Real estate development is an essential component to broader economic progress within and across all communities in the county and region. To ensure proposed development aligns with community needs/interests, legal requirements, and the vision for the neighborhood’s future, the County established the development review process to intentionally engage a diverse array of stakeholders in an open, public process. Montgomery Planning encourages community members to evaluate the effects of a proposed development on neighborhoods and to participate in the Planning Department’s review. See below for ways to have your voice heard.
Opportunities for Community Involvement
Pre-submission community meeting
Prior to submitting certain plan types to Montgomery Planning for review, developers must host a community meeting. Community members can attend these meetings to learn more about a project and to ask questions or express concerns.
Development Review Committee (DRC) meeting
After the application is submitted, the Development Review Committee (DRC), an inter-agency task force comprised of representatives from public agencies and utilities, holds a meeting. Community members can attend DRC meetings via livestream but may not make comments.
View DRC agendas.
Testify at Planning Board public hearing or submit written testimony
When the Planning Board reviews the application, community members can testify in person at the Planning Board hearing or submit written testimony by letter or email. Agendas are available two weeks before the hearing.
Review agendas and staff reports for upcoming Planning Board meetings.
Engage with the lead reviewer
The lead reviewer is the main point of contact for questions and concerns about submitted plans. You can request a meeting with the lead reviewer to discuss relevant issues or submit written or e-mailed comments to them at any time during the plan review process, which will become part of the official record. You can find contact information for the lead reviewer on the application’s page on the DAIC website.
You can also call the Montgomery Planning Information Counter to find out who the lead reviewer is at 301-495-4610. Please note that lead reviewer will not be assigned until the application is submitted.