Zoning
Zoning is like the rulebook for how land is used and buildings are designed in a community. It decides things like how many buildings can be in one area, prevents incompatible uses next to each other, and allows more people to live in one place. However, it does not control specific brands of businesses, force certain businesses to move in, limit the number of cars in a neighborhood, or dictate architectural styles.
When people want to build or use land, their plans are checked to make sure they follow the Zoning Ordinance – the law that says what can be built and where. The zoning review phase of the development review process considers the reasonable use and unique features of each property to encourage responsible development.
Zoning applications are submitted for changing zoning maps, allowing special uses, granting exceptions, issuing permits, certifying existing uses, and allowing deviations. Applications are reviewed for adherence to the Prince George’s County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. The review often considers the reasonable use and unique physical characteristics of a property to facilitate responsible development.
Types of Zoning Applications
Zoning Map Amendment (ZMA)
A change to a conventional zone by the District Council. The District Council must determine that there has either been a substantial change in the character of the neighborhood or that a mistake was made either in the original zoning or the most recent sectional map amendment.
Zoning Map Amendment (ZMA)Permit within Proposed Right of Way (ROW)
In some cases, an applicant may request a permit for the construction of a structure such as a sign, gas station canopy, parking lot, or site work within a planned future right-of-way, with the understanding that the right-of-way may eventually be built or expanded into the area. This process provides a review of these structures and determines if they are appropriate based on established standards.
Permit Within Proposed Right of WayZoning Ordinance Interpretation (ZOI)
Zoning Ordinance Interpretation (ZOI) is a new process to provide formal written interpretations of any provision of the Zoning Ordinance. Interpretations may be of either the ordinance text, zone boundary, compliance with conditions of approval, whether an unlisted use is comparable to a listed use (i.e., should it be allowed or prohibited in a zone), or other provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. ZOIs may be initiated by any person having a contractual interest in land in the County.
Zoning Ordinance Interpretation (ZOI)
