Whether building a fence, shed, deck, an addition to a home, or constructing a commercial building, a development proposal must comply with the zoning of the property. Because there are a variety of zoning requirements, there are Development Review procedures within the City of Gaithersburg that are specific to the request. Gaithersburg’s Planning Division is here to assist with the development process.

New Zoning Ordinance

The City comprehensively revised Chapter 24 of the City Code, Zoning, through an 18-month process and initiative known as the “Retool Gaithersburg” project, which was approved on July 15, 2024. For any questions related to the Zoning Code, please contact the Planner of the Day at 301-258-6330 or submit your question to planning@gaithersburgmd.gov. 

On this page you can:

• Learn how to use the new Zoning Code by clicking on Navigating the Zoning Ordinance.
• View the City Zoning Map to identify zoning classifications for specific properties.
• View a Decision Matrix to understand how various planning applications are processed.
• Review a user-friendly version of Chapter 24.
• Access the City Fee Schedule to review the various planning application fees.

Planner of the Day Assistance

The Planning Division provides Planner of the Day services to assist the general public and developers and answer any zoning and development related questions.

This service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can reach a professional Planner over the phone at 301-258-6330, via email at planning@gaithersburgmd.gov, and in person at City Hall, 31 S. Summit Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877.