Development & Zoning
Find development plans, municipal code, and learn more about development in Howard County.
Services
All Services
Adequate Public Facilities
View the Adequate Public Facilities ordinance.
Learn More
Administrative Appeal
File an appeal of an Administrative decision.
Learn More
Age-Restricted Adult Housing Guidelines
View the Age-Restricted Adult Housing Design Guidelines.
Learn More
Alternative Compliance
Submit an Alternative Compliance application.
Learn More
Alternative Compliance Map
View map of alternative compliance requests.
Learn More
Appeal Hearing Examiner
File an appeal of Hearing Examiner's decision.
Learn More
Buildable Lot Check
Request determination if a lot/parcel was legally created and buildable.
Learn More
Bulk Regulation Adjustment
Submit a request for Administrative Adjustment to the Bulk Regulations.
Learn More
Clarksville Pike Guidelines
View the Clarksville Pike Streetscape Plan and Design Guidelines.
Learn More
Columbia Final Development Plan Map
View map of Columbia Final Development Plans.
Community Plans
Learn about and view Community Plans.
Learn More
Conditional Use Petition
Submit a Conditional Use Petition.
Learn More
Construct New Dwelling
Construct a new dwelling prior to removing the existing dwelling.
Learn More
County General Plan
View the General Plan for Howard County.
Learn More
County Zoning Regulations
View the zoning regulations for Howard County.
Learn More
Design Advisory Panel Regulations
View the Design Advisory Panel regulations.
Learn More
Design Manual Waiver
Request a Design Manual Waiver.
Learn More
Development Plans In Review Map
View map of upcoming meetings, hearings and newly submitted plans.
Development Process
Learn about the development process in Howard County.
Learn More
Development Regulations
View the land development regulations for Howard County.
Learn More
District Map Line Adjustment
Submit a District Map Line Adjustment application.
Learn More
Downtown Columbia Guidelines
View the Downtown Columbia Design Guidelines.
Learn More
Engineering Design Manuals
View the Howard County Engineering Design Manuals.
Learn More
Environment Concept Plan
Submit an Environment Concept Plan application.
Learn More
Final Development Plan
Submit a Final Development Plan application.
Learn More
Final Plan
Submit a Final Plan application.
Learn More
Flood Information
Get information about floodplain and flood protection.
Learn More
Flood Mitigation Projects Map
View map of flood mitigation projects in Howard County.
Forest Conservation Easements Map
View map of forest conversation easements in Howard County.
Learn More
Home Occupation Application
Submit a Home-Based Occupation application.
Learn More
Howard County Code
View the Municipal Code for Howard County.
Learn More
Landscape Manual
View the Landscape Manual.
Learn More
Minor Adjustments
Submit a Minor Adjustment to the Final Development Plan application.
Learn More
Modify Conditions of Approval
Submit a petition to modify conditions of approval.
Learn More
MXD District Development
Submit a Preliminary Development Plan in a MXD Zoning District Petition.
Learn More
Nonconforming Use CLI Application
Submit a Nonconforming Use CLI Petition.
Learn More
Nonconforming Use Confirmation Petition
Submit a Nonconforming Use Confirmation Petition.
Learn More
Non-Residential Variance
Submit a Non-Residential Variance Petition.
Learn More
Originals Only Final Plat
Submit an "Originals Only" Final Plat application.
Learn More
Permitted Use Confirmation
Request a Permitted Use Confirmation Letter.
Learn More
Planning Board Hearing
Submit a Planning Board Public Hearing application.
Learn More
Preliminary Development Plan Amendment
Submit an amendment to a Preliminary Development Plan.
Learn More
Preliminary Plan
Submit a Preliminary Plan application.
Learn More
Preliminary Sketch Plan
Submit a Preliminary Equivalent Sketch Plan application.
Learn More
Preservation Easements Map
View map of preservation easements geolocations.
Receiving Plat Application
Submit a Density Sending and Receiving Plat application.
Learn More
Residential District Variance
Submit a Residential District Variance Petition.
Learn More
Route 1 Alternative Compliance
Request a Route 1 Manual Alternative Compliance.
Learn More
Route 1 Manual
View the Route 1 Manual.
Learn More
Route 40 Alternative Compliance
Request a Route 40 Design Manual Alternative Compliance.
