123
A flood that has a one-percent statistical probability of being equaled or exceeded in a given year (or that would on the average of once in every 100 years). Unless otherwise stated, this calculation in based on the contributing watershed being completely built-out under existing zoning.
The area along a stream or drainage course, lake, or pond, which, after total development of the watershed, would experience inundation by stormwater runoff equivalent to that which would occur on the average of once every 100 years.
A way of reimagining existing communities to maximize their attractiveness and efficiency by mixing housing, offices, and retail uses so services, infrastructure, facilities, and amenities to serve the daily needs of people who live or work there are within walking distance. While a literal or rigid application of 15-minute living may not be practical outside of Montgomery County’s Corridor-Focused Growth areas and centers, the concept is a useful way to generate concrete recommendations to make communities more complete and help them succeed.
A
An amendment to a plat of subdivision or right-of-way plat that releases the right-of-way from future public use.
1 People with a disability are afforded the opportunity to acquire information, engage in interactions, and enjoy services in a similar amount of time and effort as people without a disability.
2 The number of places – shops, jobs, recreation, etc. – a person can get to in a given amount of time. Accessibility can be increased by improving mobility and/or land use proximity.
Devices that communicate information about the WALK and DON’T WALK intervals at signalized intersections and mid-block crossings in non-visual formats to pedestrians who are blind or who have low vision.
A residential unit on the same lot as an existing single-family dwelling and used as a complete, independent living facility with provisions for cooking, eating, sanitation, and sleeping. It can be within the main structure of the house, an addition to the main structure, or a separate structure on the same lot.
A use that is incidental and subordinate to the principal use of a lot or site or the principal building, and located on the same lot or site as the principal use or building. Any permitted or limited use in a zone may be an accessory use to any other use in the same zone; any applicable use standards must be satisfied.
Non-motorized forms of transportation, such as walking, biking and rolling via wheelchair, scooter, or other conveyance.
Accessibility standards issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) that apply to places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and state and local government facilities in new construction, alterations, and additions.
Chapter 8, Article IV. Timely Adequate Public Facilities Determination, of the County Code, which requires a determination that public facilities are adequate to accommodate growth resulting from approval of a subdivision application.
Any infrastructure improvement required by the Planning Board as a condition of approving a preliminary plan of subdivision under Section 50-35(k) or identified in Montgomery County’s growth policy as necessary for adequate public facilities approval in a development district.
A type of Striped Bikeway appropriate for narrow, unlaned roads in residential areas where a dashed lane marking indicates that motorists are permitted to temporarily enter the bike lane to provide oncoming traffic sufficient space to pass safely.
Housing that is either built under a government regulation or a binding agreement that requires the unit to be affordable to households at or below specified income levels.
The establishment or forest or tree cover in accordance with Chapter 22A of the Montgomery County Code on an area from which it has always or very long been absent, or the planting of open areas which are not in forest cover.
A designated area of Montgomery County planned and zoned primarily for agricultural uses that includes the majority of the county’s remaining working farms and certain other non-farm land uses.
A form of commercial enterprise that links agricultural production and/or processing with tourism to attract visitors onto a farm, ranch, or other agricultural business for the purposes of entertaining or educating the visitors while generating income for the farm, ranch, or business owner.
A right-of-way intended to provide secondary access to the rear or side of lots or buildings and not intended for transporting through traffic. An alley may be used to provide primary vehicular access if the Planning Board and the Director of Transportation concur that the dimensions and specifications proposed in a project, preliminary subdivision, or site plan would provide adequate primary vehicular access. An Alley is a Residential Alley if serving only residential zones, or a Commercial Alley if serving any non-residential zones.
A suite of recommended transportation and land use changes advanced as part of a master plan.
Public or privately provided facilities within a development that enhance public enjoyment. Amenities can include physical enhancements to public and private spaces that make those spaces more inviting to the general public. These enhancements can include specialty paving, lighting, landscaping and artwork, as well as financial contributions toward any of these elements.
A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in many areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and many public and private places that are open to the general public.
Federal requirements to ensure that buildings and facilities are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities.
Architecture is the art and science of designing and building structures, or large groups of structures, in keeping with aesthetic and functional criteria. It is about creating buildings and spaces that inspire us, that help us do our jobs, that bring us together, and that become, at their best, works of art that we can move through and live in.
A two-lane Street in a Suburban Area that typically connects employment and entertainment centers, civic, commercial, and institutional land uses, and may also provide limited regional connectivity and serve primary circulation in residential zones. These roads were previously classified as minor arterials.
A type of Master Plan that covers a specific area of the county. Typical elements of area master plans include: land use, zoning, urban design, transportation, parks, trails, and open space, the economy, the environment, historic resources and schools. The following are types of area master plans: Corridor Plan, Limited Plan Amendment, Minor Master Plan, Neighborhood Plan and Sector Plan.
The median household income for an area as estimated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is the midpoint of a region’s income distribution – half of households in a region earn more than the median and half earn less than the median.
A road meant primarily for through movement of vehicles at a moderate speed, although some access to abutting property is expected.
Housing that enables households of various incomes to obtain homes suitable for their needs in terms of size, location, and price point. It’s market-rate housing that makes living in Montgomery County’s residential neighborhoods attainable to more households. In Montgomery County, expanding attainable housing options means enabling the construction or renovation of diverse housing types beyond the typical detached single-family home to create more units that are smaller and more affordable due to their size.
Infrastructure involving video cameras and other sensors used to police speed and other traffic safety infractions in an impartial way.
An automobile that employs driver assistance technologies to remove the need for a human operator. There are multiple stages of automation from Stage 0 or fully unassisted manual driving to fully automated self-driving cars at Stage 5.
A commonly used measure of traffic flow that reflects the total volume of vehicular traffic passing a given point during a typical 24-hour period.
B
The maximum number of dwelling units or square footage of nonresidential space per unit of gross land area (usually expressed in acres) that is allowed by zoning, exclusive of any additional density that may be permitted based on the use of the optional method of development, the application of transferable development rights (TDRs), floating zones, cluster provisions, planned development zones, or the MPDU ordinance.
A congressionally authorized process the Department of Defense has used to reorganize its base structure to more efficiently and effectively support the country’s armed forces, increase operational readiness and facilitate new ways of doing business.
The anticipated transportation conditions in the horizon year absent policy changes.
A continuous linear earthen mound of varying height designed and placed to screen the view of and reduce the noise from adjacent, incompatible uses, such as highways.
A type of Bikeway in which portions of the roadway that accommodate stopped or parked vehicles, emergency use, bicycles and motor scooters, and pedestrians where sidewalks do not exist.
Any facility designated for use by bicycles. In the Bicycle Master Plan, bikeways are organized in five categories: Trails, Separated Bikeways, Striped Bikeways, Bikeable Shoulders, and Shared Roads.
The practice of designing the built environment with a focus on connecting with nature.
A five-member board appointed by the County Council to hold hearings and rule on variances, and amendments to special exceptions approved before October 30, 2014. The Board’s powers and responsibilities are defined in the County Zoning Ordinance.
A Street Function with high capacity, median-divided roads that carry medium distance trips between activity centers. Includes Downtown Boulevards, Town Center Boulevards and (suburban) Boulevards.
A street type in a Suburban Area that typically connects employment and entertainment centers, civic, commercial, and institutional land uses, and may also provide cross-county and regional connections. Pedestrian, bicycle, and transit users are to be accommodated. Some access to abutting properties is expected.
Land containing an abandoned, idled or underused industrial or commercial site or facility where expansion or redevelopment may be affected by environmental contamination.
An area of land designed or managed for the purpose of separating or providing a transition between two or more land areas whose uses may conflict or be seen as incompatible.
A type of Striped Bikeway in which a Conventional Bike Lane is paired with a designated buffer space separating the bicycle lane from the adjacent vehicle travel lane and/or parking lane to increase the comfort of bicyclists.
A structure having one or more stories and a roof, designed primarily for the shelter, support, or enclosure of persons, animals, or property of any kind.
A scale drawing of the front, rear, or side of a building or structure showing dimensions and architectural details.
A line, parallel to a lot line, creating an area into which a structure must not project. A building line may be established that is more restrictive than the minimum setback required for structures in a particular zone.
A transferable development right created from land that consists of at least 25 acres, is capable of being served by an individual sewage treatment unit that satisfies Chapter 27A and applicable regulations under that chapter, is located in the AR zone, and could be encumbered by a Building Lot Terminus easement under Chapter 59.
A form of agricultural easement that generally terminates remaining development rights by extinguishing a right to build a dwelling unit on an eligible buildable lot.
A permit issued by the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services after several levels of project review that allows construction buildings or structures to proceed.
The end point of development for a site or area, reached when all development capacity conveyed by zoning, subdivision, or site plan has been used.
Any human-made building, structure, or other intervention that alters the natural landscape for the purpose of serving or accommodating human activity or need. It includes cities, buildings, urban spaces, infrastructure, roads, parks, and any ancillary features that serve these structures.
A high-quality and high-capacity bus-based transit system that delivers fast, comfortable, reliable, and cost-effective transit service.
