Community invited to give feedback on a comprehensive rewrite of Chapter 50 of the Montgomery County Code
Silver Spring, MD – The changes being proposed to Chapter 50 of the Montgomery County Code that govern the subdivision of County land, will be the subject of a public hearing before the Montgomery County Planning Board Thursday, April 30. Board members previously discussed the draft on March 19 and approved its release with refinements for public comment.
At the April 30 meeting, they will receive feedback about the newly revised Subdivision Regulations Amendment from interested stakeholders. View the draft of the Subdivision Regulations Amendment.
This amendment represents the most comprehensive rewrite of the Subdivision Regulations in 50 years and was undertaken at the direction of the Montgomery County Council. It responds to the county’s newly released Zoning Ordinance and seeks to clarify and streamline the review and approvals process for subdivisions and ensure that the regulations conform to those set forth in the newly adopted Zoning Ordinance. The Subdivision Regulations include the application requirements for subdividing property, as well as requirements for adequate public facilities and improvements to lots based on the impact of subdivision.
What is a subdivision?
A subdivision is the division or assemblage of a piece or pieces of land for the purpose of sale or development. It is the process by which proposed lot and road layouts are determined by the Planning Board prior to the submission of a record plat.
What is the purpose of Chapter 50 (Subdivision Regulations) of the Montgomery County Code?
Chapter 50 provides for the legal division and subsequent transfer of land. It requires the coordination of new transportation facilities with other existing and planned facilities, a determination of adequate public facilities, and land for public use. The intent of this Chapter is to protect natural resources and sensitive environmental features; promote the health, safety, and welfare of the present and future inhabitants of the Maryland-Washington Regional District within Montgomery County under the General Plan; and any other purpose enumerated in the Land Use Article.
Why are the subdivision regulations being revised?
The updated Subdivision Regulations Amendment aims to provide a more organized, user-friendly document and a simplified process for certain types of subdivision plans that will no longer have to be presented to the Planning Board. In addition, review times for subdivision applications will conform to the Zoning Ordinance time frame of 120 days for development review and approval. A 90-day time limit is proposed for the review of a record plat application.
What is the schedule for approving the new regulations?
The first draft of the amendment was released in November 2014 for technical review by Planning staff and staff from the Executive Branch. An updated draft was released to the public in December 2014, and a community meeting was held in January 2015 to present and discuss the revisions. A subsequent draft of the regulations was released in February 2015 and presented to the Planning Board in March.
After the Planning Board hearing on April 30, the Planning Board will hold worksessions before submitting the document to the Montgomery County Council. The Council will schedule one or more public hearings and work sessions as needed, before voting on the new document.
Give feedback on the draft of the Subdivision Regulations Amendment. Email at: subdivisionregs@montgomeryplanning.org
Learn more about the Subdivision Regulations Rewrite on the Planning Department website.
For questions or more information, contact:
Cathy Conlon, Supervisor of Development Applications and Regulatory Coordination (DARC) Catherine.conlon@montgomeryplanning.org
phone: 301.495.4542
fax: 301.495.1306