Learn More
Route 40 Design Manual
View the Route 40 Design Manual.
Learn More
Scenic Roads Regulations
View the Scenic Roads regulations.
Learn More
Shipping Container Storage Application
Submit a Shipping Container as an Accessory Storage application.
Learn More
Sign Variance Petition
Submit a Sign Variance Petition.
Learn More
Simplified Environmental Concept Plan
Submit a Simplified Environmental Concept Plan application.
Learn More
Site Development Plan
Submit a Site Development Plan application.
Learn More
Sketch Plan
Submit a Sketch Plan Application.
Learn More
Stormwater Maintenance
Request maintenance of stormwater management facilities.
Learn More
Street/Highway Renaming
Submit a Renaming of a Street or Highway application.
Learn More
Subdivision Review Committee Special Subject Approval
Request a Special Subject, Change in Use, or Revisions Approval from SRC.
Learn More
Temporary Use Permit Application
Submit a Temporary Use Petition.
Learn More
Water & Sewer Final Plan
Submit a Water and Sewer Final Construction Plan.
Learn More
Water & Sewer Preliminary Plan
Submit a Water and Sewer Preliminary Construction Plan.
Learn More
Zoning Map Amendment
Submit a Zoning Map amendment.
Learn More
Zoning Regulation Amendment
Submit a Zoning Regulation amendment.
Learn More
Zoning Verification Letter
Request a Zoning Verification Letter.
Learn More
Copyright 2023 by Howard County, Maryland
- Services
- Activities & Outdoors
- Animals & Pets
- Business & Development
- Careers
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Financial Assistance
- Health
- Housing
- Payments
- Permits
- Public Records
- Public Safety
- Report an Issue
- Taxes
- Training Programs
- Transportation
- Trash & Recycling
- Volunteer & Donate
- Voting
- About Howard County
- History
- County Holidays
- County Symbols
- Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance Review Committee
- Administrative Charging Committee
- Adult Public Guardianship Review Board
- Advisory Board on Consumer Protection
- Affordable Housing Working Group
- Agricultural Preservation Board
- Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board
- Animal Matters Hearing Board
- Asian American Pacific Islander Commission
- Bicycle Advisory Group
- Board of Appeals
- Board of Elections
- Meeting Minutes
- Board of Election Resources
- Election Judges
- Election Results & Monthly Registration Reports
- Election Archives
- NVRA Monthly Statistical Reports
- Casting a Ballot
- Early Voting
- Mail-In Ballots & Mail-In Voting
- Polling Locations
- District 1
- District 2
- District 3
- District 4
- District 5
- District 6
- Workforce Development Board Career Pathways
- Courthouse P3 Project
- Howard County Circuit Courthouse Archives
- County Council
- County Executive
- Arts for All
- Clean & Sustainable Government
- Community Ambassador Program
- County Executive's Newsletter
- Ellicott City Safe and Sound
- Executive Orders & Speeches
- Innovation Fund
- Money Matters 2021
- Money Matters 2022
- Innovation Grants
- Public Wi-Fi Hotspots
- Youth Engagement Leadership Workgroup
- Youth Engagement Programming Grants
- Courthouse Security
- Domestic Violence Unit
- Landlord & Tenant Section
- Patrol Operations
- Prisoner Transport
- Warrant & Fugitive Section
- 2024 Proposed Local Legislation
- 2023 Proposed Local Legislation
- 2022 Proposed Local Legislation
- 2021 Proposed Local Legislation
- 2020 Proposed Local Legislation
- 2019 Session Proposed Local Legislation
