Land Use and Zoning
Smart Growth for a Sustainable Future: Prince George’s County’s Plan 2035
Prince George’s County is changing how it grows over the next 20 years. Building new homes and businesses far from public transportation costs more money and harms the environment. In fact, at the time of writing Plan 2035 in 2015, 90% of approved but unbuilt development was outside the Capital Beltway, spreading out instead of staying close to transit stations and town centers.
To fix this problem, the County has created Plan2035, which focuses on smart growth. The plan aims to encourage the building of new homes, shops, and offices near Metro stations and other public transportation hubs. This will create walkable communities where people can easily get to work, go shopping, or enjoy entertainment without always needing a car. The plan also aims to protect farms and natural areas while helping existing neighborhoods thrive. By following Plan 2035 and growing in a more organized way, Prince George’s County can save money on roads and utilities while creating vibrant places where people want to live and work.
Land Use and Zoning Strategies
Land Use Policies
Prince George’s County is embarking on a transformative journey with Plan2035, a comprehensive strategy designed to guide land use and development over the next 20 years. This plan emphasizes smart growth by focusing on building vibrant, walkable communities near transit hubs, protecting rural and natural areas, and enhancing existing neighborhoods. By aligning development with public services and promoting regional collaboration, Plan2035 aims to create a sustainable, thriving future for all residents.
- Focus on Regional Transit Districts: Direct most new residential and employment growth to areas near transit stations.
- Limit Expansion in Rural Areas: Restrict public water and sewer expansion outside the Growth Boundary.
- Guidance for Future Plans: Use Plan2035 to guide land use policies for all future planning documents.
- Coordinate Development with Services: Phase new residential development to align with public facilities and services.
- Support Employment Growth: Encourage new employment growth in designated Employment Areas.
- Enhance Existing Communities: Strengthen and enhance existing residential areas and neighborhoods.
- Preserve Rural and Agricultural Areas: Protect agricultural and forest resources.
- Regional Collaboration: Participate in regional planning activities to address broader issues like transportation, sustainability, and housing.
Land Use Categories
According to the 2022 Economic Development Strategic Plan and the 2010 Prince George’s County Industrial Land Needs and Employment Study, several sectors offer strong growth potential:
- Federal government operations
- Business services
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Information and communication technology
- Advanced technology industries
The 2010 study also emphasized the importance of industrial production, distribution, and repair services.
About Zoning in the County
Zoning applications shape how Prince George’s County grows and develops. Whether you’re a resident, developer, or business owner, understanding the zoning process, application types, and land use decisions is essential—they influence daily life, community character, and investment opportunities for everyone.
Zoning Application Types
The county processes various zoning applications to manage land use and development:
- Zoning Map Amendments (ZMA): Requests to change the zoning designation of a property.
- Special Exceptions (SPE): Applications for land uses that require special approval due to potential impacts.
- Major Departures (MJD): Requests for significant deviations from standard zoning requirements.
- Detailed Site Plans (DET): Comprehensive plans detailing proposed developments.
- Preliminary Plans of Subdivision (PPS): Plans outlining the division of land into lots.
- Expedited Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD): Accelerated review for developments near transit hubs.
- Certification of Nonconforming Use (CNC): Process to certify existing uses or structures that don’t meet current zoning but were lawful when established..
Each application type has specific requirements and review processes to ensure compliance with the county’s Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations.
Zoning Categories
Effective April 1, 2022, Prince George’s County updated its zoning ordinance, streamlining and redefining zoning categories:
Residential Zones
- R-H (Multifamily High-Rise Residential): Designed for high-density residential developments, allowing up to 48.4 dwelling units per net acre.
Commercial Zones
- CN (Commercial, Neighborhood): Intended for neighborhood-serving commercial uses, promoting mixed-use developments with offices, retail, healthcare, and apartments.
Industrial Zones
- The county has consolidated industrial zones to reduce redundancy and promote a broader range of uses within the same zones.
Other
- Legacy Zones
- Overlay Zones
- Planned Development Zones
- Rural and Agricultural Zones, and
- Transit-Oriented /Activity Center Zones.
Application Process
The zoning application process involves several steps to ensure thorough review and public participation:
- Pre-Application Conference: Applicants meet with Planning Department staff to discuss submission requirements and procedures.
- Pre-Application Neighborhood Meeting: Required for certain applications (e.g., ZMA, SPE, DET) to inform and engage the community. Applicants must notify adjacent property owners, municipalities within one mile, and registered associations at least 30 days before the meeting.
- Application Submission: Applicants submit the necessary forms, fees, and supporting documents.
- Review Process: The Planning Department reviews applications for compliance with zoning and subdivision regulations, considering factors like land use compatibility and environmental impact.
- Public Hearings and Decisions: Some applications may require public hearings before the Planning Board or District Council for final decisions.
Applicants can choose to apply under the new zoning ordinance or the prior one, provided they justify the choice.
Resources and Forms
The Planning Department provides various resources to assist applicants:
- Application Forms, Fees, & Instructions: Comprehensive guides and checklists for zoning, subdivision, and urban design applications.
- Process Guidelines for Development Review Applications: Detailed procedures for application submission and review.
- Citizen’s Handbook: A reference guide for citizens on planning, zoning, and development review activities in the county.
Quick Links
Resources
Contact Us
For more detailed information or specific inquiries, you can contact the Prince George’s County Planning Department directly:
- Phone: 301-952-3530
- Email: PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org(PG County Planning, PG County Planning)
They can provide guidance tailored to your particular zoning or development interests.
