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DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENT REVIEW

General Information:

The Division of Development Review coordinates the planning review and approval process for new development applications. Development Review staff are responsible for the timely review of applications for compliance with all of the applicable planning and zoning regulations which are collectively known as the Land Management Code (LMC). Through this important stage of the development process, the City assures that new construction is occurring in accordance with the long range visions for the community as established by the Comprehensive Plan.

Development Review staff provide technical support for the Zoning Board of Appeals as well as the City’s Planning Commission. Meeting schedules, agendas, and staff reports for both bodies can be found through the links provided at http://www.cityoffrederick.com/cms/page/index.php?id=150

For general information regarding zoning, development regulations, and the application process please contact the Planner on Call line at 301-600-1499.

Getting Started:

Prior to the submittal of a development application, the Division is available to discuss proposed projects through either a preliminary consultation or through the Pre-Application process.

Pre-Application Process:  The Pre-application Process is a mandatory component for the following development applications: 

• Final Site Plans
• Preliminary Subdivision Plats for developments of 5 or more units
• Area Plans
• Master Plans

In order to initiate this process, 10 copies of a sketch plan depicting the proposed development must be submitted along with a request letter providing a brief summary of the project. Upon receipt, the sketch plan will be routed to the applicable review agencies and resulting comments returned to Development Review in approximately two weeks. Upon completion of the review period, a pre-application meeting will be scheduled with the applicant to discuss the project in greater detail.

For those application types for which the Pre-Application Process is not required, a sketch plan may be submitted by an applicant at their option and will be processed as noted above.

Preliminary Consultation: In addition to the Pre-Application Process, Staff is also available, upon request, to informally discuss potential projects and provide initial information pertaining to the process.

For further information on either of the above noted options, please contact Gabrielle Dunn at (301) 600-1883.