Real-time Tracker and new Forest Conservation Plan exemption application aim to make the review and approvals process more efficient and transparent
SILVER SPRING, MD – The Montgomery Planning Department, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, continues to come up with new ways to improve the development review process. One initiative greatly simplifies the application required for certain forest conservation exemptions while the other lets developers, their consultants and the public see exactly where an application is in the review process and how long each step of the process is taking.
“Improving the development review process is a top priority for us,” says Planning Director Gwen Wright. “We have recently launched new tools on our website to streamline the process and make it more transparent so doing business in the County is easier and more predictable.”
Real Time Tracker
The new County Zoning Ordinance that went into effect on October 30, 2014 requires a 120 day review schedule for site plans. This tool allows applicants to check on the progress of a site plan application that was submitted after the October effective date. It also shows whether delays that are identified are being caused by the applicant or by staff
The Tracker is now part of the Development Finder website, launched on October 7, 2014. That site offers an interactive map of the County and allows users to put in an address to see what projects are happening nearby or to enter a simple term like “Wheaton” to learn about current projects in that entire area. From this window, users can access the Development Activity Information Center (DAIC), which allows the viewer to see all the plans, staff reports, and other documents associated with the review of a plan. Clicking on the Real Time Tracker icon on this web page takes you to a timeline that shows everything from the accepted date of the application to the Planning Board’s decision on the project.
Forest Conservation Plan Exemption
Projects submitted to the Planning Department for review need either a forest conservation plan or a forest conservation exemption. Although an exemption can usually be approved fairly quickly, documentation to support a forest conservation exemption has been long and cumbersome. Under the new process, if a project is being changed in a way that requires no land disturbance (e.g. restriping parking spaces to increase or reduce the number provided) or there are no specimen trees or forest on the property, a simplified application is available.
Applicants who qualify will complete a newly created, one-page form attesting that their project qualifies for the exemption. No application fee will be charged for filling out this form. Applicants will make the exemption request at the same time they submit a development plan application or a special exception application to the Department. Planning staff will review and approve the forest conservation plan exemption request as the same time as they review the entire development application for consistency with the submission requirements.
Learn more about the Montgomery Planning Development Review Process.