CECIL COUNTY, MARYLAND

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

PLANNING

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS


OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Office of Economic Development originated as the Office of Economic Development, Tourism, and Agriculture.


DEPARTMENT OF LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

The Department of Land Use and Development Services was created by Executive Order in April 2017. At that time, under the new department, the former Department of Planning and Zoning reformed as the Planning and Zoning Division, and the former Department of Permits and Inspections reorganized as the Permits and Inspections Division. Also, the former Development Review Division of the Department of Public Works transferred to the new department as the Development Plans Review Division.

DEVELOPMENT PLANS REVIEW DIVISION
In April 2017, the Development Services Division of the Department of Public Works transferred to the Department of Land Use and Development Services and became the Development Plans Review Division.

Within the County, the Division is responsible for the review and approval of development projects. Infrastructure plans concerning roads, storm drains, water, and wastewater also are evaluated by the Division. In addition, it also evaluates grading permits and stormwater management plans.

PERMITS & INSPECTIONS DIVISION
The Department of Permits and Inspections was created in 1986. Reformed as the Permits and Inspections Division, it was made part of the Department of Land Use and Development Services in April 2017.

The Division accepts and processes applications for building and construction licenses, as well as applications for County building inspectors. Permits and licenses issued by the Division include improvements to electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems, as well as new construction. Permits are also required for the building or renovation of residential driveways, fences, pools, out-buildings, and yard grading. In addition, the Division issues Hawkers and Peddlers licenses, and licenses and inspects certain coin-operated machines and manufactured home parks located in the County.

New construction plans are reviewed by the Division, which also inspects rental properties for compliance with the County Rental Housing/Livability Code. Rental tenant grievances may be submitted to the Division, which reviews the compaint, and forwards it to the appropriate County inspector.

Working with numerous boards and agencies to ensure compliance of residents and contractors with State and local building and zoning regulations, the Division coordinates inspections of new and altered construction and buildings. Inspections are conducted by private contractors, reviewed by the Division, and approved by the County Council.

PLANNING & ZONING DIVISION
In April 2017, the former Department of Planning and Zoning reformed as the Planning and Zoning Division within Department of Land Use and Development Services.

The Division coordinates subdivision review, oversees the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area and flood management programs, and administers the Forest Conservation Act. The Division works to ensure that all land use complies with the County Zoning Ordinance, and that the goals and objectives of the County's Comprehensive Plan are implemented.

Matters relating to planning and zoning are governed by both State and County laws. The Maryland Forest Conservation Act, for example, requires all county governments to adopt local forest conservation programs (Chapter 255, Acts of 1991; Code Natural Resources Article, secs. 5-1601 through 5-1613).

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