalty imposed by the Planning Board after
considering the factors in this Section for violating a Planning Board Action.

2.

Citation. A document noting a violation of a Planning Board action, seeking to impose a

civil fine or corrective action.

3.

Civil Fine. A requirement to pay a predetermined sum of money specified in an

administrative citation for violating a Planning Board action.

4.

Enforcement Agent. The Planning Director, or the Directors designee responsible for
determining compliance with a Planning Board action.

5.

Notice of Hearing. An administrative notice issued by the Planning Director that notifies
an alleged violator where and when an enforcement hearing will be held by the
Planning Board or the Planning Boards designee to address an alleged violation.

6.

Notice of Violation. A notice issued by an enforcement agent that notifies a recipient of

a violation and specifies the remedial action that the recipient must take to avoid
further enforcement action.

7.

Person. An individual, partnership, corporation, organization, or other entity, or

combination thereof, that owns property or otherwise has an interest or responsibility
for property that is the subject of a Planning Board action.

8.

Planning Board action. A final decision on a Preliminary Plan, site plan, project plan,
sketch plan, supplementary plan, water quality plan or other plan, including all

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associated terms, conditions, requirements and other obligations or limits, made by the
Planning Board under state law and Chapters 50 and 59, including any regulations issued
under state or County law. A Planning Board action does not include a decision made by
the Planning Board under Chapter 22A.

B.

C.

9.

Planning Director. The staff member in the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning
Commission who is in charge of all planning, zoning, and land development approval
activities for the Commission in Montgomery County, and who reports directly to the
Planning Board, or the Directors designee.

10.

Stop Work Order. An administrative order issued by an enforcement agent that requires
a person to discontinue any further development, construction, or other land
disturbance activity authorized by a Planning Board action until a violation has been
corrected.

Notice of Violation
1.

The Planning Director may issue a notice of violation to a person whom the Director
believes to have committed a violation of a Planning Board action. The Director must
retain a copy of the notice. A notice of violation issued under this subsection must be
served on the alleged violator personally, on the alleged violators agent at the activity
site, or by certified mail to the alleged violators last known address.

2.

The notice of violation must contain at least the following information:

a.

the name and address of the person charged;

b.

the nature of the violation;

c.

the place where and the approximate date when the violation occurred;

d.

a statement advising the alleged violator of the corrective or remedial action

which must be taken and the date by which the corrective or remedial action
must be completed. The corrective or remedial action may include a meeting
with Commission staff to establish a compliance plan; and

e.

a statement advising the alleged violator of the right to a hearing before the
Planning Board or its designee.

Citation
1.

The Planning Director may deliver an administrative citation to a person whom the
Director believes to have committed a violation of a Planning Board action. The Director
must retain a copy of each administrative citation. The Director must attest to the truth
of the facts and allegations in the administrative citation. An administrative citation
issued under this subsection must be served on the alleged violator personally, on the

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alleged violators agent at the activity site, or by certified mail to the alleged violators
last known address.
2.

3.
D.

E.

The administrative citation must contain at least the following information:

a.

the name and address of the person charged;

b.

the nature of the violation;

c.

the place where and the approximate date when the violation occurred;

d.

the amount of fine assessed;

e.

where, when, and to whom the fine may be paid; and

f.

a statement advising the violator of the right to a hearing before the Planning
Board or its designee.

The Planning Director may use any administrative citation consistent with this Section.

Notice of Hearing
1.

The Planning Director may issue a notice of hearing, which must be served on the
alleged violator personally, on the alleged violators agent at the activity site, or by
certified mail to the alleged violators last known address.

2.

The notice of hearing must contain at least the following information:

a.

the name and address of the person charged;

b.

the nature of the violation;

c.

the place where and the approximate date when the violation occurred; and

d.

a statement advising the alleged violator of the date, time, and location of the
hearing before the Planning Board or its designee.

Civil Fine and Penalty

1.

A citation may require the recipient to pay a civil fine for a violation of a Planning Board
action.

2.

The fine for each violation of a Planning Board action is the maximum allowed by Article
28 7-116(h) of the Maryland Code as amended for each day that the violation
continues.

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Each day that a violation has not been corrected must be treated as a separate violation,
and the applicable fine must continue to accrue each day until the violation is corrected
without issuing a new citation each day.

4.

In addition to any other remedy under this Article, a person who violates a Planning
Board action, any applicable regulation, or any associated agreement or restriction, may
be subject to an administrative civil penalty. The administrative civil penalty must not
exceed 150% of the estimated cost to bring the violation into compliance.

5.

In setting the amount of the administrative civil penalty, the Planning Board or its
designee must consider:

6.

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a.

the willfulness of the violation;

b.

the degree of deviation from the approved Planning Board action;

c.

the cost of any needed corrective action or restoration;

d.

any adverse impact on the immediate neighborhood and the larger community;

e.

the extent to which the subject violation is part of a recurrent pattern of the
same or similar violations committed by the violator;

f.

any economic benefit that accrued to the violator or any other person as a
result of the violation;

g.

the degree of cooperation shown, or voluntary mitigation measures taken, by

the violator;

h.

the extent to which any other person contributed to the violation;

i.

the impact, if any, on the violators ability to perform corrective actions because
of a change in ownership of the property; and

j.

any other relevant factor.

The Planning Board, after a public hearing on the violation, must adopt a resolution
which specifies the amount of any administrative civil penalty and the Planning Boards
reason to impose the penalty.

Hearing
1.

A person who receives a citation imposing a civil fine or a notice of violation may elect a
hearing before the Planning Board or its designee by filing a request for hearing with the
Planning Board. The request for hearing must be received by the Planning Board within
15 days after the administrative citation or notice of violation was issued. The filing of a

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request for a hearing does not stay an administrative order to stop work, stabilize a site,
or stop a violation.

G.

2.

If the Planning Board or its designee receives a request to hold a hearing under this
Article, the Planning Board or its designee must promptly schedule a hearing, unless the
requestor consents to a delay, and must issue a notice of hearing.

3.

The Planning Board may assign a hearing officer, including a Hearing Examiner from the
Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings, to conduct a public hearing and submit a
report and recommendation on any alleged violation of this Chapter or of a Planning
Board action. The hearing officer must submit the required report and recommendation
to the Planning Board not later than 60 days after the hearing record closes, but the
hearing officer may by order extend the time to file the report.

4.

All fines, penalties, or forfeitures collected by the Planning Board under this Section
must be remitted to the Planning Board and placed in the general funds of the
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and may be spent by the
Commission for project corrections, plan enforcement, or other Commission purposes.
The Commission, in its sole discretion, may spend collected fines or penalties to perform
or correct some or all violations noted in an administrative citation without obligating
the Commission instead of the person responsible to correct any violation.

Nonpayment of Fine
1.

If a person who receives an administrative citation does not timely pay the fine by the
due date listed in the administrative citation or file a request for hearing, a formal notice
of the violation must be sent to the person's last known address. If the administrative
citation is not satisfied within 15 days after the notice is issued, the recipient is liable for
an additional fine, as specified in the notice, which must not exceed twice the original
fine.

2.

If, after 35 days after the notice under this subsection is issued, the fine due is not paid,
the Planning Board must schedule and hold a hearing and, after holding the hearing,
may impose any civil fine or administrative civil penalty authorized by this Section, and
also may:
a.

suspend or revoke the plan that is the subject of a Planning Board action;

b.

approve a compliance program that lists each remedial action that must be
taken;

c.

require the violator to post a bond or other surety to guarantee completion of a

compliance program;

d.

allow the violator to propose modifications to the plan; or

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take any combination of these actions.

H.

Authority of the Office of the General Counsel. The General Counsel of the Maryland-National
Capital Park and Planning Commission may prosecute and take any other necessary legal action
regarding any violation under this Section.

I.

Enforcement rules; Conduct of Hearing.

1.

J.

The Planning Board must:

a.

adopt rules to administer and enforce this Section as a method (2) regulation,
subject to Council review as provided in Chapter 2A, section 15; and

b.

conduct any proceeding under this Section as provided in those rules.

Stop Work Order.

1.

2.

The enforcement agent may issue a stop-work order if the enforcement agent
reasonably finds that:
a.

a person is violating any element of a Planning Board action; and

b.

the violation threatens or may threaten the public health, safety, or welfare.

A stop-work order must include the following information as applicable:

a.

the name and address of the person charged;

b.

the nature of the violation;

c.

the place where and the approximate date when the violation occurred; and

d.

a clear statement of the action that must be taken or discontinued to cure the
violation, including any requirement to prepare a plan of compliance.

3.

The enforcement agent must attest to the truth of the facts and allegations in the order.

4.

The enforcement agent must prominently display the order in close proximity to the
location where the violation has occurred. In addition, the enforcement agent may
deliver or mail, as practical, a copy of the order to the last known address of the person
who secured approval of the Planning Board action.

5.

When a stop-work order has been posted, the recipient must immediately discontinue
any further development or construction activities authorized by a Planning Board
action until the order is rescinded. A stop-work order suspends the Planning Board
approval of the entire underlying plan, unless:

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a.

the Planning Board, in taking the Planning Board action, approved phasing of
the project; and

b.

the enforcement agent finds that the violation involves only:

i.

one or more phases of a project, but not other phases of the same
project; or

ii.

activities on a single lot or parcel.

In these instances, the order may only suspend the Planning Board's approval as it
relates to those phases or lots where the violation exists.

K.

6.

The recipient of a stop-work order may request a hearing to contest the validity of the
order. If the enforcement agent finds that a hearing before the Planning Board is not
practical in a reasonable time, the Chair or Vice-Chair of the Planning Board may review
the order. A determination by the Chair or Vice-Chair has the same effect as if the
Planning Board reviewed the order. The Planning Board or Chair, if applicable, must
review the order de novo. If the violation is corrected and a plan of compliance
prepared by the recipient of the order before the hearing is confirmed by the
enforcement agent, the hearing must be cancelled.

7.

At the Planning Board hearing, the enforcement agent must justify to the Planning
Board the grounds and reasoning to issue the order. The recipient must explain why the
order should be discontinued, and may propose a plan of compliance indicating how
and when the violations will be corrected. The Planning Board must decide if the order
should be continued, modified, or rescinded, and if a plan of compliance should be
approved. The Planning Board's decision that a stop-work order should continue
revokes any underlying Planning Board approvals for the entire project or any part of
the project as the Planning Board specifies until the violation is corrected.

8.

A Planning Board decision to continue or modify an order may be the subject of a

petition for judicial review to the Circuit Court under the rules for the review of
administrative agency actions.

9.

A stop-work order must be rescinded when the Planning Board or the enforcement
agent finds that all violations specified in the order have been satisfactorily corrected,
which determination should not be unreasonably withheld, or the Planning Board
approves a compliance plan that addresses any uncorrected violation.

Other Remedies. The authority in this Section to issue civil fines, administrative civil penalties,
and impose stop work orders are in addition to any other authority of the Planning Board to
enforce its actions, including seeking injunctive, declaratory, or other relief. The decision to
pursue one remedy does not preclude the Planning Board from pursuing any other available
remedy.

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Exclusive Authority. The Planning Board or its designee has exclusive authority to enforce
violations of a Planning Board action and any violations of this Chapter. The authority granted in
this Chapter supersedes any other authority to enforce a Planning Board action granted to any
other County or State agency.

Section 50.4.4. Bonding and Surety

A.

Guarantee of Completion of Improvements before Recording Final Plat

1.

Prior to the recording of any approved final plat, the applicable public agency or utility
company must certify that the subdivider has obtained permits, bonds or provided
other surety in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and requirements to ensure
final completion and installation of all required improvements on the land covered by
the plat to be recorded.

2.

As an alternative to the requirements of paragraph 1 above, when approved by the

applicable public agency, a public improvement agreement may be executed between
the applicant and the agency to ensure completion of public improvements.

3.

When the subdivider or developer is required by regulations of the Washington

Suburban Sanitary Commission to record a final plat dedicating roads to public use in
excess of a current building phase in order to obtain installation of water and sewer to
the site, surety as required by the road construction code for road improvements for
such excess platting may be delayed as approved by the applicable county agency in
accordance with a time sequence of proposed development.

Section 50.4.5. Amendment of Chapter

A.

Transmittal. Within five (5) days following the introduction of any subdivision regulation
amendment, a copy must be transmitted to the Planning Board and to the executive for review
as set forth below.

B.

Notice of hearing.
1.

Within thirty (30) days of introduction of a subdivision regulation amendment, the

council must, by resolution, set a date and time for public hearing on the proposed
subdivision regulation amendment, unless the time is extended or the amendment is
postponed indefinitely. The district council or its authorized designee must notify the
Planning Board and county executive of this hearing date within five (5) days after the
date is determined. The council or its designee must also give public notice as follows:
a.

Advertisement in at least one (1) newspaper of general circulation in the county

not less than thirty (30) days nor more than forty-five (45) prior to the hearing
date; and

b.

Contents of the advertisement:

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C.

D.

i.

Date, time and place of hearing;

ii.

Brief summary of proposed amendment;

iii.

Brief summary of any amendment to the proposed amendment

submitted by a council member;

iv.

Notice of where and how the complete text may be obtained; and

v.

Notice of telephone number to call for information or to register to

speak at the hearing.

Planning Board Review

1.

The Planning Board may consider the amendment as a consent item on its agenda or
hold a public meeting to consider the recommendation.

2.

The Planning Board must submit a recommendation on the application to the District
Council before the District Council Hearing. The recommendation must also be made
available to the public.

Action by council
1.

E.

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The action of the district council amending the text of this chapter must be taken in
open session under the following procedures:
a.

A quorum of the council is not required to conduct a hearing on a proposed

subdivision regulation amendment; however, any member who votes on the
amendment but was not present at the hearing must read and sign the
transcript prior to voting;

b.