C
The Capital Improvements Program is a six-year comprehensive statement of the objectives with cost estimates and proposed construction schedules for capital projects and programs for all agencies for which the county sets tax rates or approves budgets or programs. Examples include the construction of public schools, street maintenance, and parks improvements.
Usually used as a synonym for Carbon Removal and Carbon Sequestration. Sometimes refers to the use of carbon removal to reduce the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide, as opposed to simply slowing its increase.
Anthropogenic activities removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and durably storing it in geological, terrestrial, or ocean reservoirs, or in products. It is usually synonymous with Carbon Drawdown and Carbon Sequestration.
The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. It is used usually synonymous with Carbon Drawdown and Carbon Removal.
Any one of the principal business areas of the County that has been designated as a central business district in Chapter 1 of the County Code and shown on this map.
A final document that incorporates all elements of the site plan approved by the Planning Board, including: a project data table; all necessary engineering drawings; specific references to all agency approvals required by the Planning Board approval resolution; and a complete copy of the approved resolution.
The largest tree of its species within the United States, the State, county or municipality, as appropriate.
Right turn lanes at intersections that provide for free-flow or nearly free-flow right-turn movements, often separated from the main intersection by a concrete island. Sometimes referred to as a “free right”, “hot right”, or “separated right.”
A community engagement event where stakeholders and decision makers work alongside experts to co-develop solutions to built environment problems using design. Although traditionally applied to community design and planning work, it is also being used in policy and organizational planning efforts.
The capacity of individuals in a democracy to become active citizens to work together to solve collective problems of communities and to encourage such a participation in their members.
Montgomery County’s strategic plan to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035.
Assessments as required by Montgomery County Bill 3-22 to evaluate the anticipated impacts of master plans and zoning text amendments (ZTAs) on the County’s contribution to addressing climate change.
A change in global or regional climate patterns, particularly the change apparent from the late 20th century onwards attributable largely to increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.
An optional development technique under zoning and subdivision regulations that allows residential dwellings to be placed on smaller than usual lots that have been grouped or clustered in order to leave some land undivided and available as common area or open space.
Semi-communal housing consisting of a cluster of private homes and a shared community space (such as for cooking or laundry facilities).
Locating more than one public facility in one place, but also could include a private facility such as affordable housing. For example, locating a library and a park on the same property or next to each other.
An Alley that serves non-residential zones.
A broad grouping of areas of high commercial activity with a concentration of jobs, retail, housing, transit and other ancillary uses and support services. It includes Central Business Districts, downtowns, and town centers.
A federal program that provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.
A composite measure of equity-related indicators that helps users understand socio-economic conditions that drive advantage and disadvantage across the county. It measures the extent to which individual neighborhoods are representative of the socio-economic diversity of the county.
A homeownership mechanism used to ensure long term housing affordability. The trust acquires land and maintains ownership of it permanently. The trust enters a long-term, renewable lease with prospective homeowners instead of a traditional sale. When the property is sold, the homeowner earns only a portion of the increased property value. The remainder is kept by the trust, preserving the affordability for future low- to moderate-income families.
The ability of a community to prepare for anticipated natural hazards, adapt to changing conditions, and withstand and recover rapidly from disruptions.
The practice of consolidating development of the built environment in ways that place buildings and infrastructure close together to reduce walking, biking, or driving distances and to make efficient use of land. According to Growing Cooler, The Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change, “The term “compact development” does not imply high-rise or even uniformly high density, but rather higher average “blended” densities. Compact development also features a mix of land uses, development of strong population and employment centers, interconnection of streets, and the design of structures and spaces at a human scale.”
Places that include the range of land uses, infrastructure, services and amenities that meet a wide range of needs for a variety of people. They include housing suitable for different household types, income levels, and preferences, helping to support racial and socioeconomic integration. The specific mix of uses, amenities, parks, public facilities, and building types in Complete Communities vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the neighborhood or community; proximity to transit, variation in physical features such as topography and environmental resources; and other factors unique to the history and context of each place.
A street designed, operated and maintained to provide safe accommodations for all users, including people who walk, bicycle, use transit and drive motor vehicles.
An approach to classifying streets based on both their land use context (Downtown Area, Town Center Area, Suburban Area, Industrial Area, Country Area) and street function (Highway, Boulevard, Connector, Street).
The Complete Streets Design Guide is a guide developed by Montgomery Planning and the Montgomery County Department of Transportation for designing, operating, and maintaining streets to provide safe accommodations for all users, including people who walk, bicycle, use transit, and drive motor vehicles.
Neighborhoods where a high proportion of residents live below the federal poverty threshold.
Also referred to as a Concept Plan, a plan that identifies land use, structures, access and environmental features. The Concept Plan is intended to provide basic information for an applicant or developer to submit a regulatory plan such as a Sketch, Preliminary or Site Plan, and provides an avenue for stakeholder agencies to identify any major concerns relative to a master plan, functional plan or the zoning ordinance. The Concept Plan is reviewed by county and state agencies at the Development Review stage but does not proceed to the Planning Board since final decisions are not made with this type of application.
A conditional use, previously known as a “special exception,” is a use that is not permitted as a matter of right in the zone where it is located but may be allowed subject to a review process administered by a hearing examiner.
A dynamic strategy used to regulate roadway demand by adjusting prices without altering supply. It aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality and reduce noise levels by charging more for driving into highly congested areas during peak hours.
Measures the directness of travel, the number of potential routes and travel options.
A Street Function that provides connections between Streets and Boulevards. Includes Area Connectors, Neighborhood Connectors, and Country Connectors.
Measures the directness of travel, the number of potential routes and travel options.
A design process that not only considers physical aspects or standard specifications of a transportation facility, but also the economic, social, and environmental resources in the community being served by that facility.
A type of Striped Bikeway in which a Conventional Bike Lanes is designed to allow bicyclists to ride in the opposite direction of motor vehicle traffic. Contra-flow bike lanes convert a one-way traffic street into a two-way street: one direction for motor vehicles and bikes, the other for bikes only.
Locations where sidewalks or designated walkways intersect a roadway at a location where traffic control (traffic signal or STOP sign) is present.
A type of Highway meant exclusively for through movement of vehicles at a lower speed than a Freeway. Access must be limited to grade-separated interchanges or at-grade intersections with public roads.
A type of Striped Bikeway in which a portion of the street that have been designated by striping, signage and pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive use of bicyclists. Also known as Bike Lanes.
An alternative to the traditional method of homeownership. In cooperative housing, the residents own a part of a corporation that owns and manages the building.
An on-street or off-street space designated for parking dockless vehicles such as bicycles and scooters.
A change in zoning to one or more properties, requested by the Planning Board, to correct an administrative or technical error in a Sectional or District Map Amendment.
The area paralleling a major transportation facility, such as a highway, boulevard or transitway.
A type of Area Master Plan that typically covers a linear area along one of the major corridors in the county. For example: Veirs Mill Corridor Master Plan.
A planning approach to accommodating most of the new growth in Montgomery County surrounding major corridors. See Thrive Montgomery 2050, page 71, Figure 34.
A household that spends 30% or more of its income on housing costs.
Devices that communicate information about the number of seconds remaining in the pedestrian DON’T WALK interval.
Areas that comprise the least dense portions of the county, with agriculture and low intensity residential development.
A type of Connector street in a Country Area that was previously classified as major highways, arterials, or country arterials.
A type of Street meant for circulation in Country Areas.
A multi-disciplinary approach of crime prevention that uses urban and architectural design and the management of built and natural environments. CPTED strategies aim to reduce victimization, deter offender decisions that precede criminal acts, and build a sense of community among inhabitants so they can gain territorial control of areas, reduce crime, and minimize fear of crime. CPTED is pronounced ‘sep-ted’ and it is also known around the world as Designing Out Crime, defensible space, and other similar terms.
The sum of traffic volumes that cross at a single point in an intersection. The resulting product is used to determine the level of service of an intersection in a Local Area Transportation Review (LATR) Motor Vehicle Adequacy Test.
A street that functions like a Conventional Street but lacks a vertical curb and gutter. The surface is raised to a single level that is generally flush between sidewalks and space is delineated specifically for motor vehicle travel. Curbless Streets are designed to encourage slow motor vehicle speeds and pedestrians can cross at any location, but the overall design and use will lead people walking and traveling in a wheelchair to use the exclusive pedestrian zone for travel along the street. Curbless streets are also referred to as “festival streets” for their ability to serve as a civic space and accommodate community events and programming (when temporarily closed to traffic). This feature is well-suited for high-density areas and cultural hubs.
The use of space along the street curb, including, but not limited to loading and unloading passengers and freight, motor vehicle and bicycle parking, parklets, and outdoor dining.
D
A portion of the street that is designated by signs and markings for the preferential or exclusive use of transit vehicles.
The conveyance of private land, either in fee simple or as an easement, for public use, such as parkland, school sites, road and transit rights-of-way, etc., in connection with the development of a subdivision or lot.
