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Development Review

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1. Where can I get a copy of my deed, plat, site plan or improvement plan?

Deed(s)- Frederick County Courthouse at 301-600-2570
Recorded Plat(s)- 30 North Market Street, 3rd floor 301-600-1139
Approved Site Pans-30 North Market Street, 3rd floor 301-600-2330
Improvement Plans- 30 North Market Street, 3rd floor 301-600-1106

2. How do I check the zoning of my property?

Visit the Zoning website (web path: departments/permits & development/ planning/zoning) for zoning descriptions and tax maps to view the current zoning of various properties. Questions should be directed to 301-600-2572. Zoning website

3. How can I review the current status for development plans, permit status, inspection, code, etc.?

You can check the status online at the Project & Permit Inquiry (web path: departments, permits & development/permitting & development review/check permit project status). Online Permit & Project Inquiry

4. How do I find out if my land can be subdivided?

Please reference the guide entitled “How to determine subdivision rights” located online (web path: departments/permits & development/permitting & development review/development review planning/applications/lot of record,sub potential,site plan verification) How to determine subdivision rights guide

5. What future development plans are being considered?

Proposed development plans can be found by visiting the Planning Commission website. A monthly development report also highlights major projects under review. Please visit Development Review Planning to access the Planning Commission and Development Activity websites. Development Review Planning

6. What is Adequate Public Facilities (APFO)?

APFO is the requirement that must be met to provide sufficient public facilities necessary to accommodate development impacts on schools, roads, emergency services (pending), and water & sewer. Contact Ron Burns at 301-600-6742 for questions. Ordinance

7. What is Forest Resource Ordinance (FRO)?

FRO is the County’s adopted version of the Maryland Forest Conservation Act and is designed to protect and enhance forests in Frederick County. For more information about the Forest Resource Program, including development mitigation requirements, the forest banking program, forest planting projects, and the ecological information visit the FRO website. For additional questions, please contact Mike Wilkins at 301-600-2329. FRO website

8. What are impact fees?

Impact Fees are required on all new development to cover a proportionate share of the costs for capital facilities necessary to accommodate development impacts on public schools and libraries to ensure adequate public facilities are available in a timely and well-planned manner. More information on this and the fee schedule can be found by visiting the fee website. Contact Linda Williamson at 301-600-1139 with questions. Fee website

9. When are Planning Commission items scheduled?

Planning Commission for Development Review meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Visit the Planning Commission for information on agendas, minutes and staff reports. Planning Commission website

10. How long does the planning review process take?

Subdivision applications are routed for agency review and comments to be due within 3 weeks. Site Plan and Preliminary submissions plans are routed for agency review and initial comments within 3 weeks and subsequent reviews comments are routed for comment due within 2 weeks. Please find specifics on the initial review timeframes (web path: departments/permits & development/permitting & development review/development review planning/submittal process). Initial Review Timeframes

11. How long does the engineering review process take?

Construction Drawings are routed with a due date of 3 weeks. Second submissions are routed with a due date of 2 weeks, and all subsequent submissions are routed with a due date of 3 weeks. Engineering modifications, waivers and supporting documents are routed with a due date of 2 weeks. Engineering Field Revisions are routed with a due date of 1 week. Please review specific at the initial review timeframes (web path: departments/permits & development/permitting & development review/development review engineering). Initial Review timeframes