The vote on final adoption of a subdivision regulation amendment must be on a

roll call by yeas and nays;

c.

To be adopted, a subdivision regulation amendment must receive the

affirmative vote of 5 members of the district council;

d.

If the affirmative vote of 5 council members is not achieved for any reason, the
proposed subdivision regulation amendment is denied; a resolution of denial is
not required, but the minutes should reflect that the amendment was denied
for lack of the necessary affirmative vote; and

e.

Within three (3) days following adoption of a subdivision regulation

amendment, the district council must transmit the ordinance to the county
executive.

Action by executive

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1.

The county executive must approve or disapprove the ordinance within ten (10) days of
its transmittal by the district council and must notify the council of this action in writing.

2.

If the executive disapproves the ordinance, the reasons must be included in the written
statement.

3.

Failure of the executive to act within ten (10) days constitutes approval of the
ordinance.

F.

Action by Council Following Disapproval by the Executive. The district council may enact the
ordinance over the disapproval of the county executive by an affirmative vote of 6 members.

G.

Effective date. Subdivision regulation amendments become effective twenty (20) days after the
date of council adoption or ten (10) days after the date of council adoption following
disapproval by the executive, unless otherwise stated in the ordinance.

Section 50.4.6. Establishment of Adequate Public Facilities Guidelines

A.

Periodically the County Council must establish by resolution, after public hearing, guidelines to
determine the adequacy of public facilities and services. A subdivision staging policy periodically
approved by the County Council may serve this purpose if it contains those guidelines. To
provide the basis for the guidelines, the Planning Board and the County Executive must provide
the following information and recommendations to the Council:
1.

The Planning Board must analyze current growth and the amount of additional growth
that can be accommodated by future public facilities and services. The Planning Board
must also recommend any changes in Preliminary Plan approval criteria it finds
appropriate in the light of its experience in administering this Chapter; and

2.

The Executive must comment on the Planning Boards analyses and recommendations
and recommend criteria to determine the adequacy of public facilities.

Section 50.4.7. Establishment of a Development Review Committee

The Planning Board must establish a review committee consisting of Planning Department staff and staff
of any County, state, and federal agency; local municipality; and the local utility companies to which a
given plan has been referred. The committee must meet with applicants and other interested persons to
facilitate agency review of the plan, or to reconcile conflicting requirements by different agencies. Each
reviewing agency must designate a representative to the committee. For the purpose of plan review, the
head of any participating County agency must delegate authority to a representative to speak for the
agency.
Section 50.4.8. Establishment of Fees
Application fees must be established by resolution adopted by the Planning Board from time to time.
Such fees must not be higher than reasonably necessary to cover the cost of processing and
administration of applications. The subdivider or an agent must also file with applications, a receipt
from the County showing payment of any applicable fees required in connection with the Countys
review process.
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Division 50.5. General Procedures for Submission

Section 50.5.1. General Procedures for Submission of Subdivision Plans
A.

Steps. The Planning Board will consider subdivision of land in two steps:
1.

The Preliminary Plan must be submitted with an application and fee. A Preliminary Plan
is not required for a simplified or minor subdivision as provided for in Division 50.10.

2.

The final plat for recordation of all or part of an approved subdivision must be
submitted with required supporting data and documents, together with application for
approval and plat fee.

B.

Rejection. The Director may reject a subdivision plan application for part of a tract if the size and
shape of the property as submitted prevent designing a plan which will meet standards
established by these regulations and require all or a larger part of the tract to be platted to meet
this chapter, the road construction code or other ordinances or regulations.

C.

Area within pending zoning map amendments. The Director may reject a proposed plan of
subdivision if all or any part of the plan lies within the boundaries of a pending amendment to
the zoning map. The plan may be resubmitted without additional filing fees immediately upon
the final disposition of the pending amendment; provided, that this subsection must not apply
and an additional fee must not be required to refile whenever any map amendment is still
pending on the whole or any part of such plan after the passage of six (6) months from the date
of the original submission of the plan.

D.

Area within pending master plan. The Planning Board may defer action on a proposed
subdivision plan application that has been determined to be complete, if all or any part of the
plan lies within the boundaries of and conflicts with the proposals of a pending master plan or
master plan amendment.
1.

A proposed subdivision plan deferred under this section must be resubmitted to the
Planning Board either:
a.

following the final disposition by the District Council of the pending master plan
or the master plan amendment; or

b.

no later than 12 months from the completion date of the staff draft master plan
or staff draft master plan amendment, unless there is a determination by the
Planning Board that the subdivision plan application presents a substantial
conflict with the proposed land use objectives of the draft master plan or draft
master plan amendment, in which case a subdivision plan application may be
deferred at the option of the Planning Board for a maximum period of 18
months from the completion date of the staff draft master plan or staff draft

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master plan amendment, but in no event beyond the period provided in (a)
above.

Division 50.6. Waivers from this Chapter

Section 50.6.1. Authority of Planning Board
The Planning Board may grant a waiver from the requirements of this Chapter upon a determination
that due to special circumstances of a particular plan, the application of specific standards are not
required to ensure the public health, safety, and general welfare.
Section 50.6.2. Application
A request for a waiver from this chapter must be addressed to the Planning Board in writing, stating all
facts supporting approval of a waiver.
Section 50.6.3. Findings
A.

In granting the waiver, the Planning Board must find that the intent of the ordinance is
still met, and that the waiver is:
1.

the minimum necessary to provide relief from the requirements;

2.

not inconsistent with the purposes and objectives of the General Plan; and

3.

not adverse to the public interest.

Section 50.6.4. Conditions

The Planning Board may condition the waiver approval.
Section 50.6.5. Procedure for Granting Waivers
A.

Referral for Recommendations. The Planning Board must refer a copy of each request to
the Department of Transportation, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, and
the Board of Education for investigation, report, and written recommendation before
acting on the request. Any report and recommendation must be submitted to the
Planning Board within 30 days after the Planning Staff receives it, or the
recommendation must be treated as favorable. A request for a variation, filed under this
section, waives the time requirements in Sections 50.7.2 and 50.11.1 and extends the
time for review for 45 more days.

B.

Resolution. The decision of the Planning Board must be in the form of a resolution
adopted by the Planning Board by a majority of those voting; and a copy of said
resolution must be forwarded to each agency mentioned in paragraph (A) above.

C.

Non-waiver of other ordinances. Notwithstanding the provisions herein, the Planning

Board must not vary or modify the provisions of Chapter 59 of this Code, the road

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DRAFT

construction code, the building code, health laws or other ordinances or regulations of
the County.

Article II. Subdivision Plans.

Division 50.7. Preliminary Plan of Subdivision
Every proposed subdivision or resubdivision must be submitted to the Planning Board for approval in
the form of a Preliminary Plan prior to the submission of a subdivision plat. The plan must show
graphically all facts needed to enable the Planning Board and other public agencies to determine
whether the proposed subdivision is satisfactory from the standpoint of the public health, safety and
welfare and the regulations, ordinances and laws applicable.
Section 50.7.1. Filing and Specifications
A.

B.

Application and fee

1.

The subdivider or an agent must file the preliminary plan drawing with the Planning
Board, together with the application form, supporting information, and appropriate fee.

2.

If property is owned or controlled by the State of Maryland, the county, or other

political subdivision, government entity or agency, or the Washington Metropolitan
Area Transit Authority (WMATA), the subdivider must provide an agency agreement
or other written authorization from the government entity, agency or WMATA
authorizing the subdivider to include the property as part of the subdivision.

The drawing. The Preliminary Plan drawing must be submitted in a form as may be required by
regulations of the Planning Board. Details and information must include:
1.

Scale drawing of one hundred (100) feet to the inch, or other scale which may vary
according to the size of the development, in accordance with Planning Board
requirements;

2.

Title block information;

3.

Certificate of registered professional engineer and registered land surveyor as to source

and accuracy of boundary lines, topographic data and other engineering or survey data;

4.

Locations and names of adjacent subdivisions with lot, block, and record plat number of
immediately adjoining subdivided land;

5.

Existing scenic or historic areas;

6.

Vicinity location map; and

7.

Graphic representation of the proposed subdivision, including:

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C.

DRAFT

a.

Bearings referenced to the Maryland Coordinate System, except that an

application filed to correct an approved Preliminary Plan may be referenced to
the Plat Meridian, meaning that used on the original approved Preliminary
Plan or the Subdivision Record Plat, if the Subdivision Record Plat was recorded;

b.

Lot and block layout;

c.

All roads labeled as public or private with construction details;

d.

Location of existing and proposed utilities;

e.

Existing topography with contour intervals not greater than five (5) feet;

f.

Location and width of existing and proposed sidewalks;

g.

Sites for public uses and open spaces;

h.

Location, type, and width of all existing and proposed rights-of-way and
easements including roads, slopes, paths, utilities, on and off site storm
drainage, and other required improvements;

i.

On-site sidewalks and connections to existing off-site sidewalks;

j.

The proposed use of all lots must be indicated on the Preliminary Plan. The
Preliminary Plan must show the scaled dimensions and approximate area of
each use except one-family dwellings. The proposed use must be permitted in
the zone; and

k.

When the property is included in more than one zone, the lines showing the
limits of each zone must be clearly indicated.

Supporting Information
1.

An approved Natural Resources Inventory/Forest Stand Delineation.

2.

Road Grades. Road grades shown to indicate the percentage of tangent grades, the
length of crest and sag vertical curves and elevations, and in addition, elevations of all
intersecting roads. Direction of water flow must also be indicated. The plan must be
supported by a preliminary storm drain study prepared in accordance with the
requirements of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. In cases where
the topography makes the determination of the adequacy of the road grades difficult,
the registered surveyor or registered engineer submitting the grades may be required to
otherwise substantiate the subdivision layout with plans, profiles, or designs and
certifications as may be required by the Planning Board to prove the desirability and
adequacy of the proposed development.

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3.

4.

DRAFT

Wells and septic systems. For lots in areas where individual wells and septic systems
would be installed the Preliminary Plan must also show the following items:
a.

The proposed location of water wells for each lot and existing wells on the
property and within one hundred (100) feet of the property;

b.

A circular area with a radius of one hundred (100) feet around each well to
denote clear space in which no final sewage system is to be located;

c.

The usable area for sewage disposal, in accordance with the Executive
Regulations for on-site sewage disposal;

d.

Any existing sewage disposal systems on the property and within one hundred
(100) feet of the property;

e.

Wetlands, rock outcrops and floodplains; and

f.

A ten-foot zone surrounding the water service line to buildings, free and clear of
any sewer lines, systems or part thereof.

Phasing schedule
a.

The Preliminary Plan establishes the validity period for the entire project.
Where a project is proposed to be built out in phases cumulatively exceeding
the minimum validity period, the applicant must submit a recording and
construction phasing schedule for approval by the Planning Board as part of the
Preliminary Plan. The schedule must indicate the portions of the Preliminary
Plan for which record plats and building permits will be obtained during each of
the proposed phases, up to the expiration of the adequate public facilities
validity period.

b.

When applicable, the phasing schedule should specifically identify the timing for
the completion of construction and conveyance to unit owners of such things as
common open areas and recreational facilities. In addition, the phasing schedule
should indicate the timing for the provision of moderate priced dwelling units,
and infrastructure improvements associated with each phase. Such a phasing
schedule must be designed to have as little dependence on features (other than
community-wide facilities) to be provided in subsequent phases and have
minimal impact during construction on phases already built and occupied.

c.

For projects that require site plan review, the applicant may submit a modified
phasing schedule, detailing the information required in b. above, provided the
implementation of the phasing schedule does not exceed the validity period
established in the Preliminary Plan.

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d.

5.

b.

D.

If a phasing plan for a Preliminary Plan of subdivision includes land or building

space that the County has accepted for an arts or entertainment use under
Section 59-C-6.2356 of the zoning ordinance in effect on October 29, 2014,
approval of a site plan under Section 59-7.3.4 for the phase containing that land
or building space validates all remaining phases of the Preliminary Plan and the
project plan for the purpose of Section 59-D-2.7(b) of the zoning ordinance in
effect on October 29, 2014.

Transfer of Development Rights.

a.

6.

DRAFT

A preliminary subdivision plan for a property in a receiving area which proposes

to increase the density of the property by using development rights must
indicate:
i.

the number of lots permitted by the base density;

ii.

the number of development rights to be conveyed to the receiving

property;

iii.

the total density, in dwelling units, of the proposed subdivision;

iv.

the number of moderately priced dwelling units to be provided in

accordance with the provisions of Chapter 25A; and

v.

the density recommended by the approved and adopted general,

master, sector or functional plan.

Such a preliminary subdivision plan must include at least two-thirds of the

number of development rights permitted to be transferred to the property
under the provisions of the appropriate general, master, sector or functional
plan. However, the two-thirds requirement may be reduced if the Planning
Board finds the reduction is more appropriate for environmental or
compatibility reasons.

Draft Traffic Mitigation Agreement. A preliminary subdivision plan application for a

subdivision to be located in a transportation management district, as designated under
Chapter 42A, Article II, must contain a draft traffic mitigation agreement that meets the
requirements of that article.

Application Processing
1.

The applicant must submit an initial application to the Planning Director. The Planning
Director must review the application for completeness within 10 days after receipt. An
application is incomplete if any required element is missing or is facially defective, e.g., a

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drawing that is not to scale. The assessment of completeness must not address the
merits of the application.

E.

2.

The applicant must submit any required revisions to the Planning Director. The Planning
Director must review the revised application for completeness within 10 days after
receipt.

3.

After the Planning Director verifies that the application is complete, the Planning
Director will accept the application and establish a hearing date under Section 50.7.1.E.

4.

Public notice is required under the Manual of Development Review Procedures.

