The Planning Division provides services and information for current zoning and development matters, updates the City Master Plan, and provides staff support to the Planning Commission, Historic District Commission & Board of Appeals.

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Planning Staff Directory
• Maps & Planning Publications

Getting Started

Applications for most planning reviews can be found on this page under Applications & Forms. Applications may be submitted in person at City Hall, by phone at 301-258-6330, by fax at 301-258-6336, or by email at plancode@gaithersburgmd.gov. Payment of application fees can be accepted only in person at City Hall or by phone and must be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover). Certain applications have digital submission requirements that must be followed:

• Permit & Plan Digital Submission Requirements
• Digital Submission Templates (zip file)
• Schedule of Fees

Services We Provide

Adequate Public Facilities

The City has adopted an Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance to control & manage growth in an orderly, efficient, cohesive & safe manner consistent with the economic & land use planning policies of the City & for the health, safety & welfare of the public.

City Master Plan

The Master Plan acts as a guide to public and private actions & decisions to ensure the development of public & private property in appropriate ways.

Development Review & Zoning

Whether building a fence, shed, deck, an addition to a home, or constructing a commercial building, the proposal must comply with the zoning of the property.

Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation is an effective tool for revitalizing neighborhoods & fostering Gaithersburg’s sense of place, pride & character.

Long Range Planning

The Planning Department’s long range planning function develops a coordinated, comprehensive general planning program for quality growth & development of the City that balances social, economic & environmental goals.

Planning Awards

The Planning Awards recognizes development projects in the City that demonstrates best practices in planning & design.

Review Applications Online

The status and details of any planning review application may be viewed online here.

This capability allows the public the ability to track development activity within the City by reviewing plans & permits, then following them through the review process. These new capabilities are also part of an ongoing effort to improve efficiency & streamline workflow for City staff, who currently utilize this software internally to manage a variety of permits, inspections, plans, licenses, service requests & citations.