A measure of the amount of development on a property. Density is often expressed as the number of residential units per acre of land (or another unit of measure), or the total amount of residential or commercial square footage on a property. When expressed as the ratio of residential or commercial square footage to square footage of lot area, it is called Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
An incentive tool offering developers the ability to exceed the maximum allowable residential housing density if they agree to construct more affordable housing units than required by law. In Montgomery County, the Zoning Ordinance allows for a density bonus of up to 22 percent above a zone’s base density in exchange for providing additional moderately priced dwelling units (MPDUs) above the 12½ percent required.
A design approach for buildings, streets and open spaces that follows the following principles: 1) Elevates any project, no matter how small, with a thoughtful process that delivers both beauty and function in balance, 2) positively impacts the future by helping communities thrive—socially, economically, and environmentally, 3) Mutually benefits human and nonhuman inhabitants, 4) Adds economic value for owners, occupants, the community, and the planet—regardless of the project size and budget, 5) Reduces energy use and eliminates dependence on fossil fuels while improving building performance, function, comfort, and enjoyment, 6) Supports health and well-being for all people—considering physical, mental, and emotional effects on building occupants and the surrounding community, and 7) Is adaptable, resilient, and flexible to change over time—reducing the building’s risk and vulnerability and enhancing its usability, functionality, and value.
A set of guidelines intended to influence the design of buildings, landscapes and other parts of the built environment to achieve a desired level of quality for the physical environment. They typically include statements of intent and objectives supported by graphic illustrations.
The selected speed used to determine the various geometric features of a roadway during its design. See also Speed.
A district in which government may levy special assessments or taxes on real property to help pay for infrastructure improvements in that district.
The amount of approved residential and non-residential development that has not yet been built.
A plan required to be submitted as a part of an application for the rezoning of a piece of land.
A review committee to whom a plan is referred under the requirements of Chapter 50 of the county code. The Committee consists of Planning Department Staff and staff of any County, State, and Federal agency, municipality; and utility company and meets with applicants to facilitate review of the plan.
The diameter of a tree measured at a height of 4.5 feet from the ground.
Places that are affected most by economic, health and environmental burdens, including low-incomes, poverty, high unemployment, lack of access to jobs and quality education, and increased risk of health problems.
Disposition of land generally refers to publicly owned land for either private use or for a combination of public and private use. An example would be a county parking facility being disposed of to a private development group. The county receives a financial incentive and the developer uses the county owned land as a development site.
The Montgomery County Council, sitting as the District Council for that portion of the Maryland-Washington Regional District located in Montgomery County.
A shared-mobility vehicle that is available to the public to rent in public space, does not require any specialized installations of equipment other than the vehicle itself, and can be located and unlocked using a smartphone application or by manually entering a customer’s account number.
Montgomery County’s highest density areas including central business districts and urban centers. They are envisioned to have dense, transit-oriented development and a walkable street grid (existing or planned). These areas are envisioned to share several of the following characteristics: identified as central business districts and/or major employment centers; high levels of existing or anticipated pedestrian and bicyclist activity; high levels of transit service; street grid with high levels of connectivity; continuous building frontage along streets, with minimal curb cuts; and mostly below ground or structured parking.
A type of Boulevard in a Downtown Area that serves a high volume of vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, or transit users. Access to abutting properties is allowed but not preferable. These roads were previously classified as major highways and arterials.
A type of Street in a Downtown Area that serves a large share of pedestrians, bicyclists, or transit users. This road type is meant for circulation in commercial and mixed-use zones. Access to abutting properties is expected. These roads were previously classified as business streets.
A rezoning action that lowers the density allowed on a property.
A residential structure that typically resembles a single housing unit but contains two dwelling units. It can be arranged as two units next to each other sharing a common wall, or one unit above the other.
A building or a portion thereof that provides complete living facilities including, at a minimum, facilities for cooking, sanitation, and sleeping, for not more than one family.
E
A grant or reservation by the owner of land for the use of all or a portion of the land to others, including the public, for the specific purpose or purposes. The easement must be included in the conveyance of the encumbered land. For platting under Chapter 50 of the county code, an easement area is included within the dimensions and areas of the lots through which the easement may run, and is not separated from the lot as in the case of a dedicated right-of-way.
Eminent domain refers to the process by which the government may seize private property with proper compensation, but without the owner’s consent. The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution stipulates: 1. that the property must be claimed for “a public use;” and, 2. that “just compensation” must be provided to the property owner. In order to claim eminent domain over a property for the purposes of economic development, the government must establish that the property is “blighted.”
Areas with a high concentration of jobs.
The outermost limits of an undisturbed strip of natural vegetation surrounding natural features including wetlands, 100-year floodplains, and perennial, intermittent, or ephemeral streams. An environmental buffer may also include hydraulically connected steep slopes and erodible soils.
A document, prepared by a federal agency that evaluates the environmental impact of government proposals for large projects, such as highways or facilities that could significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Environmental Impact Statements are used as decision-making tools and are required by the National Environmental Policy Act.
Using small-scale stormwater management practices, nonstructural techniques, and better site planning to mimic natural hydrologic runoff characteristics and minimize the impact of land development on water resources, including: optimizing conservation of natural features (e.g., drainage patterns, soil, vegetation); minimizing impervious surfaces (e.g., pavement, concrete channels, roofs); slowing down runoff to maintain discharge timing and to increase infiltration and evapotranspiration; and using other nonstructural practices or innovative technologies approved by Maryland Department of the Environment.
Streams that are above the groundwater table and convey flow only for a short duration (generally less that 48 hours) after, and in direct response to, a precipitation event. Ephemeral streams do no include roadside ditches.
Fair and just opportunities and outcomes for all people.
Census tracts in Montgomery County that are characterized by high concentrations of lower-income people of color, who may also speak English less than very well.
A zone that is applied to a specific geographic area on the zoning map.
A type of Street in Country Areas classified as such under Article 8.
A type of highway lane where access is tolled.
F
A flexible zone that is to be used for a designated purpose, but whose location is to be determined in the future as part of a Local Map Amendment.
The ratio of the gross floor area of a building to the area of the lot on which it is located. Parking and non-leasable space of the building are generally excluded from the computation. For example, a building with a gross floor area of 43,560 square feet on a one-acre lot would have a 1.0 FAR.
A biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants (including plant communities, understory, and forest floor) covering a land area which is 10,000 square feet or greater, and at least 50 feet wide. For the purposes of implementing the Montgomery County Forest Conservation Law, this definition is interpreted to mean those areas that have at least 100 trees per acre with at least 50 percent of those trees having a two-inch or greater diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground. Forest does not include orchards.
A document that outlines the specific strategies for retaining, protecting, and reforesting or afforesting areas on a site, pursuant to the 1991 Maryland Forest Conservation Act. Forest Conservation Plans are approved by the Planning Board with conditions that are binding on applicable private and public development, and certain land disturbing activity.
The collection and presentation of data on existing vegetation in relation to the natural resources on a site proposed for development or land disturbing activity.
A land development regulation that fosters predictable built results and a high-quality public realm by using physical form (rather than separation of uses) as the organizing principle for the code. A form-based code is a regulation, not a mere guideline, adopted into city, town, or county law.
A type of Highway meant exclusively for through movement of vehicles at a high speed. Access must be limited to grade-separated interchanges.
A property line shared with an existing or master-planned public or private road, street, highway, or alley right-of way, open space, or easement boundary.
A grouping of highways, roads, and streets by the character of the service they provide, from access to adjacent property to regional mobility.
A type of Master Plan addressing a countywide function (Master Plan of Highways and Transitways), a system that spans more than one plan area (Purple Line Functional Plan), or a specific element of the general plan (Master Plan for Historic Preservation, Water Resources Functional Plan, Housing Element of the General Plan).
G
A long-range guide for the development of a community. It is a framework for future plans and development that defines the basic land use policies and context for all public and private development in the county.
The computerized mapping of data that can generate high quality maps based on the analysis of layers of geographic information. GIS allows all information in a database to be integrated for any location covered by the database. The Planning Department uses GIS software to create maps of the communities it serves, to profile existing conditions in those communities, and to analyze population and other relevant data.
A walkway or bikeway that is separated from the road with an overpass or underpass.
Physical separation of two or more transportation facilities, such as roads, bikeways, and rail lines, at their intersection by constructing them so that one facility passes above or below the other.
The interconnected network of natural areas (forests, 100-year floodplains, wetlands, meadows, and streams and their buffers) and conservation parks that comprise natural ecosystems and provide environmental services.
Development on undeveloped land or land previously used for agriculture or left to evolve naturally.
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases.
The sum of the gross horizontal areas of all floors of all buildings on a tract, measured from exterior faces of exterior walls and from the center line of walls separating buildings. Gross floor area includes: basements; elevator shafts and stairwells at each floor; floor space used for mechanical equipment with structural headroom of 6 feet, 6 inches or more, except as exempt in the LSC and Industrial zones; floor space in an attic with structural headroom of 6 feet, 6 inches or more (regardless of whether a floor has been installed); and interior balconies and mezzanines.