Hearing Date
The Planning Board must schedule a public hearing to begin within 120 days after the date an
application is accepted. The Planning Director may postpone the public hearing by up to 30 days
once without Planning Board approval. The Planning Director or applicant may request an
extension beyond the original 30 days with Planning Board approval. Any extension of the
public hearing must be noticed by mail and on the hearing agenda with the new public hearing
date indicated.

Section 50.7.2. Approval Procedure

A.

Referral of plan. Immediately after accepting an application, the Director must send a copy to
the Development Review Committee and other reviewing agencies for the agency's
recommendation concerning the plan. At a minimum, each of the following must receive a copy
of the application if it has a direct interest in the installation or maintenance of utilities, roads,
or other public services that will serve the proposed subdivision:
1.

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, as to water and sewer service;

2.

County Department of Transportation, as to roads, streets, paths, and storm drainage;

3.

County Department of Permitting Services, as to sanitation, wells, septic systems, water,

and sewers;

4.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, as to requirements for adequate fire
protection and access.

5.

State Highway Administration, as to right-of-way requirements and access on state

roads;

6.

Any appropriate agency of the federal government;

Any municipality which has filed a request with the Planning Board for an opportunity to
review subdivision or resubdivision plans for property located in that municipality;

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B.

DRAFT

8.

Montgomery County Public Schools, as to school site planning;

9.

Any other Montgomery County Executive agency, as to the adequacy of public facilities
and services; and

10.

Local utility providers.

Review and Recommendation

1.

2.

3.

Timing of Review
a.

Reviewing State and County agencies and utilities must submit initial comments
before the Development Review Committee meeting.

b.

The applicant must submit revised drawings to address the comments a

minimum of 65 days before the date of the hearing. The Planning Director may
extend the deadline if the applicant submits a written request within 15 days
after the revised drawings were due. If no written request is received or an
extension is not granted, the application is deemed withdrawn.

c.

State and County agencies and utilities must submit a final recommendation on
the application a minimum of 45 days before the date of the Planning Board
hearing.

Approvals from Public Agencies. Before the Planning Board finally approves a
Preliminary Plan the following other agency approvals are needed:
a.

Road grade and road profile. The road and pedestrian path grades, road profile,
storm drain adequacy, and sight distance must be approved in preliminary form
by the County Department of Transportation;

b.

Wells and septic systems. For lots with individual wells or septic systems, the
plan must be approved by the Department of Permitting Services;

c.

Storm water management. A storm water management concept, if required

under Chapter 19, must be approved by the Department of Permitting Services;
and

d.

Water quality. If a water quality plan is required under Chapter 19, the Planning
Board must not approve a Preliminary Plan or any extension until all
requirements of Chapter 19 for plan approval are satisfied. Compliance with a
required water quality plan, including any plan reviewed on a preliminary or
final basis, must be made a condition of any approved Preliminary Plan.

Planning Director

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DRAFT

The Planning Director must publish a report and recommendation a minimum of 10 days
before the Planning Board hearing.
C.

Planning Board Action

1.

D.

Every Preliminary Plan must be presented to the Planning Board for its review and
action. The Planning Board must take one of the following actions or defer action to
obtain more information:
a.

Approve, if the plan conforms to the purposes and other requirements of this
Chapter;

b.

Approve, with any conditions or modifications necessary to bring the proposed

development into compliance with all applicable requirements; or

c.

Deny, if contrary to the purposes and other requirements of these regulations.

2.

A Preliminary Plan amendment may be acted on by the Planning Board on their Consent
Agenda as provided for in the Planning Departments Development Review Manual.

3.

Where a site plan is required, in addition to the requirements of this Chapter, the
approval of the Preliminary Plan of subdivision must specify that no clearing or grading
can occur prior to approval of the site plan unless otherwise specified.

4.

The Planning Board action must be by resolution containing findings supporting its
decision. Following approval of a Preliminary Plan by the Planning Board, no agency may
require a substantial change in the plan, other than those which may be required by
conditions of approval specified by the Planning Board, except upon amendment of the
plan, approved by the Planning Board, or under procedures for revocation of a plan as
provided by 50.7.2.I.

Required Findings. To approve a Preliminary Plan, the Planning Board must find that:
1.

The Preliminary Plan substantially conforms to the master plan;

2.

Public facilities will be adequate to support and service the area of the subdivision;

3.

The size, width, shape, and orientation of the lots are appropriate for the location of the
subdivision and for the type of development or use contemplated, taking into account
the recommendations included in the applicable master plan;

4.

All the applicable requirements of the Forest Conservation Law, Montgomery County
Code, Chapter 22A are satisfied;

5.

All the applicable stormwater management and water quality requirements of the
Montgomery County Code, Chapter 19 are satisfied; and

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6.

DRAFT

Any other applicable Planning Board finding required under this Chapter that is specific
to the property.

E.

Plan Certification. Following each Planning Board meeting, every Preliminary Plan which has
been approved or conditionally approved must be certified by the Director to confirm that the
drawings reflect the Planning Boards approval. Any modification approved by the Planning
Board will require the applicant to revise the plan before receiving the approval stamp. The
approved plan will be filed in the records of the Planning Board.

F.

Plan Validity
1.

2.

Initiation Date. The validity period for Preliminary Plans starts on the later of:
a.

30 days from the date of mailing indicated on the written resolution; or

b.

if an administrative appeal is timely noted by any party authorized to file an

appeal, the date upon which the court having final jurisdiction acts, including
the running of any further applicable appeal periods.

Duration of Validity Period.

a.

b.

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Single-phase project.
i.

A Preliminary Plan approved on or after April 1, 2009, and before April

1, 2015, remains valid for 60 months after its Initiation Date.

ii.

A Preliminary Plan approved on or after April 1, 2015, remains valid for

36 months after its Initiation Date.

iii.

In order for an applicant to validate the plan before the validity period
expires, the applicant must have secured all government approvals
necessary to record a plat, and the plat for all property delineated on
the approved Preliminary Plan must have been recorded in the County
Land Records.

Multi-phase project.
i.

An approved Preliminary Plan for a multi-phase project remains valid for

the period of time allowed in the phasing schedule approved by the
Planning Board.

ii.

The applicant must propose a phasing schedule and the duration of the
validity period for each phase as part of an application for Preliminary
Plan approval or amendment. The Planning Board must assign each
phase a validity period on a case-by-case basis after considering the
size, type, and location of the project.
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G.

DRAFT

iii.

The time allocated to any phase must not exceed 60 months after the
initiation date for that particular phase for any Preliminary Plan
approved on or after April 1, 2009, but before April 1, 2015, and 36
months after the initiation date for that particular phase for any
Preliminary Plan approved on or after April 1, 2015.

iv.

The cumulative validity period of all phases must not exceed the APF
validity period which begins on the date of the initial Preliminary Plan
approval, including any extension granted under Section 50.7.3.F.7.

v.

An approved Preliminary Plan for a multi-phase project that includes

land or building space to be conveyed or dedicated to the County for an
arts or entertainment use under Section 59-C-6.2356 of the zoning
ordinance in effect on October 29, 2014, is validated for all phases of
the approved Preliminary Plan by recordation of a plat for all property in
the phase containing the arts or entertainment use if recordation occurs
within 5 years after the final approval of the Preliminary Plan. After
approval, an amendment or modification to the phasing plan or the
Preliminary Plan will not affect the validations, if the requirements of
this subsection have otherwise been met.

3.

Validation. A Preliminary Plan is validated when a plat for all property delineated on the
plan or in that phase of the approved Preliminary Plan is recorded in the County Land
Records.

4.

Effect of a Preliminary Plan Amendment on Validity Period. For any action taken by the
Planning Board to amend a previously approved Preliminary Plan, the Planning Board
will determine, on a case by case basis, whether the validity period should be extended
and, if so, for what duration. In making the determination, the Planning Board must
consider the nature and scope of the requested amendment.

Extension of Validity Period

1.

Extension Request
a.

A request to extend the validity period of an approved Preliminary Plan that

does not contain a phasing schedule must be submitted in writing and received
by the Planning Board before the previously established validity period expires.

b.

The written submission must specify in detail all grounds and reasons to support
the extension request and must include a declaration that states the anticipated
date for validating the plan. The applicant must certify that the requested
extension is the minimum additional time required for validation.

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2.

3.

Effect of Timing
a.

The failure to submit a detailed, written request in a timely fashion voids all
non-validated portions of the Preliminary Plan and, where applicable, an
approved site plan.

b.

If a Preliminary Plan has been allowed to expire due to the applicant's failure to
file a timely request for an extension, the Planning Board may reinstate an
expired plan and establish a new validity period for the plan where practical
difficulty or undue hardship is demonstrated by the applicant.

c.

The Planning Board may require the applicant to secure a new APF review and
approval by the Planning Board as a prerequisite or condition of its action to
extend an expired plan. Only the Planning Board is authorized to extend the
validity period.

Grounds for Extension

a.

b.

4.

DRAFT

The Planning Board may only grant a request to extend the validity period of a
Preliminary Plan if the Planning Board is persuaded that:
i.

delays by the government or some other party after the plan approval
have prevented the applicant from performing terms or conditions of
the plan approval and validating the plan, provided such delays are not
created or facilitated by the applicant; or

ii.

the occurrence of significant, unusual, and unanticipated events,

beyond the applicant's control and not facilitated or created by the
applicant, have substantially impaired the applicant's ability to validate
the plan, and exceptional or undue hardship (as evidenced, in part, by
the efforts undertaken by the applicant to implement the terms and
conditions of the plan approval in order to validate the plan) would
result to the applicant if the plan were not extended.

The applicant bears the burden of establishing the grounds in support of the
requested extension. An applicant must not presume that the Planning Board
will approve an extension.

Planning Board Considerations for Extension

a.

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The Planning Board may condition the grant of an extension on a requirement

that the applicant revise the plan to conform with changes to applicable laws or
regulations since the plan was approved.

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b.

5.

H.

DRAFT

The Planning Board may deny the extension request if it finds that the project,
as approved and conditioned, is no longer viable. In considering the viability of a
project, the Planning Board must consider whether the project is capable of
being financed, constructed, and marketed within a reasonable time frame. The
Applicant must demonstrate the projects viability upon request by the Planning
Board or its staff.

Planning Board Action

a.

The Planning Board must determine whether a request for an extension should
be granted after a public hearing for which notice was duly given. The
requirements for noticing and conducting a public hearing must follow the
requirements for reviewing a Preliminary Plan.

b.

If voting to approve an extension, the Planning Board must not grant more time
than it deems necessary for the applicant to validate its plan.

c.

The Planning Board must not grant an extension to a Preliminary Plan which has
the effect of carrying the plan's validity period beyond any established APF
validity period, unless otherwise allowed by law.

d.

An applicant may request, and the Planning Board may approve, one or more
extensions.

e.

Once a phasing schedule is approved by the Planning Board as part of a

Preliminary Plan approval, any revision or alteration to the schedule other than
an amendment approved under Section 50.7.3.F.7 a must not be treated as a
request for extension, but rather as an amendment or revision to the
Preliminary Plan. Planning Board approval of a revised phasing schedule may
have the effect of extending the validity period.

Effect of Failure to Timely Validate Plan or Secure an Extension

1.

If a Preliminary Plan is not timely validated in whole or in part prior to the expiration of
the validity period, any remaining portion of the plan expires. For multi-phased plans,
the failure on the part of an applicant to timely validate a phase, in whole or in part,
voids the balance of the Preliminary Plan approval for that phase and all subsequent
phases not yet validated.

2.

In those instances where an applicant has timely validated only a portion of a plan and
no extension is granted, the applicant seeking to develop only that portion of the
project remains responsible for fully complying with all of the terms, conditions, and
other requirements associated with the portion of the plan approval that has been
implemented.

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I.

DRAFT

3.

If a Preliminary Plan or portion thereof is not timely validated, any APF determination
made by the Planning Board associated with the expired portion of the Preliminary Plan
also expires. In such event the applicant loses any further rights to claim any vehicle
trips associated with the expired APF approval. The filing of a new Preliminary Plan
application does not provide the basis for reclaiming vehicle trips lost by the
termination of the APF approval.

4.

A project plan that is not timely validated results in the simultaneous expiration of the
Preliminary Plan approval conditionally linked to the project plan approval.

Revocation of approval
1.

Approval of a Preliminary Plan may be revoked by resolution of the Planning Board at

any time prior to Planning Board approval of the final plat covering the proposed
subdivision.

2.

In order to revoke a Preliminary Plan approval, the Planning Board must find that any
portion of the plan has been rendered impractical by reason of an amendment or
addition to the general plan, or by a conflict with a proposed public improvement or
other conditions or circumstances which involve injury or damage to the public health,
safety or welfare.

3.

The Planning Board must afford a landowner or subdivider an opportunity to be heard

prior to taking any action to revoke approval of a Preliminary Plan by sending the owner
or subdivider a notice by certified mail at least five (5) days prior to the date of the
proposed action and giving the time and place of the hearing. The notice must state the
reasons for the proposed revocation.

Section 50.7.3. Technical Review

A.

Relation to Master Plan

1.

In determining the acceptability of a Preliminary Plan submitted under this Chapter, the
Planning Board must consider the applicable master plan, sector plan, or urban renewal
plan. A Preliminary Plan must substantially conform to the applicable master plan,
sector plan, or urban renewal plan, including maps and text, unless the Planning Board
finds that events have occurred to render the relevant master plan, sector plan, or
urban renewal plan recommendation no longer appropriate.
a.

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To permit the construction of MPDUs under Chapter 25A, including any bonus
density units, or all workforce housing units provided under Section 59-4.5.2.C
and Section 59-4.6.2.C and Chapter 25B on-site, maximum permitted density
and building height limitations of a master plan may be exceeded in certain
zones as permitted in Chapter 59.
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B.

Block design
1.

2.

C.

DRAFT

Residential blocks. The Planning Board must approve the length, width and shape of any
block that contains residential uses.
a.

Length. The maximum length of a block is 1600 feet.

b.

