WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET
FY 2026
Planning and Zoning - Department 10800
Contact: Jill Baker
Department Description/Function
The Department of Planning and Zoning is responsible for establishing and implementing short- and long- term land use planning goals that help maintain a balanced and diversified land base for our community. Short term planning activities include review of subdivision and development plans for compliance with County, State and Federal regulatory ordinances. Long term planning activities carried out by the department are continual analysis and maintenance of land development planning documents such as the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and Forest Conservation Ordinance as well as functional plans such as the Water and Sewerage Plan, Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan and the Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan. In addition to planning for future land development, the Department administers the County land preservation program and conducts historic resources preservation initiatives. Zoning activities within the Department include review of building permits, development plans, and administration of the Board of Zoning Appeals. In support of all planning and zoning activities the Department has a robust Geographic Information System (GIS) staff, creating, and maintaining mapping data and layers for map production to be used in planning documents and on an as needed project basis.
Goals Fiscal Year 2026
Begin the update of the Water and Sewerage Plan. First steps will include advertising for a consultant and beginning data collection. Continue an address correction public awareness campaign and implement strategy in preparation for Next Generation 911. Continue to maximize our land preservation efforts through various state and local programs. Develop a historic restoration grant program. Amend the zoning ordinance to organize all principal, special exception and accessory uses into one user friendly chart.
Accomplishments Fiscal Year 2025
Achieved FY2025 goal of having the Comprehensive 10-year update approved. Achieved the FY2025 goal of completing the address correction process related to NextGen 911 in the Boonsboro Fire District. This brings the total to nine districts being completed out of 17. Permanently preserved 2,216 acres of land in Washington County through various land preservation programs. Developed a Memorandum of Agreement with Towns so that structures in the municipality may take advantage of the updated historic tax credit program. Approved subdivision applications in the department creating 464 new lots of record. Approved 23 commercial site plans with a total gross building area of 468,253 square feet thereby advancing economic development efforts.
2026 Budget Document
208
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