Gross floor area does not include: mechanical equipment on rooftops; cellars; unenclosed steps, balconies, and porches; parking; floor area for publicly owned or operated uses or arts and entertainment uses provided as a public benefit under the optional method of development; interior balconies and mezzanines for common, non-leasable area in a regional shopping center; in the LSC and Industrial zones, floor space used for mechanical equipment; and any floor space exclusively used for mechanical equipment for any Medical/Scientific Manufacturing and Production Use.
Gross floor area does not include: mechanical equipment on rooftops; cellars; unenclosed steps, balconies, and porches; parking; floor area for publicly owned or operated uses or arts and entertainment uses provided as a public benefit under the optional method of development; interior balconies and mezzanines for common, non-leasable area in a regional shopping center; in the LSC and Industrial zones, floor space used for mechanical equipment; and any floor space exclusively used for mechanical equipment for any Medical/Scientific Manufacturing and Production Use.
Subsurface water from which wells and springs are fed and that provides the base flow of streams.
Montgomery County’s tool for the county’s Adequate Pubic Facilities Ordinance, which provides guidance for the Planning Board and other agencies in administering laws and regulations that affect the adequacy and timing of public facilities needed to support approved development. Previously known as the Subdividision Staging Policy and the Annual Growth Policy.
Major roads in the county that are recommended by Thrive Montgomery 2050 to accommodate most new growth. See Thrive Montgomery 2050, page 71, Figure 34.
A set of limits and objectives, less binding than regulations, that are used to guide development or plan proposals.
H
The upper reaches of a stream near its source or the region where groundwater emerges to the surface to form a surface stream.
The Hearing Examiner or Examiners appointed by the County Council to conduct certain zoning hearings and make recommendations to the County Council and other duties under Chapter 2A.
Roads in Montgomery County’s Vision Zero Action Plan with four or more severe or fatal collisions between 2015 and 2019.
A type of managed lane reserved for single-occupant vehicles that pay a toll and high-occupancy vehicles (HOV) that access the lane for free.
A passenger vehicle containing more than one person. This can include cars, vans, and buses.
A Street Function with multi-lane, high speed roads that carry longer distance trips between activity centers. Includes Freeways, Controlled Major Highways, and non-M-NCPPC-owned Parkways.
The manual provides the concepts, guidelines, and computational procedures for determining the capacity and quality of service of various highway facilities, including freeways, signalized and unsignalized intersections, rural highways, and the effects of transit, pedestrians, and bicycles on the performance of these systems.
A permit issued by the Montgomery County’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) for projects involving designated historic sites and their environmental settings, and properties located within county historic districts.
A nine-member board
members are appointed by the County Executive and approved by the County Council charged with identifying historic resources in the County that warrant protection and reviewing requested changes to those historic resources.
A building, structure, object, or area of land that is significant in County history, architecture, archaeology, or culture.
A national program that offers permanent, affordable housing as quickly as possible for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, then provides the supportive.
Administered by Montgomery County’s Department of Housing and Community Affairs, the fund provides loans to the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC), nonprofit developers, experienced rental property owners and for-profit developers to build new housing units, renovate deteriorated multi-family housing developments, preserve existing affordable housing and provide housing for people with disabilities. The fund receives revenue from a variety of sources including loan repayments and property tax revenue.
The Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) is an organization established in 1974 to better respond to Montgomery County’s need for affordable housing. HOC is authorized to acquire, own, lease, and operate housing; to provide for the construction or renovation of housing; obtain financial assistance from any public or private source to assist its housing activities; and arrange for social services, resident services and day care.
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A charge collected by the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services to help pay the costs of providing public facilities in designated areas. The tax is collected at the time of building permit.
Any surface that prevents or significantly impedes the infiltration of water into the underlying soil, including any structure, building, patio, sidewalk, compacted gravel, pavement, asphalt, concrete, stone, brick, tile, swimming pool, or artificial turf. Impervious surface also includes any area used by or for motor vehicles or heavy commercial equipment, regardless of surface type or material, including any road, driveway, or parking area.
Areas where employment and industrial uses are the primary activities.
A type of Street in an Industrial Area meant for circulation in areas consisting predominantly of industrial zones.
Development that takes place on vacant or underutilized parcels within an area that is already developed and has access to existing urban services.
The built facilities, generally publicly funded, required to serve a community’s development and operational needs. Infrastructure includes roads, water supply and sewer systems, schools, health care facilities, libraries, parks and recreation, and other services.
Streams that typically have baseflow at least once per year. Typically, in the winter and spring, the groundwater table is elevated, increasing the likelihood that the groundwater level is higher than the bed of a stream channel. Therefore, an intermittent stream will usually have baseflow during the winter an spring seasons and infrequent baseflow during the rest of the year.
Created with an interstate compact by an Act of Congress in 1940, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) is composed of commissioners representing the federal government, the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The ICPRB mission is to enhance, protect, and conserve the water and associated land resources of the Potomac River basin and its tributaries through regional and interstate cooperation.
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The use of any piece of land through buildings or open land for activities including housing; retail; commerce; manufacturing; roads; parking; parks and recreation; and institutional uses such as schools, healthcare and all other human activities.
A method of funding infrastructure improvements based on recovering all or some of the increase in property value generated by public infrastructure investment. LVC can help mitigate the challenges communities face in obtaining public funding, while also providing benefits to private sector partners.
A plan, drawn to scale, that shows proposed site design focusing on the location, number, size, species, and distribution of landscape elements including trees, shrubs, and lawn areas, as well as pedestrian paths and open spaces. Any area that is to be counted towards reforestation must be shown on a forest conservation plan.
The certification program and nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
An approach to traffic signalization that allows pedestrians or bicyclists to enter the intersection in advance of vehicles traveling in the same direction.
Describes the status accorded to certain properties, uses, and activities that may legally continue because they existed prior to the adoption date of changes to the Zoning Ordinance.
An electric railway system characterized by its capacity to operate single cars or short trains along exclusive rights-of-way at ground level, on aerial structures, in subways, or on streets.
A type of Area Master Plan that amends a specific recommendation(s) of limited scope or a smaller area within a master plan without affecting the rest of the master plan, and therefore does not replace the amended plan but updates the approved plan. For example: Clarksburg Limited Master Plan Amendment, Ten Mile Creek Area Limited Amendment to the Clarksburg Master Plan, and Wheaton Central Business District and Vicinity, Limited Amendment to the Sector Plan.
Part of the Adequate Public Facilities test used to determine the traffic impacts of a proposed development that go beyond the capacity of existing and programmed roadways and intersections in the vicinity of the site.
A change of zoning for a specific property, sought by a property owner or other person having proprietary interest.
The preferred physical design concept and scope for a major corridor transit investment.
A historical site inventory adopted by the Planning Board and used as a guide to prepare amendments to the Master Plan for Historic Preservation. Properties listed on the Locational Atlas require Historic Preservation staff and Historic Preservation Commission review prior to substantial alterations and/or demolition.
A Historic District designated on the Locational Atlas and Inventory of Historic Sites.
Individually designated Locational Atlas Historic Site on the Locational Atlas and Index of Historic Properties.
A lot is a contiguous area of land that is described by a plat recorded in the land records for which a building permit can be issued.
Coverage is the area of a lot or site occupied by a building, including an accessory building, structured parking, or other roofed structure such as a porch, patio, deck, or steps. Coverage does not include paved areas such as a driveway, a pedestrian walkway, a bay window measuring 10 feet in width or less and 3 feet in depth or less, an uncovered porch or patio, deck, a swimming pool, or roof overhang.
Housing that is affordable for a household with an aggregate annual income below 60% of AMI.
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An obsolete term for a road meant nearly exclusively for through movement of vehicles at a moderate speed. Access must be primarily from grade-separated interchanges and at-grade intersections with public roads, although driveway access is acceptable in urban and denser suburban settings.
The Maryland State law and review process that requires all county, state and federal agencies and public utilities to refer any land use changes/improvements and infrastructure projects in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to the M-NCPPC for advisory review and approval.
Pavement markings that indicate the preferred location for pedestrians to cross the street and help motorists identify areas to look for pedestrians. Marked crosswalks may be located at intersections or mid-block locations.
The section of the Maryland code that provides for the accessibility and usability of buildings and facilities by individuals with disabilities.
The combined document of the national set of traffic control device standards and guidance promulgated by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) rulemaking and an accompanying Maryland Supplement to the MUTCD. While the 11th edition of the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices was published in December 2023, the State of Maryland has not yet formally adopted this document, and instead the version from December 2009 is currently in use.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is a bi-County agency created by the General Assembly of Maryland in 1927. The Commission’s geographic authority extends to the great majority of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties; the Maryland-Washington Regional District (M-NCPPC planning jurisdiction) comprises 1,001 square miles, while the Metropolitan District (parks) comprises 919 square miles, in the two counties. The Commission is responsible for managing physical growth and planning communities, protecting natural, cultural and historic resources, and providing leisure and recreational experiences through the acquisition, development, operation, and maintenance of a public park system. Certain municipalities within the County (e.g. Rockville and Gaithersburg) are outside of the regional district and have their own planning and zoning powers.
Specialized wood building construction using engineered wood products created through lamination and compression of multiple layers to create solid panels of wood that are used as structural elements to frame a building’s walls, floors, and roofs.