Width. Blocks must be designed with sufficient width to provide two (2) tiers of
lots. Exceptions to block width design may be approved by the Planning Board
for blocks adjacent to heavy traffic ways, railroads, streams, drainage courses,
multi-family, commercial or industrial areas, schools, churches, or other land
uses appropriate to establish blocks with one (1) tier of lots.

c.

Pedestrian paths. The Planning Board may require paths for pedestrian access
to schools, playgrounds, parks, and other public areas and through long blocks.

d.

Multi-family Blocks and Access Roads. The design and arrangement of access
roads or drives within a subdivision for multi-family dwellings, together with the
required parking facilities and pedestrian walks, must be reviewed and
approved by the Planning Board. Determination of whether interior access
roads will be dedicated to public use or may be private roads will be made by
the Planning Board, upon recommendation of applicable agencies.

Nonresidential blocks. Blocks designed for business or industry must be a suitable length
and width as determined by the Planning Board, including adequate provision for offstreet parking, deliveries, and truck maneuvering.

Lot design
1.

General provisions
a.

Lot Dimensions. Lot size, width, shape, and orientation must be appropriate for
the location of the subdivision, taking into account the recommendations of the
applicable master plan, and for the type of development or use contemplated,
in order to be approved by the Planning Board.

b.

Lots to Abut on a Public or Private Road. Except as otherwise provided in the

zoning ordinance, or as specified below, every lot must abut on a public or
private road. A public road must be dedicated to public use or have acquired the
status of a public road under Chapter 49. A private road must be made available
for public use through an access easement.
i.

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The Planning Board may approve a maximum of two (2) lots, including
existing lots, on a private driveway and that do not abut a public or
private road.
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2.

D.

DRAFT

ii.

The Planning Board may approve more than two (2) lots that do not
abut a public or private road if the new lots will be used as a one-family
residence by a child of the property owner or the spouse of a child or by
the parents of the property owner. This provision applies to only one (1)
lot for each child, whether created for the child or the spouse of a child
and only one (1) lot for the parents, whether created for one (1) or both
parents.

iii.

These provisions apply only upon a finding by the Planning Board that
access is adequate to serve the lots for emergency vehicles, for
installation of public utilities, and the lots are accessible for other public
services, and are not detrimental to future subdivision of adjacent
lands.

c.

Side Lines. Side lines of interior lots should be aligned perpendicular to the road
line, or radial to a curved road line.

d.

Through Lots. Through lots, must not be approved except where unusual
topography, orientation or the size of the subdivision permit no other feasible
way to subdivide.

e.

Pedestrian paths or Alleys for Residential Lots. If a midblock pedestrian path or

alley is provided in a residential subdivision, the lots adjoining the path or alley
must be increased in width sufficient to provide for a parallel side building
restriction line 15 feet from the path or alley.

Resubdivision.
a.

Applicability. This section only applies to proposed lots in the R-40, R-60, R-90,
R-200, and RE-1 zones intended for one-family detached dwellings and that are
resubdivided from any lot, outlot, parcel, or part thereof previously recorded on
a plat.

b.

Finding. The proposed lot(s) must be of the same character as to frontage, size,
width at the front building line, and buildable area as other lots within the
existing neighborhood. The narrow strip (pipe stem) of a flag lot must not be
included in the lot size or buildable area for this analysis.

c.

Neighborhood. For the purposes of this section, the neighborhood includes at

least all abutting and confronting lots within the same zone, and any other lots
in the same zone needed to conduct a meaningful analysis.

Public sites and adequate open spaces. A Preliminary Plan must provide required public sites and
adequate open space areas.

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DRAFT

1.

Master Planned Sites. When a tract being subdivided includes a proposed site for a park,
playground, school or other public use, in whole or in part, as recommended in the
applicable master plan and that is deemed necessary by the Planning Board and
applicable public agency, the site for the use must be shown for dedication or
acquisition on the Preliminary Plan and subsequent record plat.

2.

Local recreation. The Planning Board must require platting and dedication to public use
of adequate spaces for recreation wherever it is reasonable to do so, taking into account
the recommendations included in the applicable master plan, the circumstances existing
where the subdivision is located, and the size and character of the subdivision.
Whenever the required recreational area involves more than a reasonable area of land,
the subdivider may be required to provide what is determined by the Planning Board to
be an area relevant to the recreational needs of the present and future inhabitants of
the subdivision. The balance of such required area must be reserved for a period of
three (3) years pending acquisition by the appropriate agency.

3.

Area for roads, utilities, and storm drainage.

a.

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Roads
i.

In its consideration of the approval of a subdivision, the Planning Board

must require adequate area to provide roads and other transportation
facilities. These must be coordinated with other existing, planned, or
platted roads, other features in the district, or with any road plan
adopted or approved as a part of the Commission's general plan.

ii.

Roads must be dedicated to public use or platted as a private road

parcel with a public access easement. Dedication or platting must be to
the full width of all recommended rights-of-way for all roads, including
widening of any existing road, determined to be necessary and proper,
and be the full width required to accommodate the maximum utilization
and development of the subject property in its present zone
classification or the higher use shown on any adopted or approved
master plan of the applicable jurisdiction.

iii.

In determining the rights-of-way to be dedicated, the Planning Board

must relate the area of dedication to:
(a)

The total size of the subdivision;

(b)

The maximum road right-of-way or improvement required for

that category of land use as established in the road code of the
applicable jurisdiction; and

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(c)

iv.

DRAFT

The increased traffic, lane and right-of-way requirements which

would be created by maximum utilization and development of
the subject property in its present zoned classification or that
higher use shown on any adopted or approved master plan of
the applicable jurisdictions.

Such dedication to public use must be to the full extent of the required
right-of-way in each case, except those roads in 50.7.3.E.1.b.vii
wherein dedication must be required for adequate traffic access to
those subdivisions to which access is permitted. A subdivision resulting
from a subdivision of land not in accordance with duly enacted
subdivision regulations is an illegal subdivision; in the event of an illegal
subdivision of land the size of such illegal subdivision must not be
considered in determining the rights-of-way to be dedicated but in
such case the tract to be considered must consist of the land as it
existed prior to such illegal subdivision thereof.

v.

Whenever a dedication of land to public use is required under any of

the provisions above set forth, the Planning Board in its finding and
order, must specify on the Preliminary Plan the area to be dedicated
and must also state the applicable provision of the subdivision
regulations and circumstances that necessitate and require such
dedication for public use.

vi.

In the event that the applicant objects to the dedication required by the
Planning Board, the applicant must file written objection within twenty
(20) days of such order of dedication, which must state in detail the
exact order or portion of such order which is objected to and specific
reason or grounds for such objection. In the event the issue of such
dedication and at such hearing the applicant must supply competent
and relevant evidence to sustain the grounds for objection. Any
objection to dedication for which evidence is not adduced, must be
considered to be waived and abandoned by the applicant.

b.

Slopes. When required for construction or road maintenance, 2:1 slope

easements must be established along both sides of each road dedicated to
public use. The 2:1 slope easement must be determined in coordination with
the road grade approved under these regulations.

c.

Rights-of-Way and Easements Other Than Roads. The Planning Board may
require dedication to public use of rights-of-way or platting of easements
necessary for such public uses as pedestrian paths, equestrian trails, bikeways,
water and sanitary sewer, and storm drainage facilities. The Planning Board

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DRAFT

must approve the extent, location, and width of each pedestrian path,
equestrian trail, and bikeway right-of-way after reviewing the applicable master
plan. The extent and width of water and sanitary sewer rights-of-way must be
determined by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission in its jurisdiction.
The extent and width of drainage rights-of-way must be determined by the
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and the Department of Permitting
Services after receipt of drainage studies prepared by the applicant's engineer.
3.

4.

Areas not suitable for public use. Whenever a Preliminary Plan includes a proposed
dedication of land to public use that the Planning Board finds is not required or not
suitable for public use, the Planning Board may either refuse to approve the dedication,
require the rearrangement of lots in the subdivision to provide for an acceptable site for
public use, or permit the applicant to pay for additional site preparation that makes the
site suitable for public use.
a.

In determining the suitability of a site for public use, the Planning Board must
consider, among other relevant factors, any criteria for the intended use
adopted by the receiving agency, and the natural features of the site. In its
evaluation of the natural features of a site, the Planning Board may require the
applicant, at the applicant's expense, to perform soil borings or to provide other
detailed topographical or subsurface information not otherwise submitted
under Section 50.7.1.B. Information provided to the Planning Board must be
certified by the applicant's engineer.

b.

The Planning Board may determine a site is unsuitable because of natural

features if site preparation work for the intended public use will require
significant excavation of rock, excessive grading or the grading of steep slopes,
remedial environmental measures, or similar work. Factors relevant to a
determination of the magnitude of site preparation work or developer cost
sharing include estimated costs, acreage, agency experience with similar sites,
and construction industry practices. If it appears from analysis of the
Preliminary Plan that unusual and abnormally excessive grading will result from
the proposed development that the Planning Board finds can be lessened by
rearrangement of the subdivision, it may require such rearrangement.

Reservation
a.

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Procedure. Where the Planning Board has determined that a tract being
subdivided includes land that is necessary for public use, but will not be
acquired by donation, dedication, purchase, or condemnation at the time of
recordation of the plat, the Planning Board must determine the need to reserve
the land. Reservations for a period not to exceed 3 years may be required for

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DRAFT

road rights-of-way, public school and building sites, parks, playgrounds,

recreational areas, or other public purposes.

b.

E.

i.

Referral to Agency Concerned With Acquisition. If reservation of land

appears to be in the public interest, the Planning Board must refer the
plan to the public agency concerned with acquisition for consideration
and report. The Planning Board may propose alternate areas for such
reservation and must allow such public agency thirty (30) days for reply.
The agency's recommendation, if affirmative, must include a map
showing the boundaries and area of the parcel to be reserved and an
estimate of the time required to complete the acquisition.

ii.

Resolution. Declaration of public reservation must be by resolution of

the Commission, stating the period during which the reservation is
effective. Notice of the same must be carried once each in two
newspapers of general circulation in the County and a plat must be
recorded in the land records of the County showing in detail the land so
reserved. Certified copies of the resolution must be sent to the property
owner and to the agency concerned with acquisition.

iii.

Taxes. The Planning Board must advise taxing and assessing bodies of all
public reservations, and such public reservations must be exempt from
all state, County and local taxes during the reservation period.

iv.

Posting. The Planning Board must post properties so reserved with an

appropriate sign, warning against violation of preservation provisions
and the penalties therefor.

v.

Preservation. During the reservation period, a person must not erect a

building or structure on the reserved land. A person must not remove or
destroy trees, topsoil, or cover; grade; build a storm drainage structure
that discharges water on the reserved land, except according to a storm
drainage plan approved by the Department of Permitting Services or the
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission; or put reserved land to any
use, except after written approval of the Planning Board. Nothing in this
section prohibits the owner from removing weeds or trash from
reserved land or from selling the reserved land after approval of the
Planning Board.

Expiration of plan. The expiration or revocation of approval of a preliminary

subdivision plan must not affect a reservation if, before the expiration date, a
reservation plat has been recorded by the Commission.

Public Improvements

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1.

DRAFT

Roads
a.

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Plan requirements.
i.

Master plan roads. Subdivisions must include roads shown on any

adopted master plan of highways or parts of such adopted plans, in
accordance with the road construction code, and where applicable must
include recommendations of the State Highway Administration for
construction and access to state roads.

ii.

General Layout. Roads must, in general, be laid out to encourage

preservation of open spaces, tree cover, recreation areas, scenic vistas
and outstanding natural topography, while providing convenient access
to property and circulation through the subdivision.

iii.

Continuation of roads. The subdivision must provide for continuation of

any existing roads (constructed or recorded) in accordance with the
road construction code, unless otherwise determined by the Planning
Board.

iv.

Future subdivisions. A tract proposed for subdivision must be divided to

not preclude future opening of roads and further logical subdivision of
adjacent land.

v.

Alleys. The Planning Board may require alleys where they are necessary
to provide access.

vi.

Private roads must be located within a right-of-way parcel that is

separate and distinct from any adjoining lot or parcel, and not included
in any other lot or parcel.

vii.

Railroad crossings. A subdivision involving new or existing roads crossing

railroad tracks must provide adequate right-of-way, including approach
right-of-way and slope easements, for construction of an underpass or
overpass unless otherwise determined by the Planning Board.

viii.

Residential roads paralleling railroads. A residential road paralleling a

railroad must be at a distance from the track sufficient to provide lots
with a minimum of one hundred sixty (160) feet depth backing to the
railroad right-of-way.

ix.

Railroad tracks. Existing railroad tracks must not be included within the
rights-of-way of roads, except for crossings or rail transit lines outside
paved traveled portion of the road.

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11-17-14
b.

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DRAFT

Design standards.
i.

Construction of new roads, sidewalks, etc. The roads, alleys, sidewalks

and pedestrian ways, with appurtenant drainage, street trees, and other
integral facilities in each new subdivision must be constructed by the
subdivider or developer as specified in the road construction code,
including right-of-way width, or required by a municipality, whichever
applies.

ii.

Existing Roads. In the case of a subdivision containing lots fronting on an

existing state, county or municipally maintained road, the subdivider
must provide, in addition to any required dedication for widening the
existing right-of-way, reasonable improvement to the road in front of
the subdivision, including the provision of sidewalks, necessary to serve
the needs of the subdivision for access and traffic as required by the
road construction code or required by a municipality, whichever applies.

iii.

Private roads. Private roads must be built to the applicable structural

standard and typical section, including right-of-way width, based on the
functional classification as specified in Chapter 49 of the Montgomery
County Code. Private roads must conform to the horizontal alignment
requirements in Section 50.7.1.E.1.b.vi. The builder must have a
registered engineer certify to the County Department of Permitting
Services that each private road has been designed to meet the
structural standards required by this section. The builder must then
certify to the Department of Permitting Services that all construction
complies with the design.

iv.

