Planning and Zoning - This review is performed by a representative of the Office of Planning and Zoning, Development Division who checks items such as whether the lot is a legal lot, within a floodplain or airport zone, subject to impact fees and that the proposed structure(s) meet setback requirements for existing zoning. Inability to meet minimum requisites of this review may result in requirements for subdivision approval, execution of a lot merger agreement, variance to zoning regulations or possibly an airport zoning permit, if the site lies within a designated airport zone. Any applicable school, transportation or public safety impact fees must be paid prior to the issuance of permits.
Environment - This review is performed by the Office of Planning and Zoning, Development Division, to check for compliance with the County’s Critical Area Program, Bog Protection Program and implementation of the State Forest Conservation Act. Items checked are critical area buffers, impervious surfaces, habitat protection area (e.g. wetlands, rare/threatened/endangered species, etc.), steep slopes and bog protection areas. Requirements generated by this section may include reforestation fees/bonds/agreements, a conservation easement and/or approval from State/Federal regulatory agencies.
Public Works - This is one half of an on-site inspection performed by a representative of the Environmental Programs Section. Items checked are drainage to and through the site, adequate outfall for that drainage, condition or existence of abutting roadways, sight distance checks at access point(s) and review of the record plat for notes pertaining to site improvements required at subdivision approval. Requirements generated by on-site inspection and review of plat notes may include a storm drainage study, grading plan, on-site stormwater management system, road improvements and any supporting plans, documentation or agreements for the above. Note: Stormwater Management is required for all development in the critical area.
Grading - This review is the remainder of the on-site inspection performed by the Grading Inspector. It consists of an actual field check for compliance with the Standard Grading Plan Application limitations and requirements pertaining to grading and sediment control. If the site or proposed work does not meet that criteria as outlined, it will be required that a Grading Permit Package be submitted and approved prior to issuance of the building permit. Additionally, if the on-site inspection reveals evidence of non-tidal wetlands, the Office of Planning and Zoning, Development Division will be notified for verification since work in these areas may require State and / or Federal government approval.
Utilities - Review performed on all single family dwelling building permits by the Office of Planning and Zoning, Development Division. This review determines the availability of public water and / or wastewater service to the building site. In addition to requiring developers of lots abutting public utilities to connect to available services, County policy mandates that developers of lots within 50 feet of existing public utilities extend those services and connect to public water and / or sewerage, as applicable. If the site is within a water quality problem area, as identified by the Health Department, and is within 300 feet of public water service, developers will be required to extend and connect to public water service.
Health - This review is carried out by a representative of the Environmental Health Section of the Health Department and is required when water will be supplied by a private well. This ensures that placement of the well meets setback requirements from existing and proposed septic systems, sewer connections, stormwater management facilities and structures, all of which may adversely impact a private water supply.
Plans - The Plan Review Section reviews the residential construction plans to check compliance with local, state and national construction codes as adopted and amended by Anne Arundel County. Construction plans not conforming to the County Code will be marked to indicate minimum standards. Plans with major conformance problems will be rejected and returned with comments detailing items to be corrected for re-submittal. It is the developer’s responsibility to ensure that all construction complies with Code requirements as indicated on the construction plans approved for use in the field.
State Highway Administration (SHA) - This review is performed on all residential building permits by a representative of SHA. If access to a building site will be gained from a State highway or road, developers will be required to obtain a residential entrance permit from that agency prior to issuance of the pending building permit. This review ensures access point(s) do not create traffic hazards on State thoroughfares. SHA will coordinate this process and charges no fees for this permit.
Allocations - This function is actually verification that public water and / or sewer service allotments are available to building sites served by public utilities. Allocations are not assigned until other necessary approvals have been granted. Therefore, applicants checking status on residential building permits should not be alarmed that the Allocations status remains “required” throughout the review process.