The relationship of a building’s various parts to each other. Architectural elements such as windows, doors and roofs as well as interior floor plans can affect building mass. Massing is important because it is one of several details that determine the visual interest of a building, the perception of the building’s volume and how it blends with its surroundings.
A long-term planning document that provides detailed and specific land use and zoning recommendations for a specific place, a countywide function, or an element of the general plan. It also addresses transportation, the natural environment, urban design, historic resources, public facilities, and implementation techniques. All master plans are amendments to the General Plan. Master Plans can be classified into two major types: Functional Master Plans (or Functional Plans) and Area Master Plans (or Master Plans).
A document listing properties protected by the County’s Historic Preservation Ordinance, Chapter 24A of the Montgomery County Code. Listed properties have been approved for designation by the Historic Preservation Commission, the Planning Board, the County Executive, and the County Council. Any proposals for exterior alteration, new construction, subdivision, or demolition of these properties must be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission.
A Historic District designated on the Master Plan for Historic Preservation.
Individually designated Historic Site on the Master Plan for Historic Preservation.
Boundaries established by municipalities that define where future annexations of unincorporated land may occur.
One or more counties that contain a city of 50,000 or more inhabitants, or contain a Census Bureau-defined urbanized area (UA) and have a total population of at least 100,000 (75,000 in New England). Counties containing the principal concentration of population—the largest city and surrounding densely settled area—are components of the MSA.
The Metropolitan-Washington Council of Governments is a regional organization of the Washington area’s major local governments and their governing officials. MWCOG works toward solutions to such regional problems as growth, transportation, housing, air pollution, water supply, water quality, economic development and noise, and serves as the regional planning organization for the Washington metropolitan area.
A designated area for pedestrians to cross the street between intersections.
A type of Area Master Plan that covers a small area within a larger master plan area. They are intended to be prepared quickly in order to address localized problems or opportunities. For example: Bethesda Purple Line Station Minor Master Plan, Aspen Hill Minor Master Plan, and Grosvenor-Strathmore Minor Master Plan.
A variety of housing types that range from low- to medium densities such as duplexes; triplexes; quadplexes, live-work units; and clustered housing such as townhouses, courtyard dwellings and smaller apartment buildings.
A type of Transitway where buses operate in the same lanes as general purpose traffic.
Housing units affordable to a broad range of income levels.
A development that typically contains residential and commercial uses in the same building or within a small area. For example, a residential building with ground floor retail is a typical mixed-use development.
How far a person can travel in a given amount of time – the speed of travel.
The third step of the four-step Travel Demand Forecasting Model in which the transportation mode is determined.
The percentage of people arriving at a destination by a particular transportation mode. For example, the percentage of people arriving at a destination by private automobile is called the “auto mode share”.
Montgomery County’s inclusionary zoning program that requires a minimum of 12.5-15 percent of new units over 20 units in a development to be affordable to households earning up to 65 percent of area median income for garden-style apartments and up to 70 percent for high-rise apartments.
The Montgomery County Council is the County’s elected legislative body that has final authority, sitting as the (Regional) District Council, on all matters pertaining to planning and zoning. There are nine members elected to four-year terms. Five represent districts and four are elected at-large.
Chapter 59 of the Montgomery County Code, which contains the zoning controls to regulate the use and development of all private property in the county. It generally defines permitted uses, maximum building floor area or the maximum number of units permissible on each property, and maximum building heights, minimum setbacks, open space and other requirements to shape all buildings and related improvements.
Multifamily housing of 5 stories or more.
A building containing three or more dwelling units on a single lot.
Multifamily housing of 4 stories of less.
Of and relating to multiple travel modes, such as walking, bicycling, using transit, and motor vehicles.
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The National Capital Planning Commission is the federal government’s planning agency for the National Capital Region.
The collection and presentation of a property’s environmental information according to the guidelines in the adopted Forest Conservation Regulations (COMCOR 18-01 AM) and in the latest version of Environmental Management of Development in Montgomery County, Maryland (M-NCPPC). Environmental information includes topography, steep slopes, perennial and intermittent streams, major drainage courses, 100-year floodplains, wetlands, soils and geologic conditions, critical habitats, aerial extent of forest and tree cover, and necessary buffers. The inventory also includes any cultural features and historic sites.
Market-rate residential units that are affordable to low and middle-income households without public subsidies. It generally refers to rental housing but can include ownership properties as well. In Montgomery County, it generally refers to units affordable to units affordable to households at or below 80% of AMI.
A type of Trail in which short paths provide critical connections in the residential walking and bicycling network. They create short-cuts and often bypass or minimize the amount of travel along higher-stress streets.
A type of Connector street in a Suburban Area providing primary circulation in residential zones and may also enable traffic to pass through a neighborhood. These streets were previously classified as primary residential streets.
A type of Shared Road with low motorized vehicle traffic volumes and speeds, designed and designated to give walking and bicycling priority. They use signs, pavement markings and speed and volume management measures to discourage through trips by motor vehicles and create safe, comfortable crossings of busy arterial streets. Also known as Bicycle Boulevard.
A type of Area Master Plan, similar to a minor master plan, that covers a specific neighborhood. For example: Burtonsville Commercial Crossroads Neighborhood Plan.
A type of Street in a Suburban Area that provides internal circulation within neighborhoods. Access to abutting properties is expected. These streets were previously classified as secondary and tertiary residential streets.
A type of Street in a Suburban Area that is designed as a bi-directional one-lane street.
Places where people and transportation routes congregate.
The percent of commuters who travel by modes other than driving an automobile during peak periods. NADMS includes commuters who travel by transit, vanpool, biking, walking, or connecting to the workplace electronically. NADMS does not include carpool or vanpool drivers, but it does include carpool and vanpool passengers.
A structure or use that was lawful when constructed or established, but that no longer conforms to the requirements of the zone in which it is located.
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An agency that conducts quasi-judicial trial-type hearings, conducting due process on land use cases and other zoning matters including rezonings, development plans, floating zones and conditional uses.
A type of Trail located outside of the road right-of-way that provide two-way travel for people walking, bicycling and using other non-motorized modes.
A nationwide initiative administered by the U.S. Treasury created under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The program provides federal tax incentives for investment in destressed communities over the next 10 years. Areas designated as Opportunity Zones will be able to reap the benefits of new capital investment to help redevelop underserved communities.
The optional methods of development allows for higher density and greater flexibility in design in exchange for additional review scrutiny and the provision of public amenities. An optional method of development is allowed in the following zones: RC, RNC, RE-2C, RE-1, R-200, R-90, R-60, R-40, TLD, TMD, THD, R-30, R-20, R-10, CRT, CR, LSC, and EOF.
Overlay zones are mapped zones that provide requirements and standards in addition to those of the underlying zone that are necessary to achieve the planning goals and objectives for development or redevelopment of an area. Overlay zones are created in areas of critical public interest and provide uniform comprehensive development regulations for an area.
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A dedicated public right of way for a road or street that has not been built.
A contiguous area of land described only in a deed recorded in the land records and not included on a record plat.
A payment by a developer for optional method of development projects in downtown Bethesda for density above the mapped density in the 2017 Bethesda Downtown Plan. The Park Impact Payment (PIP) is subject to the Bethesda Overlay Zone (BOZ) and the PIP is paid before the issuance of a building permit application at a rate set by the Board at every odd number year. MPDUs are not subject to the PIP.
Parking lots that allow all-day commuter parking enabling the auto driver to connect with carpools or transit.
Areas designated (in Bethesda, Silver Spring, Wheaton, and Montgomery Hills) in which businesses have the option to pay a fee in lieu of providing the Zoning Ordinance’s required off-street parking. The funds are administered by the County Department of Transportation and used to provide public parking facilities.
A type of Highway meant exclusively for through movement of vehicles at a moderate speed. Access must be limited to grade-separated interchanges and at-grade intersections. Any truck with more than four wheels must not use a Parkway, except in an emergency or if the truck is engaged in Parkway maintenance. Excludes non-M-NCPPC-owned roads.
The use of technologies such as magnetism, video, microwave, or thermal sensors to identify the presence of a pedestrian, vehicle, or other object without any active interaction from the object being detected.
A document containing examples of design as a guide or a set of instructions. An architectural pattern book typically contains sample drawings of elements and distinctive features of specific types of buildings, or in urban planning, different street types, blocks and neighborhood layouts.
PILOTs allow local governments, when authorized by state law, to receive negotiated payments instead of applicable real estate and special district taxes for a certain period of time. The intent is to help lower the cost of development in return for a commitment from a developer to provide a public benefit such as affordable housing to low-income residents.
Trips made during the busiest hour within the morning and evening peak periods using any transportation mode. For the purposes of development review in Montgomery County, the peak periods are from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. during weekdays.
The primary portion of the sidewalk that is intended to be free from landscaping, street furniture, structures, or furnishings.
The pedestrian clearance time is intended to allow pedestrians who started crossing a street during the walk interval to complete their crossing.