Mid-block pedestrian ways and drainage rights-of-way. The minimum

right-of-way must be 20 feet for a mid-block pedestrian way and 10 feet
(plus an additional 10 feet during the period of original construction) for
an enclosed drainage right-of-way.

iv.

Culs-de-sac and turnarounds. The Planning Board must not approve any
cul-de-sac or turnaround unless their use would produce an improved
road layout because of the unusual shape, size or topography of the
subdivision. A cul-de-sac or a road that would end in a turnaround must
not be longer than 500 feet, measured on its centerline to the nearest
through road, unless, the Planning Board approves a greater length
because of property shape, size, topography, large lot size, or improved
road alignment.

v.

Intersection
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vi.

DRAFT

(a)

Roads must be laid out to intersect as nearly as possible at right

angles. The Planning Board must not approve a proposed
intersection of two new roads at an angle of less than 70
degrees.

(b)

Proposed road intersections with an arterial or major highway

must be spaced no closer together than 600 feet except in an
Urban Area, as defined in Chapter 49. In any case where the
Planning Board finds that a lesser spacing is appropriate, the
Planning Board may specify a lesser spacing than otherwise
required.

(c)

Corner lots at an intersection must be truncated by straight

lines joining points 25 feet back from the theoretical property
line intersection in each quadrant. In any case where more or
less width is needed for safe sight distance or traffic
channelization, the Planning Board may specify a greater or
lesser truncation than otherwise required. Any alley
intersection or abrupt change in alignment in a block must have
the corners truncated sufficiently for safe vehicular turning.

Horizontal alignment. In all public and private primary, secondary, and

tertiary residential streets and culs-de-sac, the alignment must be
designed so that all deflections in horizontal alignment are
accomplished through segments of circular curves properly
incorporated into the design. The minimum permitted centerline radii
must be:
(a)

Primary streets . . . . . . 300 feet

(b)

Secondary streets . . . . 150 feet

(c)

Tertiary streets . . . . . . 100 feet

The Planning Board must specify greater radii when safety requires. A
tangent at least 100 feet long must be used between two reverse
curves, except in a secondary or tertiary residential street.
vii.

Road rights-of-way. The Planning Board may approve a narrower than

standard road right-of-way or private road parcel if the Planning Board
finds that:
(a)

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a narrower right-of-way or private road parcel is

environmentally preferable and either improves compatibility

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DRAFT

with adjoining properties or allows better use of the tract under

consideration; or
(b)

limits on development at that site would not allow the applicant

to build the required number of MPDUs on site.

c.

Road names. The Planning Board must approve any road name before it is used.
The Planning Board must not approve any road name which is already used, or
closely resembles any road name already used, anywhere else in the County. If
a new road is an extension of or in a direct line with an existing road, the
Planning Board should continue the name of the existing road.

d.

Off-site Sidewalks and Bikeways. In approving a Preliminary Plan or site plan, the
Planning Board may, with the consent of the Departments of Transportation
and Permitting Services, require a developer to provide a reasonable amount of
off-site sidewalks, bikeways or improvements. Off-site sidewalks, bikeways or
improvements may be required to provide necessary connections from the
proposed development to an existing sidewalk or bikeway, an existing or
proposed bus or other public transit stop, or a public facility that either exists or
is recommended in the area master plan, that the Planning Board finds will be
used by residents or users of the development, or for handicapped access. The
developer must not be required to obtain any right-of-way to build or improve a
sidewalk or bikeway.

e.

Rustic Roads. In approving a Preliminary Plan, the Planning Board must not
require improvements that are contrary to the law or Executive Regulations
governing rustic roads. If the Planning Board is otherwise directed by this
Section to require improvements that are contrary to the rustic roads law or
Executive Regulations, the Planning Board must evaluate the feasibility of trip
reduction and alternative road improvements to the local roadway network. If
the Planning Board determines that no feasible alternative exists, it must
require only those improvements that do not change the significant features of
the road identified by the Council for preservation.

f.

Road grade approval. No final grading, sidewalk or pavement construction, or

installation of utilities must be permitted in the bed of any proposed public or
private road in any subdivision until the grade has been approved in accordance
with this Chapter.

g.

Pedestrian paths. Where a pedestrian path is included in a subdivision plan, the

subdivider must grade and construct the path in accordance with the plan
approved by the Planning Board, Department of Permitting Services, or the
municipality.

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2.

DRAFT

h.

Storm drainage. The subdivider must grade and provide drainage structures and
storm sewers according to a plan approved by the Department of Permitting
Services or the applicable municipality in accordance with the construction of
new roads.

i.

Street lights. The developer or subdivider must provide street lights under the
standards required by the Road Code, The Department of Transportation may
waive any requirement under this subsection for any new subdivision that abuts
a rustic road if the requirement is incompatible with the rustic road, or may
substitute any alternative requirement that is consistent with the goals of the
rustic roads law.

j.

Traffic calming. The Planning Board may require any traffic calming feature, as
defined in Section 49-30, as a condition of subdivision approval.

k.

Notwithstanding the requirements of this Section, for any new subdivision that
abuts a rustic road the Planning Board may waive any requirement of
subsections b.i and b.ii that is incompatible with the rustic road or substitute
any alternative requirement that is consistent with the goals of the rustic roads
law.

Water supply and sewage disposal facilities.

a.

Plan Requirements. Before approving a subdivision, the Planning Board must

consider the availability of water and sewage facilities to the subdivision. The
Planning Board must base its determination of the proper type of water supply
and sewage disposal required in each subdivision upon the recommendation of
the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and the Department of
Environmental Protection, as applicable.

b.

Design Standards

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i.

The applicant must install or assure installation of any required public or

private water and sewage disposal systems for each lot.

ii.

Central water and sewer systems. All subdivisions must be supplied with
public central water and sewer facilities, and necessary private
connections to such facilities, when conditions affecting the subject
property result in one (1) of the following determinations:
(a)

Public water and sewer connections are available to the

proposed lots for existing mains;

(b)

Existing public water and sewer mains can be extended to serve

the subdivision; or
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(c)

c.

Determination has been made by the Department of

Environmental Protection that an interim central water supply
or sewage disposal facility or both must be constructed for
public health and safety, pending future extension of the
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission system or other
public system.

Septic Tiers.
i.

The Planning Board must review any plan that includes residential lots
under the Growth Tier rules as follows:
(a)

In this subsection:
(1)

a major subdivision is a subdivision that would create 8

or more residential building lots; and

(2)

a minor subdivision is a subdivision that would create 7

or fewer residential building lots.

ii.

The Planning Board must not approve any subdivision that would be
served by one or more septic systems on land located in the Tier I area.

iii.

The Planning Board must not approve any major subdivision that would
be served by one or more septic systems on land located in the Tier II
area.

iv.

The Planning Board may approve a subdivision for any number of

residential lots that would be served by one or more septic systems on
land located in the Tier III area.

v.

The Planning Board may approve a minor subdivision that would be

served by one or more septic systems on land located in the Tier IV
area.

vi.

The Planning Board may approve a major subdivision that would be

served by one or more septic systems on land in the Tier IV area.

vii.

The official map displaying the Growth Tier areas as allowed under the
Maryland Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012
is on the Planning Department website. The Council may amend the
official map either by:
(a)

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DRAFT

adopting Tiers in a General Plan Amendment; or

39

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(b)

DRAFT

an amendment under Section 50.4.5.

The following is a representation of the map as of September 18, 2012:

3.

Markers and monuments

a.

Permanent reference monuments must be placed as required by the Planning

Board. Such permanent reference monuments must be stone or concrete at
least thirty-six (36) inches in length and six (6) inches square with suitable center
point and must be set flush with the ground.

b.

Metal property line markers, approximately three-quarters of an inch in

diameter and twenty-four (24) inches in length, or other generally accepted
survey markers, must be placed in the ground at all lot corners, intersections of
roads, intersections of roads and alleys with Subdivision Record Plat boundary

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40

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DRAFT

lines and at all points on road, alley and boundary lines where there is a change
in direction or curvature, unless such point coincides with the location of a
reference monument. All markers must be properly set in the ground before the
roads and alleys are accepted for public maintenance. For projects which do
not include public roads, the owner must certify to the Department of
Permitting Services that all property corner markers have been set by a licensed
land surveyor.
c.

F.

After road, road, and alley grading and paving in the subdivision and grading and
landscaping of adjacent lots are complete, the licensed land surveyor who
prepared and signed the plat or the licensed land surveyor's successor, if so
engaged by the owner, must place the markers and monuments in the ground
as specified and as certified by such licensed land surveyor on the plat. Before
the County or municipality accepts any road or alley established by the plat for
maintenance, the licensed land surveyor must certify to the Department of
Permitting Services, or other appropriate governmental agency, or the
municipality that all survey monuments and markers are in place.

4.

Stormwater management. All stormwater management requirements must be met as

provided in Chapter 19.

5.

Public utilities. Pipelines, electric power and energy transmission and distribution lines,
and telecommunications lines must be underground in all subdivisions.
a.

Installation. Underground installation is required unless the Planning Board or

the applicable utility company determines that it is infeasible.

b.

Completion. The Planning Board may not approve a final plat until the developer
demonstrates that the applicable utility companies or public agencies will
provide utility lines to serve the subdivision.

Adequate Public Facilities

1.

Definitions. Words and phrases used in this subsection have the meanings indicated in
Section 8-30.

2.

Applicability
a.

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The Planning Board must not approve a Preliminary Plan of subdivision unless
the Planning Board finds that public facilities will be adequate to support and
service the subdivision. Public facilities and services to be examined for
adequacy include roads and public transportation facilities, sewer and water
service, schools, police stations, firehouses, and health clinics.

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b.

3.

4.

5.

DRAFT

The Department of Permitting Services may not issue a building permit until the
Planning Board has made a timely determination of the adequacy of public
facilities to serve the proposed development under this Chapter.

Exemptions. The following are exempt from the requirements of this section:
a.

Exclusively residential development on a lot or parcel recorded by plat before

July 25, 1989, or otherwise recorded in conformance with a Preliminary Plan of
subdivision approved before that date;

b.

Any place of worship, residence for religious staff, parish hall, school, or day
care associated with a place of worship that does not generate peak hour
vehicle trips is exempt from the traffic test; and

c.

Additions to schools associated with a place of worship that existed before July
25, 1989, regardless of peak hour vehicle trips, is exempt from the traffic test.

Approval procedure
a.

Each applicant for a Preliminary Plan of subdivision must submit sufficient

information for the subdivision to demonstrate the expected impact on and use
of public facilities and services by the subdivision.

b.

The Planning Board must consider the recommendations of the Executive and
other agencies in determining the adequacy of public facilities and services in
accordance with the subdivision staging policy or other applicable guidelines.

c.

For a proposed subdivision located in a Transportation Management District

designated under Chapter 42A, Article II, if the Planning Board finds, under
criteria and standards adopted by the County Council, that additional
transportation facilities or traffic alleviation measures are necessary to ensure
that public transportation facilities will be adequate to serve the subdivision,
the subdivision plan must be subject to the execution of a traffic mitigation
agreement.

Validity Period.
a.

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A determination of adequate public facilities made under this Chapter is timely

and remains valid:
i.

for 12 years after the Preliminary Plan is approved for any plan
approved on or after July 25, 1989, but before October 19, 1999;

ii.

for no less than 5 and no more than 12 years after the Preliminary Plan
is approved, as determined by the Planning Board at the time of

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DRAFT

approval, for any plan approved on or after October 19, 1999, but
before August 1, 2007;

b.

6.

iii.

for no less than 7 and no more than 12 years after the Preliminary Plan
is approved, as determined by the Planning Board at the time of
approval, for any plan approved on or after April 1, 2009, but before
April 1, 2015; and

iv.

for no less than 5 and no more than 10 years after the Preliminary Plan
is approved, as determined by the Planning Board at the time of
approval, for any plan approved on or after August 1, 2007, and before
April 1, 2009, or on or after April 1, 2015.

If an applicant requests a validity period that is longer than the minimum

specified in 5.a., the applicant must submit a development schedule or phasing
plan for completion of the project to the Planning Board for its approval.
i.

At a minimum, the proposed development schedule or phasing plan

must show the minimum percentage of the project that the applicant
expects to complete in the first 5 or 7 years, whichever is the applicable
minimum, after the Preliminary Plan is approved.

ii.

To allow a validity period longer than the specified minimum, the

Planning Board must find that the size or complexity of the subdivision
warrant the extended validity period and would not be adverse to the
public interest. The Planning Board must condition a validity period
longer than the specified minimum on adherence to the proposed
development schedule or phasing plan, and may impose other
improvements or mitigation conditions if those conditions are needed
to assure adequate levels of transportation or school service during the
validity period.

Validity Period County Arts or Entertainment Use. A determination of adequate public

facilities made under this Chapter is timely and remains valid:
a.

For 10 years after the date of the conveyance of land to the County, or
possession of building space by the county for an arts or entertainment use,
under a Preliminary Plan for an optional method of development project
approved under Section 59-C-6.2356 of the zoning ordinance in effect on
October 29, 2014.

b.

The Planning Board may grant an application to extend the validity period
established under this paragraph for an additional 5 years if:

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11-17-14
i.

c.

d.

7.

DRAFT

at least 20% of the approved development, excluding the arts or

entertainment use, either separately or in combination:
(a)

has been built;

(b)

is under construction;

(c)

is subject to building permits that have been issued;

(d)

is subject to a valid lease; or

(e)

has had a site plan approved under Section 59-7.3.4; or

ii.

at any time during the 24 months before the application for extension
being filed, the vacancy rate for class A office buildings in the Central
Business District in which the project is located reaches 10% for direct
and sublet space combined, as measured by a commercial Multiple
Listings Service benchmark; or

iii.

the applicant makes a binding commitment to the County to make a

contribution, as compensation for potential loss of property tax
revenues, an amount equal to $2 for each square foot of approved
taxable improvements and thereafter makes the contribution within 6
months of final approval of the extension.

