Business Processes

Department Business Processes

The Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) offers in-person service delivery. Some staff work remotely up to two days a week, so most meetings are offered in a hybrid format. When scheduling a meeting, please indicate if you prefer participants to all be in-person, all be virtual, or a hybrid. We will do our best to accommodate your preference in a timely manner. 

Division Of Land Development (DLD)

All subdivision and site development plans are reviewed through the electronic submission process (PDox). Redlines are processed through the Development Engineering Division (DED).  Please contact Jeff Pickett at jepickett@howardcountymd.gov with questions regarding this process.

Electronic Signature Process: DPZ accepts plan submissions for Electronic Signatures. The development review process remains the same up to the Technically Complete (TC) stage. Plan submissions are uploaded electronically through ProjectDox (PDox) and routed to all Agency reviewers electronically for signatures. This process averages a 3 week turn around for all signatures from date of submission. This process saves 4-6 weeks in review time as compared to the prior physical signature process. For more information, go to the Other Processes and Procedures section on the Development Process and Procedures page.

Appointments: Applicants may request an in-person intake appointment by contacting Justin Schleicher at jschleicher@howardcountymd.gov.  Materials can also be scanned and emailed to DPZ using the link below or submitted via drop box as described below. DPZ will collect drop box items daily and will process them from 8:30 am-11:00 am.

Paper and Mylar Submissions: Physical plan submissions can be mailed to Howard County Planning and Zoning, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043 or dropped into the bin labeled ‘DLD’ in the George Howard Building lobby. This bin is checked multiple times throughout each day and intake processing of materials occurs daily between the hours of 8:30 am-11:00 am. Materials dropped off by specific request of DPZ staff are generally circulated to those staff members the same day. Applicants who are dropping off payment or plans which have a deadline that same day are encouraged to make those submissions before 11:00 am and to contact DLD intake staff directly to alert them. Applicants may also request an in-person paper and mylar submission appointment with DLD Intake staff by emailing Justin Schleicher at jschleicher@howardcountymd.gov. Residential walk-thru permits must be scheduled with DLD Intake staff and DED intake staff (jepickett@howardcountymd.gov).

Payments: Fees can be paid at the Cashier’s Office. Applicants may also mail in payment, drop off a payment check in the metal drop box located outside the George Howard Building, or place it in the DLD drop box. Please secure payments in an envelope and send them attention to Department of Planning and Zoning. Receipt forms can be filled out digitally, and once the check is received, DPZ staff will deposit it with the cashier. A copy of the receipt will be emailed at the applicant’s request. 

Notification Signs: Signs notifying the community about a project in for review must be paid for in advance and can be picked up at the front desk of the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.  

Contact Info: 

Planners will be available via email and phone to help answer questions.

• For general inquiries or to speak with the planner or engineer of the day, please call 410-313-2350 or email us using the link below.
• For information related to agricultural preservation, historic preservation, historic preservation applications, or for a demolition form, call 410-313-2350 or email us using the link below.
• Contact information for individual programs can be found on the website, as well as applications, forms, and fees.