The sequence of signal phases at a signalized intersection that are specifically designed to accommodate pedestrian traffic. Pedestrian signal phases can be actuated by a pushbutton or be held in recall.
Pedestrian Level of Comfort is a methodology that captures how comfortable it is to walk and roll in different conditions in Montgomery County.
A traffic signal function in which the pedestrian crossing phase is triggered automatically, without the need to push a button to request the right-of-way.
Streams that typically have continuous baseflow from the groundwater table, which is generally located above the streambed throughout the year.
The ability of surface soils or materials to permit the movement of water through them.
An inventory of development projects that have been approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board but not completely built.
The act of improving a common space to make it welcoming and attractive, so it better serves the needs of the people who use it.
This zone has fewer specific requirements and restrictions than other zones, which allows for greater flexibility of design and use, subject to a binding plan proposed by the applicant and approved by the Planning Board that spells out land uses, setbacks, housing densities, land coverage, building spacing, landscaping, building heights, open space, and other elements.
A geographic sub-area of the County delineated by the Planning Board and adopted by the County Council in the Growth Policy for the purpose of staging analysis and the establishment of transportation staging ceiling capacities.
The legal maximum speed at which vehicles may travel on a given stretch of road indicated on signs posted along the roadway. See also Speed.
A plan for a proposed subdivision or resubdivision of land submitted under Chapter 50, Subdivision, of the Montgomery County Code. The plan is reviewed by staff and submitted for action (approval or disapproval) by the Montgomery County Planning Board. Board approval of the plan is necessary prior to preparation of a record plat.
An optional step in the subdivision process that allows an applicant to submit a conceptual plan to determine whether a site is suitable for development. The plan can be submitted for staff review only or can go before the Planning Board for either a binding or non-binding decision. A Preliminary Plan of Subdivision must be filed within 90 days of the approval by the Planning Board for the Pre-Preliminary Plans.
An area within the Patuxent watershed critical to the Chesapeake Bay that may be included in plans and zoning ordinances. Preferred land uses within the PMA will be agriculture, forest, and recreation. State and local governments will ensure that land use practices within the PMA shall be of such a nature so as to have no (or minimal) adverse impact on water quality of the Patuxent River.
A building in which the principal use of the property is conducted.
Priority Funding Areas are Maryland communities and places, designated by the Smart Growth Priority Funding Areas Act of 1997, where State resources will be focused to encourage future growth.
Existing communities and places designated by local governments indicating where they want state investment to support future growth.
A type of Shared Road where pavement markings communicate bicyclist priority within a shared lane and guide bicyclists to ride outside of the door zone. Green-colored backgrounds and more frequent spacing make priority shared lane markings more conspicuous than standard shared lane markings (also known as sharrows). This treatment does not improve most bicyclists’ comfort in shared lanes with traffic.
Program Open Space is a State fund that provides technical and financial support to local governments for the planning, acquisition and/or development of recreation land or open space areas, including dedicated funding for Maryland’s state and local parks and conservation areas.
Required in certain zones where an applicant is requesting increased density in exchange for additional public or open space or amenities. Project plans are required in Central Business Districts and areas where increased density warrants the provision of additional public facilities and amenities. They are expected to show conformance with applicable master plans and may be approved, approved with conditions, or denied by the Planning Board. Project Plans were replaced by Sketch Plans and only exist as a legacy provision if applicants modify previously approved Project Plans.
One or more tracts that are under common control, operation, or ownership or are under one application.
A generally designated boundary line for recommended parkland acquisitions that may involve purchase agreements or dedications through the development approval process. They are normally established in master plans.
Specific traffic control devices that improve the safety and comfort of pedestrians and bicyclists crossing streets by reducing or eliminating conflicts, as well as increasing stopping and yielding for pedestrians and bicyclists, using measures such as traffic signals (full signals with pedestrian signals), pedestrian hybrid (HAWK) beacons, all-way stop control, or grade-separated crossings.
A collection of design elements to improve the safety and comfort of pedestrians and bicyclists crossing intersecting streets through reducing speeds of turning motor vehicles, increasing visibility of pedestrians and bicyclists, increasing yielding to pedestrians and bicyclists, reducing crossing distances and eliminating conflicts for bicyclists performing left turns.
An artwork that is located indoors or outdoors and is visually and/or physically accessible to the public at least eight hours per day.
A broad range of amenities or features that are provided through the development review process that enhance or contribute to the objectives of a zone or a master plan.
Any open space or built environment that is open to the public for access and enjoyment. Typically, the public realm includes roads, sidewalks, streetscapes, and public spaces. An expanded definition of public realm includes all that is visible from a public space. For example, building facades of private buildings as they line the streets or surround a public plaza are part of the experience of walking through the street or the plaza. A neon sign on a private building becomes part of the perception of the overall space.
A set of technical guidelines developed by the US Access Board. The guidelines help ensure that sidewalks, pedestrian street crossings, pedestrian signals and other facilities for pedestrian circulation and use constructed or altered in the public right-of-way by state and local governments are readily accessible to and usable by pedestrians with disabilities.
Open area or building space available for use and enjoyment by the public.
A cooperative arrangement between at least one public and one private sector entity to carry out a project or initiative.
A traffic signal function in which the pedestrian crossing phase is triggered manually by pushing a button to request the right-of-way.
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A residential structure that contains four units.
Short, dedicated lanes for transit vehicles that combine with either a leading transit interval or active signal priority to allow transit vehicles to bypass other traffic at intersections, effectively “jumping” over congestion.
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A social construct that artificially divides people into distinct groups based on characteristics such as physical appearance (including color), ancestral heritage, cultural affiliation, cultural history, ethnic classification, and the social, economic and political needs of a society at a given period.
Changes in policy, practice and allocation of County resources so that race or social justice constructs do not predict one’s success, while also improving opportunities and outcomes for all people.
In Montgomery County rail transit includes Metrorail, the Purple Line, and Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train service.
Crosswalks at sidewalk-level that span the entire width of the roadway.
An area designated on an approved and adopted general, master, sector, or functional plan as appropriate for development beyond its base density through the transfer of development rights.
A plat of subdivision recorded in the land records under the requirements of Chapter 50 of the county code.
Discriminatory real estate practices designed to prevent African American or other groups from obtaining mortgage loans in certain neighborhoods. In 1935, the Federal Home Loan Bank Board (FHLBB) asked the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) to look at 239 cities and create “residential security maps” to indicate the level of security for real estate investments in each surveyed city. On the maps, the newest areas— those considered desirable for lending purposes—were outlined in green and known as “Type A.” These were typically affluent suburbs on the outskirts of cities. “Type B” neighborhoods, outlined in blue, were considered “Still Desirable,” whereas older “Type C” were labeled “Declining” and outlined in yellow. “Type D” neighborhoods were outlined in red and were considered the riskiest for mortgage support. These neighborhoods tended to be the older districts in the center of cities; often they were also African American neighborhoods.
The creation of a biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants containing at least 100 trees per acre with at least 50 percent of those trees having the potential of attaining a 2-inch or greater diameter at breast height within 7 years.
An act of the Maryland State Legislature that assigns responsibility for planning, zoning, and subdivision to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. Seven municipalities in Montgomery County are not covered by this act: Rockville, Laytonsville, Gaithersburg, Barnesville, Poolesville, Brookeville and Washington Grove.
An Alley that serves residential zones.
A change to any lot line created by a previously recorded record plat. Resubdivision includes the assembly of recorded lots or parts of lots. A resubdivision is a subdivision.
A traffic rule that permits vehicles at a traffic light showing a red signal to turn right after making a complete stop after yielding to oncoming traffic.
A strip of land intended for use by the public. A public right-of-way is occupied or intended to be occupied by a road, bikeway, sidewalk, path, or transit facility, as well as any ancillary facilities such as storm drains and stormwater management facilities. Public utilities such as electric transmission lines, telephone lines, cable TV lines, gas mains, water mains, and sanitary sewers may be permitted in the public right-of-way. A public right-of-way may be obtained by dedication as part of the development process or purchased in whole or in part by a public agency.
A strip of land intended for travel and owned by a private person, group of persons, or corporation, or intended for use by a major utility. A private right-of-way may be occupied or intended to be occupied by a road, bikeway, sidewalk, path, or railroad. A private right-of-way may also be occupied or intended to be occupied by an electric transmission line, oil or gas pipeline, other utility, or for other special use. A private right-of-way must be shown on a record plat as separate and distinct from the adjoining lots or parcels and not be included within their dimensions.
A strip of land intended for travel by the public. A public right-of-way is occupied or intended to be occupied by a road, bikeway, sidewalk, path, or transit facility, as well as any ancillary facilities such as storm drains and stormwater management facilities. Public utilities such as electric transmission lines, telephone lines, cable TV lines, gas mains, water mains, and sanitary sewers may be permitted in the public right-of-way. A public right-of-way may be obtained by dedication as part of the development process or purchased in whole or in part by a public agency.
Road design standards developed by transportation agencies define how roads and roadway elements are to be designed. In the US, this is heavily influenced the Association of American State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) document titled ” A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets,” colloquially known as the “Green Book.”