The validity period is extended for the duration of any government imposed
moratorium, or other government action resulting in a similar effect, that would
prevent the applicant from:
i.

completing the regulatory approvals necessary for obtaining a building

permit; or

ii.

obtaining a building permit.

If the applicant proposes to change a use in a project that is approved under

Section 59-C-6.2356 of the zoning ordinance in effect on October 29, 2014, and
the new use would have the same or lesser impact as the original determination
of adequate public facilities, the adequate public facilities approval for the
project remains valid.

Extensions
a.

Application. For each extension of an adequate public facilities determination:

i.

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the applicant must file an application for an extension with the Planning
Board before the applicable validity period has expired;
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b.

c.

d.

ii.

the applicant must submit a new development schedule or phasing plan

for completion of the project to the Planning Board for approval;

iii.

the applicant must not propose any additional development beyond the
amount approved in the original determination;

iv

the Planning Board must not require any additional public

improvements or other conditions beyond those required for the
original Preliminary Plan; and

v.

the Planning Board may require the applicant to submit a traffic study
to demonstrate how the extension would promote the public interest.

The Planning Board may approve an amendment to the new development

schedule approved under paragraph 7.a.ii., if the applicant shows that financing
has been secured for either:
i.

completion of at least one new building in the next stage of the

amended development schedule; or

ii.

completion of infrastructure required to serve the next stage of the

amended development schedule.

Exclusively Residential Subdivisions. The Planning Board may extend a

determination of adequate public facilities for an exclusively residential
subdivision beyond the otherwise applicable validity period if the Department of
Permitting Services has issued building permits for at least 50 percent of the
entire subdivision before the application for extension is filed. The Planning
Board may approve one or more extensions if the aggregate length of all
extensions for the development does not exceed:
i.

2 1/2 years for a subdivision with an original validity period of 7 years or

less; or

ii.

6 years for a subdivision with an original validity period longer than 7

years.

Nonresidential or Mixed-use Subdivisions.

i.

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DRAFT

The Planning Board may extend a determination of adequate public

facilities for a Preliminary Plan of subdivision for nonresidential or
mixed-use development beyond the otherwise applicable validity period
if:

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(a)

building permits have been issued for structures that will

generate at least 40% of the total approved peak-hour vehicle
trips associated with the development;

(b)

all of the infrastructure required by the conditions of the

original Preliminary Plan approval has been constructed, or
payments for its construction have been made; and

(c)

either occupancy permits have been issued, or a final building

permit inspection has been passed for:
(1)

structures that generate at least 10 percent of the total

peak-hour vehicular trips associated with the project
within the 4 years before an extension request is filed;
or

(2)

structures that generate at least 5 percent of the total

peak-hour vehicular trips associated with the project
within the 4 years before an extension request is filed,
provided that, structures that generate at least 60
percent of the total peak-hour vehicular trips associated
with the project have been built or are under
construction.

ii.

For any development that consists of more than one Preliminary Plan,
the requirements in 7.d.i. apply to the combined project. A project
consists of more than one Preliminary Plan if the properties covered by
the Preliminary Plans of subdivision are contiguous and were approved
at the same time.

iii.

The length of any extension of the validity period granted under

paragraph 7.d.i. must be based on the approved new development
schedule under paragraph 7.a.ii., but must not exceed:

iv.

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DRAFT

(a)

2 1/2 years for a subdivision with an original validity period of 7

years or less; or

(b)

6 years for a subdivision with an original validity period longer

than 7 years.

The extension expires if the development is not proceeding in

accordance with the phasing plan unless the Planning Board has
approved a revision to the schedule or phasing plan.

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v.

e.

G.

DRAFT

In addition to the extension permitted in 7.d.iii., the Planning Board may

approve one additional extension of a determination of adequate public
facilities not to exceed a total of 2 or 6 years, as applicable, if:
(a)

development that generates no more than 30% of the total

peak-hour vehicular trips remains to be built of either the entire
approved development or the share of the development to be
built by that applicant; or

(b)

the applicant will commit to reduce the amount of unbuilt

development by at least 10%, and the validity period for the
amount to be reduced will expire as scheduled.

The Planning Board may extend a determination of adequate public facilities

once for up to 12 more years beyond the otherwise applicable validity period if
the Planning Board finds that:
i.

the preliminary subdivision plan for the development required a

significant commitment of funds by the applicant, amounting to at least
$2,500,000, to comply with specified infrastructure conditions;

ii.

the applicant has met or exceeded the required infrastructure

conditions during the original validity period; and

iii.

the applicants satisfaction of the required infrastructure conditions

provides a significant and necessary public benefit to the County by
implementing infrastructure goals of an applicable master or sector
plan.

f.

The validity period of a finding of adequate public facilities is not automatically

extended under any circumstance, including when an applicant has completed
all conditions imposed by the Planning Board at the time of Preliminary Plan
approval to meet adequate public facilities requirements.

g.

If a new adequate public facilities determination is required under this

subsection, the procedures in Section 8-32 apply.

Environment
1.

Forest Conservation. If a forest conservation plan is required under Chapter 22A, the
Planning Board must not approve a Preliminary Plan or any extension until all
requirements of that law for plan approval are satisfied. Compliance with a required
forest conservation plan, including any plan reviewed on a preliminary or final basis,
must be made a condition of any approved Preliminary Plan.

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2.

DRAFT

Restriction of subdivision for environmental protection

a.

b.

Affected land.
i.

Floodplains. The Planning Board must restrict subdivision for

development of any property which lies within the one-hundred-year
floodplain of any stream or drainage course when necessary to protect
the health, safety, and welfare of the present and future population of
the regional district and necessary to the conservation of water,
drainage, and sanitary facilities.

ii.

Unsafe Land. The Planning Board must restrict the subdivision of any
land it finds to be unsafe for development because of potential for
flooding or stream erosion, soils with structural limitations, unstabilized
slope or fill, steep slopes, or similar environmental or topographical
conditions.

iii.

Trees, Forests, and Environmentally Sensitive Areas. The Planning Board

may restrict the subdivision of land to achieve the objectives of Chapter
22A relating to conservation of tree and forest resources and to protect
environmentally sensitive areas. For purposes of this subsection,
environmentally sensitive areas are limited to critical habitats for
wildlife or plant species, slopes over 25% or over 15% with highly
erodible soils, wetlands, perennial and intermittent streams, and stream
valley buffers as defined in the Guidelines for Environmental
Management of Development in Montgomery County. Specific
measures also may be required to protect any rare, threatened or
endangered plants or animals.

Restrictions
i.

General. In addition to any requirement imposed under Chapter 22A,

the proposed subdivision may be restricted under this Section by:
(a)

deletion or rearrangement of proposed lots, roads, utilities, and

other facilities;

(b)

the establishment of building restriction and land disturbance

limit lines, and other protective measures or conditions; or

(c)

requirement of conservation easements, deed restrictions, or

covenants over portions of lots or parcels to be recorded.

The deletion of proposed lots under this Section should occur only if the
Planning Board finds that other measures authorized by law are

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inadequate to provide short or long-term natural resource protection or

to satisfy the requirements of Chapter 22A.

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ii.

Building restriction line. A building restriction line is a line designating

an area in which development or building is restricted under this
Section. A building restriction line may be used to protect floodplain and
other environmentally sensitive or unsafe building areas.

iii.

Limit of disturbance line. A limit of disturbance line is a line restricting

land disturbing activities as defined in Chapter 19. A limit of
disturbance line may be used to protect environmentally sensitive areas
or unsafe land.

iv.

Floodplain or unsafe land on part of a lot. The Planning Board may

permit floodplain or unsafe land to be platted as a part of a lot in which
there is sufficient safe ground to erect a building within the required
setbacks of the zoning classification. In the event that such land is
platted as a part of a buildable lot, a building restriction line must be
included on the plat to provide at least a twenty-five-foot setback
between any building and the unsafe areas and a greater setback where
necessary to provide positive drainage between the building and unsafe
area.

v.

Removal of building restriction line or limit of disturbance line. A

building restriction line or limit of disturbance line, if included on a plat,
may be removed by the recording of a new plat approved by the
Planning Board if it finds that a subsequent change in conditions
warrants the removal.

vi.

Denial of a building permit. A building permit must not be issued for

development within any area for which building or land disturbance is
restricted under this Section. This subsection does not apply to:
(a)

fences, agricultural structures, public utilities, or environmental

management facilities or structures, approved by the Planning
Board or County; or

(b)

the issuance of building permits for the reconstruction or repair

of single-family dwellings existing on September 1, 1971, and
located within any one-hundred year floodplain which abuts a
creek or other recess, cove, bay or inlet on the shore of a river.

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vii.

3.

H.

DRAFT

Regulations. The Planning Board may use regulations adopted under

Chapter 22A to administer this Section or adopt additional regulations
under Method (2) and any other State law applicable to its rulemaking.

Sediment control. All Preliminary Plans and extensions of previously approved plans
must provide for erosion and sediment control, in accordance with all applicable laws
and regulations governing sediment control.
a.

A person must not clear or grade land before recording plats, without a permit
from the Department of Permitting Services. The Department may issue the
permit subject to any temporary easements and other conditions the
Department finds necessary to inspect and enforce the performance of the
erosion and sediment control measures.

b.

In the event the subdivider proceeds to clear and grade prior to recording of
plats, without satisfying the conditions specified under paragraph 3.i, the
Planning Board may revoke the approval of the Preliminary Plan or extension of
a previously approved plan.

Residential cluster subdivision

1.

Purpose. The cluster method of subdivision is intended to promote both flexibility and
variety of housing types in residential communities without changing the existing per
acre dwelling densities or the character of the neighborhood. This method of
development is also intended to encourage the preservation of existing topography and
environmentally sensitive areas, and to promote forest conservation under Chapter 22A
while providing useful community green or open space. The use of this optional method
of subdivision is subject to approval by the Planning Board.

2.

Conditions for use. The use of the cluster method of development is subject to the
following conditions and requirements:
a.

The requirements in Chapter 59 of this Code pertaining to cluster development

in the applicable zone;

b.

Except in the RC zone, no dwelling in a cluster development may be occupied

unless it is served by public water and sewer;

c.

Open space areas preserved by the cluster development must comply with the
general purposes of cluster development, and the application must include a
plan setting forth the post-development maintenance and use of those areas;
and

d.

Land dedicated to public use for school and park sites may be counted in the
tract area for the purpose of calculating density, provided that development of

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DRAFT

the remaining land can be accomplished in compliance with the purposes of this
section.
3.

Procedure for approval.

a.

In addition to any other required information a Preliminary Plan must be

accompanied by a preliminary statement or proposal including specific
documents showing the ownership, method of maintenance and use of the
common open space within the subdivision, and a plan showing the sequential
staging of construction of all improvements. The sequential staging plan must
be made an integral part of the preliminary subdivision plan and must be
subject to approval by the Planning Board.

b.

The Planning Board must determine whether or not the site is appropriate for
cluster development and will accomplish the purposes of the cluster method of
development. In making this determination, the Planning Board must give
particular consideration to the following:
i.

The influence that the proposed development may have upon existing
or future development in adjacent and nearby areas;

ii.

The spatial relationship between the buildings and the common open
space;

iii.

The location, character, area, and dimensions of the common open

space and its usefulness for the common recreational or other purposes
for which it is intended to be used;

iv.

The adequacy of the sequential staging plan to assure the completion of

all the improvements proposed for the development;

v.

The nature of the site; and

vi.

The use and zoning of adjacent and nearby land.

Division 50.8. Pre-Preliminary Plan Submissions.

Section 50.8.1. Filing and Specifications
A.

Filing. Prior to formal submission of a Preliminary Plan, subdivision applicants may submit a PrePreliminary Plan to seek advice from the planning staff, the development review committee,
and/or the Planning Board, as appropriate, or seek a binding decision from the Planning Board.
The Applicant must file the Pre-Preliminary Plan and applicable supporting information,
together with an application form and fee as detailed in 50.7.1.A.

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B.

DRAFT

The drawing. A Pre-Preliminary Plan must contain sufficient information relevant to the aspects
of the submission on which advice or a decision is requested prior to preparation and
submission of a Preliminary Plan. The plan may include, but will not be limited to:
1.

the generalized layout of the subdivision;

2.

the location and classification of roads, public rights-of-way, easements, and dedications
of land;

3.

the method of controlling erosion, sediment, and stormwater;

4.

the relationship to existing or planned subdivisions;

5.

the provisions for water and sewerage;

6.

a resubdivision analysis; and

7.

any other features or information the applicant chooses to submit.

Section 50.8.2. Approval Procedure

A.

Referral of plan. Application processing and timing of review are as specified in 50.7.1.D. and
50.7.2.A.

B.

Hearing Date
The Planning Board must schedule a public hearing to begin within 90 days after the date an
application is accepted. The Planning Director may postpone the public hearing by up to 30 days
once without Planning Board approval. The Planning Director or applicant may request an
extension beyond the original 30 days with Planning Board approval. Any extension of the
public hearing must be noticed by mail and on the hearing agenda with the new public hearing
date indicated.

C.

Action on a Pre-Preliminary Plan.

1.

Advisory.
Planning Staff advice on a Pre-Preliminary Plan will be transmitted, in writing, by each
agency participating in the development review committee on the date of the scheduled
committee meeting. Recommendations provided by agencies outside of the committee
meeting will be transmitted to the applicant as soon as they are received.

2.

Binding.
a.

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After receiving the recommendations of the public agencies and the advice of
the development review committee, the staff of the Planning Board must
present the application to the Planning Board, together with its
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DRAFT

recommendations for approval, disapproval or approval with conditions. The

Planning Board must act to:

3.

i.

