Office of Zoning Administration

(Building) Lot creation, formally known as "subdivision", is a process whereby any land which is divided or proposed to be divided into one or more new lots, parcels, sites or plots for: (1) the purpose of transfer; (2) sale; (3) building development; or (4) resubdivision. The process requires the preparation and submittal of "a plat" for review and approval by assorted County agencies and other governmental or semi-governmental agencies. The process is initiated through a "sketch plan conference". Subdivisions are classified by two types: Minor and Major. 

Minor Subdivisions: The division of a parcel of land into a number of lots, at one time or over a period of time, according to the following formula and criteria shall be considered a minor subdivision. When the number of lots being created exceeds that allowed by the criteria, then any further subdivision shall be as a major subdivision. 

Major Subdivisions: All subdivisions not classified as minor subdivisions or as lot splits are major subdivisions. All lots created in a major subdivision must have access to a road or street which is constructed to state or County standards and is in a publicly maintained system. All lots in a major subdivision must be served by either water or sewer systems per the Maryland subdivision regulations as administered by the state. The state may require extensions of both water and sewer systems where lots are within a sanitary district or within 1,000 feet of existing available utility service from a water or sewer system. 

The creation of one lot warrants the need for a subdivision plat. Generally, lots created after March 3, 1972, are subject to the subdivision regulations and the subdivision plat review and approval process. This process is similar to the County's permit clearing house process whereby the Department of Planning & Zoning coordinates the review and approval of all required approval agencies. Plats are prepared by professional surveyors or engineers in accordance with County and State Law. 

Lots created prior to March 3, 1972, may be classed as a Lot(s) of Record. Generally, these lots need no further survey work for a permit.