Planning & Zoning

Information about Washington County, MD Planning & Zoning

Current as of 11/26/2022

The Washington County 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. Some of the activities carried out by the department are continual analysis and maintenance of land use and infrastructure planning documents such as the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and Forest Conservation Ordinance; contains GIS Mapping Support and Data Services; and administers several Federal, State, and local Land Preservation programs. In addition, the Department serves as support staff for the Planning Commission. For more information on any of these activities, click on the links to the left.

Mission:

To inform and guide the Board of County Commissioners in making informed and balanced decisions about preparing for change, managing future growth and protecting our unique environment and cultural resources. This will be accomplished through facilitating the exchange of information and ideas between the Planning Commission, County Commissioners and the citizens of Washington County.

Vision:

To cultivate a sustainable community of infrastructure and attitude that embraces a common goal of growth management and resource protection resulting in a variety of opportunities for a diverse population to attain each individuals’ needs, goals, prosperity and dreams.