About
The Planning Department administers the comprehensive land use plan, zoning and subdivision ordinances, provides geographical information and mapping services and maintains official street names and addresses in the unincorporated areas. The Montgomery County Code provides detailed information about various ordinances.
The use of land is greatly influenced by the Comprehensive Plan, subdivision ordinance, and zoning ordinances and subsequent zoning designations. For every parcel, there are certain uses that are allowed by right, and other uses that are allowed only under certain specific conditions established by the Board of Supervisors in granting a Special Use Permit. Some uses are not permitted under any circumstances. Any property owner may apply for a change in the zoning (rezoning) or special use permit. These applications are referred to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.