- 2018 Session Proposed Local Legislation
- 2017 Session Proposed Local Legislation
- 2016 Session Proposed Local Legislation
- Past Maryland General Assembly Meetings
- ADA Coordination
- Aging & Independence
- 50+ Centers
- Bain 50+ Center
- East Columbia 50+ Center
- Elkridge 50+ Center
- Ellicott City 50+ Center
- Glenwood 50+ Center
- North Laurel 50+ Center
- Age-Friendly Action Plan
- Ageism Awareness
- Digital Education
- Project Holiday
- Adult Day Programs
- Caregiver Resources
- Medicaid Supports Planning Programs
- Supportive Services for Older Adults Program
- 50+ Fitness Centers
- Cycle2Health
- Emotional Wellness Resources
- Living Well
- Nutrition Education Resources
- Assisted Living
- Financial Resources for Assisted Living
- Senior Assisted Living Subsidy Program
- 50+ Connection
- Age-Friendly Action Plan
- OAI Digital Newsletter
- Resource Guide for Older Adults
- Budget Process
- Budget Publications
- Budget Testimony
- HoCoDASH
- Spending Affordability Advisory Committee
- Child Care Resource Center
- Assistance with Child Care Business
- Become A Registered Family Child Care Provider
- Child Care Resource Room
- Early Child Care Professionals
- Guide to Finding Quality Child Care
- Community Service Partnership (CSP) Program
- Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)
- HoCo Community Chat Podcast
- Consumer Protection Complaints
- Consumer Tips & Information
- Landlord Tenant Information
- Newsletters
- Peddling & Soliciting
- Scam Alerts
- Towing From Private Property
- Detention Center FAQs
- Facilities
- Policies & Procedures
- Programs
- Publications & Links
- Visitor Information
- Inmate 101
- Visiting Schedule
- Maryland Public Information Act
- 2024-2029 Howard County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
- Hazard Information
- Howard County Emergency Plans
- Local Emergency Planning Committee
- ReadyHoCo
- Accounts Payable
- American Rescue Plan (ARP) Funding
- State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Survey
- Alternate Payment & Document Processing Options
- Citations: Tickets, Red Light, School Bus and Speeding
- Disposable Bag Fee
- Miscellaneous Billing
- Personal Property Tax
- Real Property Tax
- Aging in Place Legislation: CB 23-2021
- About Us
- Annual Reports
- Awards
- EMS Excellence
- Fire Stations
- Our History
- Overview of Internal Review Safety Board
- Paramedic Program
- Partners
- Press Releases
- Profiles
- Profile: Captain Warren Porter
- Adopt-A-Hydrant
- Fire Prevention Expo
- First Alarm Fire Camp
- How to Donate Your Car
- Resources for Kids
- Child Safety Seats
- Fire Safety House
- Public Education Visits
- Safety Squad Videos
- School CPR
- Youth Fire Prevention and Intervention Program
- Fire Code Enforcement
- Fire Investigations
- Hazardous Materials Program
- Howard County Fire Code
- Kari's Law
- Mobile Food Vendor Inspection Program
- Office of the Fire Marshal
- Preparing for an Inspection
- Adoption & Foster Care Homes Pre-Inspection Checklist
- Burn Permits/Recreational Fire Permits
- Contact the Fire Marshal’s Office
- Fire Investigation Report
- Home Inspection Request Form
- Maryland Public Information Act
- Online Incident Report Request
- Public Education Requests
- Smoke Alarm Installation
- Assisted Living Course
- Bleeding Control Kit Training
- CPR Training
- Crowd Manager Course
- Fire & Fall Prevention
- Naloxone (Narcan) Training
- Access to Health Care Services
- Administrative Care Coordination Unit (A.C.C.U.)
