The Montgomery County Planning Department invites community members and developers to review the newly approved rewrite of Chapter 50 of the Montgomery County Code that governs the subdivision of land in the county.
This is 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 new subdivisions.
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.
Chapter 50. Subdivision of Land – Regulations
COMCOR 50.00.01 Administrative Procedures for Subdivision Plan Review
On March 2, 2017, the Planning Board approved release of proposed administrative regulations for the recently enacted rewrite of Chapter 50. The proposed regulations replace the previously adopted 2007 “Manual of Development Review Procedures” that contains Planning Department practices related to the review and processing of development applications that are acted upon by the Planning Board or Planning Director under Chapter 50 and Chapter 59 of the County Code. When Chapter 59 was rewritten in 2014, these practices were changed and codified as part of new provisions for Administration and Procedures (Article 59-7). Similar updates were needed as part of the recent rewrite of Chapter 50. The purpose of the original manual and the proposed regulations continues to be to:
- Clearly explain the Planning Department’s overall regulatory review process for applicants, staff, residents and other interested parties.
- Clarify standards and procedures for submission of timely and relevant information by applicants.
- Provide for timely participation by public agencies in the review of applications.
- Provide for participation by interested parties so their views can be known by staff and the Planning Board before action is taken.
The Planning Board held a public hearing for the draft regulations on April 20, 2017 and will be conducting a work session on May 11, 2017. Comments may be submitted in writing for inclusion in the work session discussion up until Wednesday, May 10, 2017.
News and events
- New! See Adopted Administrative Procedures for Development Review Regulations for Chapter 50 and Chapter 59.
- Review the proposed Administrative Regulations for Chapter 50.
- Review SRA-16-01 as adopted by the County Council on November 15, 2016, and effective February 13, 2017.
- Section by Section Comparison Document for SRA-16-01 draft.
- Review the Planning Board Draft released by the Planning Board on July 31, 2015.
- Review presentation from the Planning Board worksessions on June 18, July 16, and July 20, 2015.
- Review presentation from the March 19, 2015 Planning Board discussion.
- View the summary of changes for the Public Hearing Draft.
- Review the presentation used at the January 21 draft meeting.
View the short video about the draft of the Subdivision Regulations of Chapter 50 of the Montgomery County Code. Give your feedback and let us know your thoughts on the rewrite!
Highlights of the rewrite include:
- A more organized, user-friendly document
- A simplified process for certain types of subdivision plans that do not have to be presented to the Planning Board for review
- Consistent review times that conform to the Zoning Ordinance timeframes -90-day time limit for the complete review of a record plat application.
Schedule:
The Planning Board Draft of the Subdivision Regulations was completed on July 31, 2015, and transmitted to the Montgomery County Council in early August for introduction in September. The Council held a public hearing and work sessions. Please refer to the County Council webpage for the schedule of these.
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.
For comments, 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
Have your say
Email us at subdivisionregs@montgomeryplanning.org