Approve the Pre-Preliminary Plan;

ii.

Disapprove it, stating in writing to the applicant the reasons therefor; or

iii.

Approve it, subject to such conditions or modifications as the Planning

Board finds necessary with respect to those features of the PrePreliminary Plan on which its decision is requested by the applicant, or
recommended by a public agency, in order to produce a Preliminary
Plan that would meet the requirements of 50.7.1. and 50.7.2. assuming
all other features of the Preliminary Plan not included in the PrePreliminary Plan to be in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
Approval of any feature of a Pre-Preliminary Plan does not limit the
ability of the Planning Board to impose further conditions as required by
this Chapter on features of the Preliminary Plan not included in the PrePreliminary Plan.

Modification of Preliminary Plan procedures.

a.

An application for a Preliminary Plan must be filed within ninety (90) days
following the date of mailing of the Planning Board Resolution for the PrePreliminary Plan, otherwise the approval will expire.

b.

When a Pre-Preliminary Plan application has been approved, or approved with

conditions, the procedures required in 50.7.1 and 50.7.2 of this Chapter must be
modified as follows:

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i.

The Preliminary Plan application must contain the statement of the

Planning Board's action on the Pre-Preliminary Plan application;

ii.

In their review of the Preliminary Plan as provided in 50.7.2., the

agencies to which the Preliminary Plan is referred, and the Planning
Board's staff, must not recommend changes or modifications in the PrePreliminary Plan conditions imposed by the Planning Board, unless
requested in writing by the applicant or unless the applicant
substantially changes some feature of the approved Pre-Preliminary
Plan. The purpose of review with respect to these conditions is to
determine that they have been met by the Preliminary Plan, as required
in the Planning Boards resolution; and

iii.

The Planning Board, in its review of the Preliminary Plan, must consider
only those features of the Preliminary Plan which are not in conformity

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DRAFT

with the conditions it imposed in the Pre-Preliminary Plan application

review, plus any features not considered or acted upon in that review.
Division 50.9. Simplified Preliminary Plan
Section 50.9.1. Applicability
A.

A Simplified Preliminary Plan application may be filed in lieu of a Preliminary Plan prior to
submission of a plat in the following instances:
1.

2.

Existing Places of Worship and Institutional Uses. A lot may be created if a Simplified
Preliminary Plan is approved by the Planning Director for existing facilities such as:
places of worship, private schools, country clubs, private institutions, and similar uses
located on unplatted parcels, provided:
a.

The requirements for adequate public facilities, under Section 50.7.3.F, are
satisfied prior to plat recordation;

b.

Any required road dedications are shown on the record plat;

c.

Forest conservation and stormwater management requirements, if applicable,

are satisfied prior to recording the plat;

d.

If located in a special protection area, as shown on the approved and adopted

master plan, all applicable special area protection requirements and guidelines,
including the approval of a water quality plan, are satisfied prior to recordation
of the plat;

e.

A landscaping and lighting plan including the parking lot layout is submitted for
Planning Staff approval prior to recording the plat; and

f.

If the property is the subject of an approved special exception, all conditions of

the special exception approval remain in full force and effect.

Subdivision for Creation of Certain Residential Lots located in the Agricultural Reserve
zone. Up to 5 lots for one-family detached residential use are permitted under these
procedures in the AR zone if a Simplified Preliminary Plan is submitted and approved by
either the Planning Board or Planning Director, provided:
a.

Written approval for a proposed well and septic area must be received from the
Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services, Well and Septic
Section before approval of the plat;

b.

Any required road dedications along the frontage of the proposed lots must be
shown on the record plat;

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3.

DRAFT

c.

The requirements for adequate public facilities, under Section 50.7.3.F, are
satisfied prior to approval of the plat, and the applicant must provide any
required public improvements;

d.

A covenant must be recorded for the balance of the property noting that
density and development rights have been used for the new lots. Reference to
this covenant must be noted on the record plat for the lots;

e.

Lots created in the AR zone through this procedure must not exceed an average
lot size of 5 acres in size unless approved by the Planning Board in the review of
a Simplified Preliminary Plan;

f.

Forest conservation requirements must be satisfied before approval of the plat;

and

g.

If correspondence is received, the Planning Director must decide whether any

comment is substantive enough to require that the plan be acted on by the
Planning Board at a public hearing.

Subdivision for Creation of Certain Residential Lots located in the RE-2 and Rural
Residential zones. Up to 3 lots for one-family detached residential use are permitted in
the RE-2, R, RC and RNC zones if a Simplified Preliminary Plan is submitted and approved
by the Planning Director, provided:
a.

Lots may only be approved for standard method development;

b.

Written approval for any proposed well and septic area must be received from
the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services, Well and Septic
Section before approval of the plat;

c.

Any required road dedications along the frontage of the proposed lots must be
shown on the plat;

d.

The requirements for adequate public facilities, under Section 50.7.3.F, are
satisfied prior to approval of the plat, and the applicant must provide any
required public improvements;

e.

Forest conservation requirements must be satisfied before approval of the plat;

and

f.

If correspondence is received, the Planning Director must decide whether any

comment is substantive enough to require that the plan be acted on by the
Planning Board at a public hearing.

Section 50.9.2. Filing and Specifications

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DRAFT

A.

Filing. The Applicant must file the Simplified Preliminary Plan and applicable supporting
information, together with an application form and fee as detailed in 50.7.1.A.

B.

Application Processing.

C.

1.

The Simplified Preliminary Plan is deemed filed when the application has been accepted
as complete for review by the staff of the Planning Board, provided that the staff has the
authority to reject the application within five (5) days of its receipt if staff finds that it
does not contain the required information. The rejection must be in writing and specify
the deficiencies.

2.

The applicant must resubmit a revised application within ten (10) days from the date of
the written rejection, or the application will be automatically withdrawn.

3.

Public notice is required under the Manual of Development Review Procedures.

The drawing. A Simplified Preliminary Plan must contain sufficient information relevant to the
aspects of the submission. The plan must include the generalized layout of the subdivision and
any other features or information needed to support submission of a plat.

Section 50.9.3. Approval Procedures

A.

Referral of plan. Immediately after accepting an application, the Director must send a copy to
the Development Review Committee and other reviewing agencies for the agency's comments
concerning the plan.

B.

Action on a Simplified Preliminary Plan. After receiving the recommendations of the

Development Review Committee and other reviewing agencies, the Planning Director will act in
writing on the Simplified Preliminary Plan; or when applicable in sections 2 and 3, schedule
Planning Board action on its next available agenda. If approved, the plan will remain valid as
provided under 50.7.2.F, by which time a plat for the subdivision must be recorded.

Division 50.10 Minor Subdivision

Section 50.10.1. Applicability
A.

Preliminary Plan Not Required. The submission of a preliminary subdivision plan, under Section
50.7.1 and Section 50.7.2, is not required for:
1.

Minor Lot Line Adjustment. The sale or exchange of part of a lot between owners of
adjacent lots for the purpose of small adjustments in boundaries, provided:
a.

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The total area of the adjustment does not exceed five percent of the combined
area of the lots affected by the adjustment;
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2.

DRAFT

b.

No additional lots are created;

c.

The adjusted lot line is approximately parallel with the original lot line or, if it is
proposed to intersect with the original line, it does not significantly change the
shape of the lots involved;

d.

The owner submits a scaled drawing for review and approval by the Planning
Board staff. The drawing may be a copy of the existing record plat and must
contain the following information:
i.

proposed lot line adjustment as a dashed line;

ii.

any buildings, driveways, or other physical improvements located within

fifteen feet of the proposed adjusted lot line;

iii.

any minimum building setback that would be altered by the minor lot
line adjustment; and

iv.

the amount of lot area affected by the minor lot line adjustment;

e.

The drawing must be approved, approved with revision, or denied, in writing,

within ten business days after the drawing is submitted or it is deemed
approved, provided requirements i through iii, above, are met. A complete
record plat application must be submitted to Planning Board staff within ninety
days after approval or the approval is no longer valid; and

f.

Any minor lot line adjustment between properties that occurred prior to May
19, 1997, remains as an exception to platting as provided in Section 50.3.2.A.4.

Conversion of an Outlot into a Lot. An outlot may be converted into a lot, provided:
a.

The outlot is not required for open space or otherwise constrained so as to

prevent it being converted into a buildable lot;

b.

There is adequate sewerage and water service to the property, which may be
either public service and/or approved private septic system/private well;

c.

All applicable requirements and/or agreements that may be relevant, in

accordance with provisions for adequate public facilities, as contained in Section
50.7.3.F and the Subdivision Staging Policy, are satisfied prior to recordation of
the plat;

d.

All applicable conditions and/or agreements applicable to the original

subdivision approval creating the outlot will also apply to the new lot. The
conditions and agreements may include, but are not limited to, any adequate

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DRAFT

public facilities agreement, conservation easement, or building restriction lines;

and
e.

If the outlot is located within a special protection area, as shown on an

approved and adopted master plan, all applicable special protection area
requirements and guidelines, including the approval of a water quality plan, are
satisfied prior to recordation of the plat.

3.

Consolidation. Consolidating two or more lots into a single lot or consolidating lots and
an outlot into a single lot, provided that, any conditions applicable to the original
subdivision remain in full force and effect and the number of trips generated on the new
lot do not exceed those permitted for the original lots.

4.

Further Subdivision of a Commercial, Industrial, or Multi-Family Residential Lot to

Reflect a Change in Ownership, Deed, Mortgage or Lease Line.
a.

b.

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A plat to create or delete internal lots to reflect a deed, mortgage, or lease line
within a commercial, industrial, or multi-family residential lot; or create
ownership lots within a previously recorded lot, provided:
i.

all conditions of approval for the original subdivision that created the lot
remain in effect;

ii.

the total maximum number of trips generated on all new lots or

ownership lots created will not exceed the number of trips approved for
the lot in the original subdivision;

iii.

all land in the original subdivision lot is included in the plat; and

iv.

any necessary cross easements, covenants, or other deed restrictions

necessary to implement all the conditions of approval on the lot in the
original subdivision are executed before recording the plat.

For ownership lots, the lot in the original subdivision is considered a single lot of
record. Any ownership lot created under this subsection is only for the
convenience of the owner; an ownership lot is not:
i.

used to determine building setbacks or to establish conformance with

any other law or regulation;

ii.

a bar to receiving a building permit or other approval necessary to

develop or use any of the ownership lots and structures on such lots;
and

iii.

a change to any condition of approval for the subdivision that created

the lot in the original subdivision.
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c.
5.

DRAFT

Ownership lots may not be used to create the outside boundaries of a private
road right-of-way parcel.

Plat of Correction. A plat of correction may be used for the following:

a.

A plat to correct inaccurate or incomplete information shown on a previously

recorded subdivision plat, such as: drafting or dimensional errors on the
drawing; failure to include a required note, dedication, easement or other
restriction; incorrect or omitted signatures; and/or other information normally
required to be shown on a recorded plat. All owners and trustees of the land
affected by the correction must sign the revised plat. In addition, the plat of
correction must clearly identify the original plat that is being replaced and
contain a note identifying the nature of the correction;

b.

A plat to revise easements to reflect a Planning Board action; and

c.

In order to improve clarity and legibility, the owner of any lands shown on a
record plat may record an exact copy of the plat, except for necessary change of
scale and the addition of any other necessary elements to make the plat
conform to the requirements of this Chapter. The new plat must indicate that it
is an exact copy of the original plat except for the changes made under this
subsection.

6.

A parcel created by deed before June 1, 1958, provided that the parcel is developable
for only one single-family detached dwelling unit.

7.

Combining a lot and adjoining property. Except in the AR zone, an existing platted lot, or
part of a lot that contains a legally constructed one-family dwelling unit, and a partition
of land created as a result of a deed may be consolidated, provided:

8.

a.

in a one-family residential zone, the partition of land created by deed cannot

itself be platted under the area and dimensional standards of the zone;

b.

any conditions applicable to the existing lot remain in full force and effect on
the new lot;

c.

any required road dedication is provided; and

d.

the subject lot was not identified as an outlot on a plat.

Creation of a Lot from a Part of a Lot. A part of a previously recorded lot in a one-family
residential zone that was created as a result of a deed transfer of land from the lot may
be converted into a lot if:
a.

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the part of lot was created by deed recorded before June 1, 1958, or

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DRAFT

b.

the part of lot contains a legally constructed one-family residential dwelling; and

c.

All conditions or agreements applicable to the subdivision approval creating the

original lot will apply to the new lot. The conditions and agreements may
include, but are not limited to, any adequate public facilities agreement,
conservation easement, or building restriction lines.

Section 50.10.2. Procedure for Platting

The owner of property that satisfies the requirements for a minor subdivision under Section 50.10.1.A,
above, may submit an application for record plat for approval under Section 50.11.2 and Section
50.11.3.
A.

Additional considerations
1.

In the case of minor subdivisions no additional public improvements beyond those

required for the original subdivision are required until an application for a building
permit is submitted.

2.

Minor subdivision approvals are not subject to the resubdivision criteria of Section
50.7.3.C.2.

3.

Any lot created through the minor subdivision process and any lot replatted as part of a
minor lot line adjustment must satisfy all applicable zoning requirements in Chapter 59.

4.

Lots created under the minor subdivision provisions of sections 50.10.1.A.1 and
50.10.1.A.8 may not be used to establish a precedent for a resubdivision that may be
filed for other properties located in the same block, subdivision, or neighborhood.

Article III. Plats

Division 50.11. Plats-Generally
All subdivision of land must be recorded by plat in the County Land Records. The Clerk of the Circuit
Court for the County must receive and record the plat once the requirements of the succeeding sections
of this chapter have been met.
Section 50.11.1. Filing and specifications
All boundaries, road lines and lot lines, plus any other pertinent lines must be shown together with
sufficient data, accurately calculated, to locate each line and property corner and to locate them upon
the ground, as required by the Planning Board.
A.