- Maryland Children's Health Program
- Medical Assistance Transport
- Binge Drinking
- Child, Adult & Family Support
- Adult Coordination Services
- Behavioral Health Navigation
- Child/Adolescent Coordination Services
- Immigrant Behavioral Health Services
- Healthcare Provider Outreach Education
- Opioid Misuse Prevention
- Overdose Prevention Team
- Substance Use Dashboard
- Substance Use Education Awareness
- Being COVID-19 Positive
- COVID-19 Outbreaks
- COVID-19 Prevention
- COVID-19 Testing
- COVID-19 Vaccine
- Breast & Cervical Cancer Program
- Colorectal Cancer Program
- Tobacco Control Program
- Tobacco Sales Enforcement
- Tobacco/Vaping Use Prevention & Cessation
- Healthy Howard County
- Walk to School Staples
- Walktober
- We're Here For You
- Nuclear & Chemical Hazard Preparedness
- Community Hygiene Program
- Harmful Algal Blooms
- Mercury
- Mold
- PFAS - Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances
- Pet Store with Exotic Birds
- Pool Safety
- Public Pools & Spas
- Rabies Prevention
- Radium
- Radon
- Report an Animal Bite
- Report an Unhealthy Condition
- Rodent & Wildlife Control
- Tanning
- Well Water Testing
- Change of Restaurant Ownership
- Construction or Remodeling of a Food Service Facility
- Farmers Markets & Cottage Food Businesses
- Food Facility Information for Non-Profits
- Polystyrene Food Service Products Ban
- Temporary Food Event
- Adult Immunization
- Flu
- Hepatitis
- Monkeypox
- Tuberculosis
- Mosquito-borne Diseases
- Tick-borne Diseases
- Adolescent Health
- Child Fatality Review (CFR) / Fetal & Infant Mortality Review (FIMR)
- Childhood Immunization
- Family Options Program
- Infants & Toddlers Program
- Injury Prevention
- Lead
- Maternal Health
- PEACE Project
- School Based Wellness Centers
- HIV & AIDS Counseling & Testing Services
- PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) Program
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Program
- COVID-19 Housing Information
- Columbia Downtown Housing Corporation
- Community Planning & Grants
- Homeless Services
- Coalition To End Homelessness - Continuum Of Care
- Coordinated System of Homeless Services (CSHS)
- Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS)
- Homebuyer Education
- MIHU Open Enrollment
- Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) Program
- Settlement Downpayment Loan Program
- Benefit Plans
- 457(b) Deferred Compensation Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- General Benefits Information & Price Tags
- Health Insurance For Active Employees & Retirees
- Liberty Mutual Auto & Homeowners Insurance Discounts
- Life Insurance Benefits
- Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- United Legal Benefits Group Legal
- Voluntary Benefits
- Forms For Active Employees
- Retiree Health Insurance
- Retirement Applications
- Retirement Plan Committee
- Commissions & Workgroups
- Contests & Awards
- Equity & Restorative Practices Unit
- Forms & Applications
- How To File a Complaint, Case Processing & Services
- OHRE TV
- Outreach & Training
- Reports & Publications
- Forms & Fees
- Inspections & Enforcements
- Energy Code Conservation Information
- Inspection Requirements
- Report an Illegal Sign
- Marketing Analysis Reports
- Adopted Codes
- Code & Permit Process
- Energy Conservation Code Information
- Procedure For Online Commercial Interior Plan Submittal
- Champions of Change
- MultiService Center
- Youth Behavioral Health
- Assessment, Therapy & Medication
- Early Intervention
- Education
- Intensive Intervention
- Intervention
- Applications Forms & Fees
- Boards & Commissions
- Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board
- Design Advisory Panel
- Historic Preservation Commission
- Planning Board
- A Master Plan for Gateway
- Community and Master Plans
- Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan
- Long Reach Rising
- Oakland Mills Village Center
- Route 1/Washington Boulevard Corridor
- Agriculture
- Cemetery Preservation
- Environment
- Historic Planning
- Business Processes
- Large Format Imaging Services
- Professional Resources
- Public Service Counter
- Resident Resources
- Adequate Public Facilities
- Alternative Compliance
- Development Engineering Division
- Development Process & Procedures
- New Town Development Process & Procedures
- Community Indicators
- Demographic & Socioeconomic Data
- Development Activity
- Research Reports
- Code Enforcement
- Regulation Assessment
- Zoning Administration
- Zoning Regulations
- About Us
- Animal Control
- Body Worn Cameras
- Drones
- Hate-Bias Incidents (HBIs) & Hate Crimes
- Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program