A type of Street within the Agricultural Reserve or adjoining rural areas that enhances the rural character of the area due to its particular configuration, alignment, scenic quality, landscaping, adjacent views, and historic interest. These roads exemplify the rural and agricultural landscape of the county.
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Efforts by parents, schools, community leaders, and local, state, and federal governments to improve the health and well-being of children by enabling and encouraging them to walk and bicycle to school. A Safe Routes to School program can include encouragement, education, and engineering in service of this goal.
This allows planners to test the benefits and costs of potential alternatives in order to identify a preferred alternative to advance as the master plan recommendation. Includes Baseline Scenarios and Alternative Scenarios.
A contractual agreement to permanently preserve an area’s visual character.
The area around schools where speed limits are lowered below signed limits between school arrival and dismissal hours to reduce the likelihood of crashes involving students.
A comprehensive rezoning, initiated by the Planning Board or County Council, covering a section of the County and usually including several tracts of land. It normally takes place following adoption of a master plan. The County Council must hold a public hearing on a proposed sectional map amendment. Enactment of a sectional map amendment is considered a legislative action of the government and is intended as a comprehensive implementation of public policy; therefore it does not require, as does a local map amendment, a finding of a change in the character of the neighborhood or a mistake in the original zoning.
A type of Area Master Plan that covers a portion of a master plan area that is adjacent to transit or covering a central business district or other small area. For example: Takoma / Langley Crossroads Sector Plan, Kensington Sector Plan, and the MARC Rail Communities Sector Plan.
Land within the Agricultural Reserve, zoned AR, which can establish that is has transferable development rights, and wishes to sell those rights to properties within receiving areas.
A type of Separated Bikeway that combines the user experience of a sidepath with the on-street infrastructure of a conventional bike lane. They are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic and distinct from the sidewalk.
A type of Bikeway that provides physical separation from traffic and include sidepaths and separated bike lanes.
The minimum distance that a structure or parking area must be located from a specified lot line or right-of-way.
A rental housing unit where two or more people live and share rent, utilities, and other housing related costs.
A type of Bikeway that shares space with automobiles. They include neighborhood greenways in suburban areas, shared streets in urban areas and priority shared lane markings where there is insufficient space for a dedicated bikeway.
A curbless street that lacks the formal modal separation found in a Curbless or Conventional Street. Shared Streets provide a space that is shared by all modes of travel—pedestrians, people riding bicycles or scooters, and people driving cars mix in the same space. The street and public realm design emphasizes that cars are guests in the space, through traffic is discouraged, and motor vehicle speeds and volumes are extremely low. They can support a variety of land uses, including commercial, civic, entertainment, dining, and residential. Also a type of Shared Road bikeway.
A Sidepath when parallel to or within a road right-of-way or a Trail when in an independent right-of-way.
A woody plant, usually with multiple stems, each of which has a diameter at breast height of less than three inches. Shrubs are generally less than 20 feet tall at maturity.
A type of Separated Bikeway located parallel to and within the road right-of-way, providing two-way travel for walking, bicycling, jogging and skating. Also known as Shared Use Paths.
A roadway which is designed for both bicycle and motor vehicle travel and designated as a preferred route for bicycle use. This may be an existing local street, a street with wide curb lanes, or road with paved shoulders.
A building containing 3 or more dwelling units where each dwelling unit is separated vertically by a party wall.
One dwelling unit contained in a detached house building type.
A single-family home or unit is one primary residence on a recorded piece of land. A single-family detached home is a stand alone structure that does not share any walls with another housing unit. A duplex has two side-by-side units with a shared party wall. Duplexes are considered semidetached single-family units. Townhouses are considered attached single-family homes.
Neighborhoods that predominately include single family detached and/or attached homes. These neighborhoods are typically in zones that restrict other types of housing or development.
An area of land including all existing and proposed lots and parcels in one application, except proposed and previous dedications and rights-of-way.
A detailed plan, required only in certain zones, that shows proposed development on a site in relation to immediately adjacent areas. It indicates roads, walks, parking areas, buildings, landscaping, open space, recreation facilities, lighting, etc. Site plan review is required of all floating zones and of most overlay zones. It is also required in some zones when using optional method of development provisions. Further, certain parking facilities that fall under the provision of the off-street parking section of the Zoning Ordinance are also subject to site plan review. The Planning Board approves the site plan after preliminary subdivision plan approval and before building permits can be issued.
An illustrative plan, required only in certain zones that shows the maximum densities for residential and non-residential development, including building massing and height, locations of public use and other spaces, and the relationship to existing and proposed buildings and properties. A Sketch Plan is required for optional methods of development and is intended to provide circulation patterns and description of the public benefits proposed and incentive densities requested, as well as the phasing of the development and public benefits. The Planning Board approves the Sketch Plan prior to Preliminary Subdivision and Site Plan review.
The combination of trust, interpersonal relationships, a sense of belonging, shared norms and values, respect and appreciation for diversity, sense of mutual obligation and reciprocity, and other factors that contribute to the willingness and ability of members of a community to cooperate and communicate with each other effectively to achieve shared objectives.
The concept of fairness. Social justice is fairness as it manifests in society. It depends on four essential goals: human rights, access, participation, and equity. Social justice can’t be achieved without these four principles.
A geographic area where existing water resources and related environmental features are of high quality or unusually sensitive. In these areas, proposed land uses would threaten the quality or preservation of those resources if special water quality protection measures are not put in place. Special Protection Areas are designated by the County Council under Section 19-62(a) of the Montgomery County Code.
A tree that is a particularly impressive or unusual example of a species due to its size, shape, age, or any other trait that epitomizes the character of the species.
The rate at which something travels. Three concepts of speed in the transportation context include: Design Speed, Posted Speed, and Target Speed. Master plans establish the Target Speed of a road.
A device installed in a vehicle to limit the top speed that vehicle can achieve.
A pattern of low-density suburban development that is highly dependent upon the automobile as the main form of travel and is considered the source of today’s traffic congestion, environmental degradation and other issues associated with the growth of suburbs since at least World War II.
A plan that guides the sequence of development based on public policies, existing or planned infrastructure, market projections, trigger events, or funding. It may address land development strategies or organizational mechanisms, such as transportation management districts, capital improvements, or other public or private investments. The staging plan need not be date specific (also called a Phasing Plan).
A development method in which property is developed according to written standards of the Zoning Ordinance, without using the Optional Method of Development.
A type of roadway marking used to indicate a shared lane environment for bicycles and automobiles. These markings are places in the travel lane to indicate where people should preferably cycle.
The collection, conveyance, storage, treatment, and disposal of stormwater runoff to prevent accelerated channel erosion, increased flood damage, and degradation of water quality.
An undisturbed strip of natural vegetation contiguous with and parallel to the bank of a perennial, intermittent, or ephemeral stream which must be determined according to the latest version of the Environmental Guidelines.
A type of Trail located within a Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) stream valley park that provide two-way travel for people walking, bicycling and using other non-motorized modes of transportation.
A Street Function that provides local access to property and circulation within a small area. Includes Downtown Streets, Town Center Streets, Neighborhood Streets, Neighborhood Yield Streets, Industrial Streets, Shared Streets, Country Roads, Rustic Roads and Exceptional Rustic Roads.
A dining concept to create additional restaurant seating outdoors, especially with the use of temporary street closures.
The improvements within and adjoining a street right-of-way that influence our perception of streets. It includes the width of the roadway, street trees and landscaping, sidewalk/pavement, street lighting, and other street furniture.
A type of Bikeway that provides designated spaces for bicycling that are distinguished from traffic lanes and shoulders by striping and pavement markings and includes advisory bike lanes, buffered bike lanes, contra-flow bike lanes, and conventional bike lanes.
A combination of materials that requires permanent location on the ground or attachment to something having permanent location on the ground, including buildings and fences.
An above-ground or below-ground parking garage.
The division or assemblage of a lot, or parcel of land into one or more lots or parcels or other divisions for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of sale or development. The definition of subdivision does not include a bona fide division of exclusively agricultural land not for development purposes. A resubdivision is a subdivision.
Areas that have low-to moderate residential development intensity.
The practice of meeting the economic, social, and environmental needs of the present without compromising the ability to meet the needs of the future.
An approach to safety that involves proactively implementing improvements based on high-risk roadway features correlated with specific severe crash types. Systemic safety represents a shift from reacting to locations with a history of crashes to being more proactive.
T
The speed at which vehicles should operate on a roadway when all of the factors that influence operating speed are in place, including adjacent lane use, access to adjacent land use, building massing and setbacks, pedestrian and bicycle activity, road classification and function, traffic control, intersection spacing, traffic calming, posted speed limit, enforcement and roadway geometry. See also Speed.
A tool that subsidizes new development by refunding or diverting a portion of the tax increase resulting from redevelopment of a property to help finance development in an area or (less frequently) on a project site.
Montgomery County’s General Plan, a long-range guide for the development of a community.
The maximum amount of a pollutant that a body of water can receive while still meeting water quality standards. A TMDL establishes the maximum amount of a pollutant allowed in a waterbody and serves as the starting point or planning tool for restoring water quality.