Application and fee

1.

The subdivider or an agent must file the subdivision plat drawing with the Planning
Board, together with the application form, supporting information, and the required
plat fee.

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B.

C.

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Specifications.
1.

The Plat must be clearly and legibly drawn in black ink upon mylar. The size of the sheets
must be eighteen (18) inches by twenty-four (24) inches, including a margin of one-half
inch outside ruled border lines.

2.

The Plat accompanying the application for approval must contain the graphic and
descriptive items described in Section 50.11.1.C. The lack of information under any item
specified or improper information supplied by the applicant may be cited by the
Planning Board as cause for disapproval of a Plat.

3.

The Planning Board may promulgate guidelines for the preparation of a Record Plat.

Plat Drawing. The Plat must be accurately drawn to a scale approved by the Planning Board, and
must include the following items:
1.

2.

Title Block. The title block must appear in the lower right-hand corner of the sheet, and
must include the following information:
a.

The words Subdivision Record Plat;

b.

Approved name of the subdivision and the section thereof, including blocks,
lots, parcels, and outlots;

c.

Election district, County and state, or name of town instead of election district,
if the subdivision is in an incorporated town;

d.

Scale of drawing;

e.

Name of firm of licensed land surveyor who prepared the Plat and date of
completion; and

f.

A description of the general purpose of the plat, including without limitation,

plat of correction, or resubdivision plat.

Graphic details. The plat must show the following, as applicable in each case:
a.

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All property boundary lines necessary to identify the property included in the
subdivision with reference to the previous conveyance or part thereof by which
the property was acquired. Where the subdivision is a part of such conveyance,
the boundaries shown should include the last complete line touched on by the
subdivision or an indicated dimension thereof. Where a subdivision includes all
or parts of two (2) or more conveyances, the boundaries of such separate deed
descriptions must be indicated by light lines running through the subdivision,
together with deed reference to each original tract or parcel;
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b.

Exact locations, widths and names of all road rights-of-way or parcels within the
subdivision;

c.

Locations and widths of alley and mid-block pedestrian rights-of-way or parcels;

d.

Existing and Proposed Encumbrances

i.

Existing. Limits of all recorded easements established or rights-of-way

provided for public services, conservation purposes, or utilities in the
subdivision, and recordation reference.

ii.

Proposed. Sufficient dimensions to identify the location of all

easements or rights-of-way to be established by the plat and, as to each
such encumbrance, the general purpose, and the grantee.

iii.

Environmental. The most restrictive conservation easement must be

shown and described, in addition to any 100-year floodplain and 100year floodplain building restriction line;

e.

Accurate outlines of any areas to be reserved for common use by residents of

the subdivision or for general public use, with the purposes indicated thereon;

f.

Accurate bearings and lengths of all block and lot lines, together with the length
of radii, arcs and chords with chord bearings and central angles for all curves in
the layout. A curve table must be used containing these data and referenced to
the overall curves shown in the drawing.
i.

All bearings shown on plats must be referenced to the Maryland

Coordinate System and the survey must be accurately referenced to
such system using conventional survey methods or other technology
acceptable to the Planning Board, except that:
(a)

ii.
g.

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a plat of resubdivision requiring no Preliminary Plan approval

and Plats of correction may be referenced to the Plat
Meridian, meaning that used on the original Subdivision
Record Plat.

In all cases, the meridian used must be noted alongside the north arrow,
which is required to be shown on each plat;

Coordinate values for at least four corners of the plan of subdivision shown on
the plat must be shown unless the survey is referenced to a Record Plat
meridian. In addition, the identification names or numbers and coordinate
values for the control stations used must be shown on the plat. Coordinate

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values and distance dimensions on plats must be expressed in feet based on the
U.S. Survey foot;
h.

The location and nature of existing property corner markers found that coincide
with property corners referenced on the plat must be designated;

i.

Lots numbered in sequential order. In tracts containing more than one block,
the blocks must be lettered in alphabetical order. In case there is a resubdivision
of lots in any block, such resubdivided lots must be numbered sequentially,
beginning with the number following the highest lot number in the block and
the original lot lines shown dashed and original lot numbers shown dotted;

j.

Area in square feet of each lot, outlot, parcel, land dedicated to public use, or
other unit shown on the plat;

k.

Building setback lines, shown graphically with dimensions, where they exceed
the required minimum specified in Chapter 59, and any other building
restriction or limit of disturbance lines which may apply;

l.

Accurate bearings and lengths of tie connections between all blocks and the plat
boundary;

m.

Names and locations of adjoining subdivisions with lot and block numbers of
immediately adjoining lots, together with plat references;

n.

Location and apparent ownership of adjoining unsubdivided property with land

record reference or County Register of Wills reference;

o.

Vicinity map showing location of subdivision. In addition, in the case of a large

subdivision requiring multiple plats, a key map must be included to show the
location of the plat relative to the entire subdivision;

p.

Bar scale;

q.

A note stating that the lots shown will have public water and sewer, or have
been approved by the Department of Permitting Services for the installation of
individual water supply systems and/or individual sewerage disposal systems;

r.

For lots developed using transferable development rights, a statement setting

forth the number of development rights transferred, and the following
information:

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i.

the number of development rights transferred, and the serial numbers

of the development rights transferred;

ii.

liber and folio reference to the TDR easement; and

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iii.

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a notation of the recordation reference of a conveyance required by

Section 59-4.9.15, as amended;

s.

File number of the Preliminary Plan, and, as applicable, the file numbers of the
site plan and project plan upon which the plat is based;

t.

Tax map reference;

u.

A table containing the total number and area in square feet of lots, outlots, or
parcels included on the plat and areas dedicated to public use; and

v.

Any other element for inclusion on the plat that is authorized by law, regulation
or Planning Board guideline.

3.

Surveyor Certificate. Certificate by the licensed land surveyor in a form acceptable to

the Planning Board, certifying to the accuracy of the plat and to areas included on the
plat and dedicated to public use. The certificate must also include conveyance
information with recording references of the lands contained in the plat.

4.

Owner's Certificate. Certificate by the owner and all parties of interest, in a form
approved by the Planning Board, adopting the plat, establishing slope or conservation
easements, building restriction lines, or limit of disturbance lines that are required to be
drawn or noted on the plat per the conditions of approval of the Preliminary Plan, and
dedicating to public use roads, streets, alleys, walks, utility and storm drainage rights of
way, parks, and other areas approved for dedication to public use by the Planning
Board. The owner must certify that a licensed land surveyor will be engaged to set all
property corner markers in accordance with Section 50.7.3.E.3.

5.

Title information notice. A statement indicating that the Subdivision Record Plat is not
intended to show every matter affecting or restricting the ownership and use of the
property, and is not intended to replace an examination of title or to depict or note all
matters affecting title.

6.

Approval Box. An approval box in a form required by the Planning Board must be
provided. The box must provide approval space for the County Planning Board and any
applicable County agencies, such as the County Department of Permitting Services.

Multiple Plats for a Single Subdivision. A plat may include only a portion of the approved
Preliminary Plan provided that the portion covered is in substantial compliance with the
approved staging schedule; and provided, that the public improvements to be constructed in
the area covered by the plat are sufficient by and of themselves to accomplish a proper
development and to provide adequately for the health, safety and convenience of the present
and future residents therein and for adequate access to contiguous area, school and other
public sites. Any portional plat filed must include, or show existing dedication to, the
intersection of all roads abutting corner lots.

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E.

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Other Supporting Data.

1.

Road grade and profile plans.

a.

County Roads. Complete road and mid-block pedestrian path profile plans
acceptable to the applicable County agency must accompany each plat
submitted to the Planning Board, except in cases where the grades of the roads
have already been established.

b.

Private Roads. For private roads, complete road profile plans, in a form
required by the Planning Board, must be submitted to the Planning Board for
approval. Road grades must be determined by the Planning Board.

c.

State and Municipal Roads. For state and municipal roads, complete road
profile plans, approved by the applicable state or municipal agency, must be
submitted to the Planning Board.

2.

Storm drainage plan. Before the Planning Board approves a plat, the subdivider must
furnish a storm drainage concept plan approved by the appropriate County agency.

3.

Documents and plans.

a.

Copies of all resolutions of approved sketch, project, preliminary, and site plans
upon which the plat is based.

b.

Copies of any covenants, restrictions, or joint-use and maintenance agreements

that are in effect, or may be recorded as part of the subdivision, must be
submitted to the Planning Board with the application for approval of the plat,
together with any other supporting plans or documents required pursuant to
this Chapter, Chapter 22A, and other applicable laws or regulations.

c.

Copy of approved, preliminary or final forest conservation plan, as appropriate,

or exemption letter.

d.

Such other information either enumerated in the applicable resolutions of the

Planning Board as a condition of approval of the Preliminary Plan, project plan
and/or site plan or listed in the plat application form.

4.

Preliminary plans using TDRs. For areas which have been designated in sewer category
3 by virtue of an approved Preliminary Plan that utilizes TDRs, a new plat not utilizing
the requisite number of TDRs may not be approved until the sewer category has been
reconfirmed by the County Council.

5.

Submission of digital plat data. Digital plat data in a format approved by the Director
must be submitted.

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6.

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Plat for a Cluster Subdivision.

a.

Any plat for a cluster subdivision must be accompanied by covenants,

agreements, or other specific documents, showing the ownership and method
of maintenance and use of areas that are declared to be open space for
common use, which may limit public access. Development, construction, or
other rights in the open space areas must be limited to the indicated
recreational or scenic uses only. Covenants or agreements must be in perpetuity
and must include necessary public utility easements.

b.

Plats may be submitted in phases provided that a variance of not more than
fifteen (15) percent from the allowed density of development may be permitted
for any portion, and provided further that the density of development for the
entire tract as approved on the Preliminary Plan must not be more than that
specified by the appropriate zoning category.

c.

Plats must contain a statement stating that, the land lies within an approved
cluster development, and subdivision or resubdivision is not permitted after the
property is platted.

d.

Covenants or joint use and maintenance agreements affecting the common

lands must be recorded simultaneously with the plat.

Section 50.11.2 Procedure for Approval

A.

Application Processing
1.

The plat is deemed filed when the application has been accepted as complete for review
by the staff of the Planning Board, provided that the staff has the authority to reject the
plat application within five (5) days of its receipt if staff finds that it does not contain the
required information. The rejection must be in writing and specify the deficiencies.

2.

The applicant must resubmit a revised plat application within ten (10) days from the
date of the written rejection, or the application will be automatically withdrawn.

B.

Review and referral of the plat application. Immediately after receiving a plat application,
Planning staff will begin review and send a copy to each agency that has review authority for
roads, utilities, or other public services that will serve the proposed subdivision, for the agency's
recommendation concerning the plat.

C.

Plat to comply with approved Preliminary Plan and site plan where required.
1.

With the exception of a minor subdivision, as defined in this Chapter, no plat may be
approved unless it complies with the Preliminary Plan as approved by the Planning

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Board; except, that the Planning Board may allow for minor modifications from the
Preliminary Plan which, in its opinion, do not alter the intent of its previous approval.
2.

In those situations where a site plan is required, the Planning Board may refuse to
approve a plat until a site plan is approved as set forth in Section 59.7.3.4 of the zoning
ordinance.

D.

Planning Board to act within 120 days. The Planning Board must act on its consent agenda to
approve or disapprove a plat within 120 days after acceptance of an application; otherwise, the
plat will be deemed approved. The applicant may waive this requirement and consent to an
extension. If the plat is disapproved, the reasons must be stated in the minutes of the Planning
Board and provided in writing to the applicant.

E.

Planning Board may hold hearing on any plat. The Planning Board may, upon its own motion,
hold a hearing prior to acting upon any plat, at a time and place and with any notice the
Planning Board designates.

F.

Planning Board may give conditional approval. In the case of a plat requiring supporting data,
the Planning Board may give conditional approval requiring the applicant to provide the
Planning Board with the supporting data.

G.

Signing. A plat must be signed by applicable County agencies with review authority prior to
Planning Board action on the plat, and signed by the authorized officers of the Planning Board
after the Planning Board has acted to approve the plat, or in cases of conditional approval, when
the conditions have been complied with to the satisfaction of the Planning Board.

Section 50.11.3 Recording Procedure

A.

Reproducing of plats.
1.

The Planning Staff must reproduce a sufficient number of copies of an original approved
plat for applicable local agencies and the plat preparer.

2.

The official seal of the registered land surveyor who prepared the plat must be
impressed upon the original approved plat and reproductions.

B.

Recordation. The reproductions required by the Clerk of the Circuit Court must be transmitted
promptly upon completion of processing for recordation in the land records, together with the
appropriate recording fee. Once recorded, the original approved plat must be filed in the vault
provided by the Commission and remain there at all times unless required by court order as an
exhibit.

C.

Indexing. The Clerk of the Circuit Court must record the plat and index it in the general index of
the land records. All plats filed and recorded must be indexed both in the name of the
subdivision and the name of the owners signing the plat.

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D.

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Effect of filing. Plats, when filed and recorded under this chapter constitute a part of the land
records of the county, and have the same force and effect as to notice as is given to properly
recorded deeds.

Section 50.11.4. Land Dedicated for Public Use; Abandonment of Subdivisions

A.

When a record plat contains land dedicated for public use, the dedication must be in perpetuity
and must not be altered or taken for private use. However, the person who originally filed the
plat, any successor in interest, or the County may petition to abandon any land dedicated under
this Section, provided:
1.

If the land has been in public use, the Council may authorize the abandonment of all or
part of the land or subdivision as provided in Section 49-63; or

2.

If the land has not been in public use, the Planning Board may authorize the
abandonment of all or part of the land or subdivision as provided in Section 49-68.

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