- Maryland State Cannabis Law
- Mental Health
- School Resource Officers (SROs)
- Use of Force
- External School Bus Cameras
- Red Light Camera Program
- Report Traffic Complaints
- Speed Camera Program
- Bid Results
- Current Awards & Contracts
- Current Solicitations
- EBO Resources
- Environmentally Preferred Products
- Equal Business Opportunity Commission
- Equal Business Opportunity
- Local Business Initiative
- Surplus Property
- Vendor Guide
- Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise Program (VOBE)
- Contact Us
- GTV Program Schedule
- Social Media Comments Policy
- Bureau of Engineering
- Construction Inspection Division
- Survey Division
- Transportation & Special Projects Division
- Utility Design Division
- Alpha Ridge Landfill
- Alpha Ridge Landfill Gas-To-Energy Project
- Alpha Ridge Landfill Special Exception
- Composting Facility
- Transfer Station
- Household Hazardous Waste
- Residents' Convenience Center
- Special Events
- Wood Waste Area
- Apartment & Condo Recycling
- Backyard Composting
- Brochures & Outreach
- Business Recycling
- Feed The Green Bin
- Historic Ellicott City Trash & Recycling
- Holiday Trash & Recycling Schedule
- Merry Mulch
- Pumpkin Palooza
- Community Involvement
- FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps
- Plumtree & Tiber Watersheds
- Watershed Protection Fee
- Capital Projects Division
- Roadway Maintenance Division
- Adopt-A-Road Program
- Roadside Mowing
- Signage Maintenance
- Snow Removal
- Storm Drains
- Stormwater Management Maintenance
- Street Sweeping
- Tree Maintenance
- Customer Service
- Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Division
- LPWRP - Enhanced Nutrient Removal
- LPWRP Biosolids Project
- Accommodation Services
- Camps, Programs, Recreation & Fitness
- Child Care
- Facilities
- Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum
- Belmont Manor & Historic Park
- Bollman Truss Bridge
- Ellicott City Colored School, Restored
- Firehouse Museum
- Gary J. Arthur Community Center
- Harriet Tubman Cultural Center
- Kiwanis-Wallas Hall
- Meadowbrook Athletic Complex
- North Laurel Community Center
- Patapso Femal Institute Historic Park
- Pfeiffer's Corner Schoolhouse
- Robinson Nature Center
- Roger Carter Community Center
- Thomas Isaac Log Cabin
- Timbers at Troy
- Waverly Mansion
- Fishing & Boating
- Forestry
- Wildlife
- Alpha Ridge Park
- Atholton Park
- Belmont Manor & Historic Park
- Blandair Regional Park
- Cedar Lane Park
- Cedar Villa Heights Park
- Centennial Park
- Cypressmede Park
- David Force Natural Resource Area
- Dayton Oaks Park
- Dickinson Park
- East Columbia Library Park
- Font Hill Wetlands Park
- Guilford Park
- Hammond Park
- Harwood Park
- High Ridge Park
- Holiday Hills Park
- Huntington Park
- Lisbon Park
- Martin Road Park
- Meadowbrook Park
- Middle Patuxent Environmental Area
- North Laurel Park
- Patapsco Female Institute
- Poplar Springs Park
- Robinson Nature Center Trails
- Rockburn Branch Park
- Savage Park
- Schooley Mill Park
- Sewells Orchard Park
- South Branch Park
- Tiber Park
- Troy Park at Elkridge
- Warfield Pond Park
- Waterloo Park
- West Friendship Park
- Western Regional Park
- Worthington Dog Park
- Active Transportation
- Active Transportation Open House
- Active Transportation Open House 2021
- Active Transportation Open House 2022
- Scooter Permits
- Shared Electric Scooter Background
- Bicycle Advisory Group
- DC Metroplex BWI Community Roundtable
- Multimodal Transportation Board
- Complete Streets & Community Engagement
- Complete Streets Design Manual
- Complete Streets Implementation Team
- Complete Streets Infrastructure Improvement Projects
- Complete Streets Leadership Academies - US 1 Quick-Build Demonstration Project
- Land Use & Transportation Regulation Updates
- BikeHoward Express
- Broken Land Parkway Park & Ride Pathway Project
- Clarksville River Hill Street Study
- Columbia Road Traffic Operations Assessment & Complete Streets Study
- Dobbin Road Pathway
- Ellicott City – Oella Pedestrian Connections Feasibility Study
- Howard County Strategic Road Safety Plan
- Maryland 103, 104, 108 Corridor Study
- Maryland Route 99 Investigation
- Oakland Mills Road Complete Streets Project
- Priority Letter
- Robert Fulton Drive
- Tamar Drive Complete Streets Study
- Transportation on the US 1 Corridor
- US-29 Pedestrian & Bike Bridge Project
- Apply for Workforce Services
- Apprenticeships
- Job Fairs
- Workforce Development Board
- Workforce Development Centers
- Workforce Development for Businesses
- Workforce Development for Job Seekers
- Workforce Development for Youth