Similar to Downtowns but generally feature less intense development and cover a smaller geographic area. They typically have high- to moderate-intensity residential development, including multi-family buildings and townhouses, and retail (existing or planned). Town centers share the following characteristics: a regional or neighborhood-serving retail node with housing and other uses; medium to high levels of pedestrian and bicyclist activity; medium levels of existing or planned transit service; a street grid that ties into the surrounding streets; continuous building frontage along streets, with some curb cuts; a mix of structured and underground parking as well as surface parking lots.
A type of Boulevard in a Town Center Area that serves a moderate to high volume of vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, or transit users. Access to abutting properties is allowed but generally not preferable. These roads were previously classified as major highways and arterials.
A type of Street in a Town Center Area that serves a larger share of pedestrians, bicyclists, or transit users. This road type is meant for circulation in commercial and mixed-use zones. Access to abutting properties is expected. These roads were previously classified as business streets.
Physical changes to a street or roadway used to improve safety by decreasing traffic speed and/or volume and/or improving visibility. Methods of traffic calming include traffic circles, speed humps, and curb extensions.
A set of strategies designed to implement Transportation Demand Management for a new or existing building, a new or existing development project, or an employer.
A type of Bikeway located outside of the road right-of-way. They provide two-way travel for people walking, bicycling and other nonmotorized users. Trails include off-street trails, stream valley park trails, and neighborhood connectors, or short paths that provide critical connections in the residential walking and bicycling network.
The conveyance of development rights, as authorized by law, to another tract of land and the recordation of that conveyance.
A system of shared transportation available to members of the public. Transit service generally uses a fixed schedule and has specific stops or stations where transit vehicles allow passengers to board and alight. There are many different kinds of transit vehicles, but in Montgomery County, they tend to include buses, commuter trains, heavy rail trains, and light rail trains. Also called Public Transit.
An area or development within a reasonable walking distance of bus routes and rail service.
A mixed-use development within walking distance (up to one-half mile) of a transit stop. TODs typically have sufficient development density to support frequent transit service and a mix of residential, retail, office, and public uses in a walkable environment, making it convenient for residents and employees to travel by transit, bicycle, or foot.
A right-of-way for transit service such as light rail or rapid bus. Transit vehicles can be located within a median, within lanes or to the side of vehicle lanes. Station locations are key destinations within a community.
An area that is typically delineated by census blocks or block groups for the purpose of collecting, tabulating, and analyzing data in a travel demand forecasting model.
Actions designed to alleviate traffic congestion by reducing dependence on the single-occupancy vehicle through transit, carpooling, and other alternatives.
A designated area established by local legislation that attempts to mitigate traffic congestion through a combination of public and private sector measures to improve transportation facilities and services, and reduce travel demand.
The organization established by County legislation that implements master-planned trip reduction goals through a combination of public and private sector measures to improve operation of transportation facilities and services, and reduce travel demand.
A set of transportation facilities including highways and roads, rail lines, transit facilities, trails, and bike paths that together form the transportation system of a jurisdiction or a region.
A series of mathematical relationships linked together in a sequential process that calculates expected travel patterns based on a given land use and transportation system scenario. Changes to land use patterns or the transportation system are reflected in the travel patterns forecasted by the model. Montgomery County’s mode uses the four-step modeling process: Trip Generation, Trip Distribution, Mode Choice, and Trip Assignment.
A large woody plant having one or several self-supporting stems or trunks and numerous branches that reach a height of at least 20 feet at maturity.
The layer of leaves, branches, and stems of trees that cover the ground when viewed from above and that can be measured as a percentage of a land area shaded by trees.
A plan approved by the Planning Board under Chapter 22A or Chapter 50 of the County Code, which covers individual trees or stands of trees to be saved as part of, or instead of, a forest conservation plan.
The fourth step of the four-step Travel Demand Forecasting Model that determines available routes of travel in a network and allocating the TAZ-to-TAZ trips to these routes according to one of a number of assignment model algorithms.
The second step of the Travel Demand Forecasting Model in which the number of trips between all pairs of Transportation Analysis Zones is determined.
The first step of the four-step Travel Demand Forecasting Model in which the number of trips that begin or end in each transportation analysis zone is determined.
Strategies to reduce congestion during peak commuting hours by encouraging travelers to use alternatives to driving alone, especially at the most congested times of the day. Alternatives include carpools, vanpools, public and private transit, bicycling, walking, compressed and flexible work schedules, and telecommuting.
A residential structure that contains three units.
U
Locations where sidewalks or designated walkways intersect a roadway at a location where no traffic control (traffic signal or STOP sign) is present.
A zoning district that is applied directly to the land as identified on the official zoning map. Often referenced in relation to overlay zones.
A vacant property or one that is developed at an amount less than permitted by the applicable zoning controls.
The process of giving form, shape, and character to the arrangement of buildings on specific sites, in whole neighborhoods, or throughout a community. Urban design blends architecture, landscaping, and city planning concepts to make an urban area accessible, attractive, and functional.
A County special purpose tax area for an urban location to develop and maintain communities that contain diversified commercial, residential and institutional development. An urban district is intended to provide streetscape maintenance and public amenities, promote commercial and residential interests of the area within the district’s boundaries, provide cultural and community activities, enhance and monitor the safety and security of the public and property, and provide any capital project that promotes the economic stability and growth of the district. Montgomery County’s urban districts are in Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Wheaton.
The best characteristics of cities and centers of human settlements including a compact building form; shorter distances between destinations; a mix of uses such as a mix of living and work places in a variety of buildings types in close proximity to each other; and streets that are safe for walking, biking and other forms of travel without being dominated by vehicles.
V
Permission, granted by the Board of Appeals, to depart from the literal requirements of a zoning ordinance. A variance cannot be contrary to public interests and must be based on findings that there are conditions specific to the property that prevent strict application of the regulations, that the variance from the regulations is the minimum relief necessary, that the variance causes no impairment to master plan goals, and that the variance is not detrimental to adjacent property.
The amount of travel for all vehicles in a geographic region over a given period.
The ratio of observed travel time to calculated travel time based on the fastest allowable speed for a given corridor. This ratio is translated into Level of Service (LOS) grades (A-F, A being the best) that can be used to describe road conditions and capacity for planning purposes.
A strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all.
A plan of activities to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries.
W
A term to describe the extent to which an area supports or encourages walking.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is a tri-jurisdictional public transit agency that operates transit service in the Washington metropolitan area.
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission is a water and wastewater utility the serves over 1,000 square miles in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.
A plan that indicates how the high quality or unusually sensitive water resources and environmental features in designated Special Protection Areas will be preserved or maintained within designated Special Protection Areas. Water Quality Plans are required under Section 19-60 of the County Code.
A State of Maryland required element of local comprehensive land use plans that identifies: (1) drinking water and other water resources that will be adequate for the needs of existing and future development proposed in the land use element of the plan; and, (2) suitable receiving waters and land areas to meet stormwater management and water quality standards and, (3) wastewater treatment and disposal adequacy for existing and future development proposed in the land use element of the plan.
A distinct water designation applied to each surface water by the Maryland Department of the Environment. The designated water use-class definitions, listing, and map are found in Appendix A of the Guidelines for Environmental Management of Development in Montgomery County.
The area within a topographic divide above a specified point on a stream that drains into that stream. The watershed boundaries in Montgomery Country correspond with the sub-basins defined in water quality regulations adopted by the Maryland Department of the Environment under Maryland State Code (COMAR) 26.08.02.08.
The planning framework underlying the 1964 General Plan for Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. The concept was created in 1960 for the entire Washington, DC, region. The corridors were the major interstate highways radiating out of Washington, DC, which was envisioned to be the major employment center of the region. Each corridor was meant to have a string of cities (corridor cities) designed to accommodate most future residential. The wedges were the triangular-shaped pieces of land between the corridors.
An area inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, under normal circumstances, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.
The State of Maryland defines Workforce Housing as Rental housing affordable for a household income between 50 and 100 percent of AMI or homeownership housing between 60 and 120 percent of AMI except for Maryland Mortgage Program target areas (60-150% AMI). In Montgomery County, Workforce Housing generally refers to the Workforce Housing program (WFHU), which are units set aside as affordable to households earning between 80 and 120 percent AMI.
XYZ
An area within which certain uses of land and buildings are permitted and certain others are prohibited; yards and other open spaces may be required; lot areas, building height limits, and other requirements are established; and all of the foregoing apply uniformly within the zone.
The practice of classifying different areas and properties in a jurisdiction into zones for the purpose of regulating the use and development of private land. Each zone specifies the permitted uses within each zone, the maximum size and bulk of buildings, the minimum required front, side and back yards, the minimum off-street parking, and other prerequisites to obtaining permission to build on a property.
The digital zoning map of the Maryland-Washington Regional District in the County, together with all amendments to the zoning map subsequently adopted.
A change in the zoning designation of a property or an area. Changes to an individual property or commonly controlled properties is also knows as a Local Map Amendment, and comprehensive changes to broad areas following the recommendations of a master plan are called a Sectional Map Amendment.
A legislative change to the text of the Zoning Ordinance.