Planning Commission Memo
MEETING DATE: July 22, 2026
REPORT DATE: July 15, 2026
RESPONSIBLE STAFF: Jim Wasilak, AICP
Chief of Zoning
SUBJECT:
title
Approval of a Resolution to Authorize the Chief of Zoning to Approve Final Record Plat Applications for Minor Subdivisions
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BACKGROUND:
The Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland provides that planning commissions of local jurisdictions may authorize an administrative officer to approve subdivision plats and site plans based on nondiscretionary criteria.
The Mayor and Council adopted Ordinance No. 6-26 on June 29, 2026, adopting an entirely new Zoning Ordinance that will replace the current Chapter 25 of the City Code.
Section 25.12.2.1(d) of the new Zoning Ordinance provides that the Approving Authority for Minor Subdivision applications is the Chief of Zoning, which utilizes the permission granted by the Land Use Article. Per the new code, the following subdivisions are minor subdivisions:
1. Subdivision of land involving four or fewer lots fronting on an existing street;
2. Adjustment of a common property line between two or more existing record lots;
3. Consolidation of two or more lots into one lot;
4. A plat of correction;
5. Replacing a parcel to incorporate land dedicated to public use that has been abandoned or otherwise disposed of, including public right-of-way;
6. Replacing a parcel to reflect the dedication of land to public use, including right-of way, public easements, and donations and gifts of land to the public;
7. Conversion of a part of a lot into a record lot; and
8. Platting of a qualifying undersize lot under Sec. 25.12.5.2(e).
The required finding to be made by the Chief of Zoning is that the plat application must comply with all requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.
DISCUSSION:
In order to fully implement this permission, the Planning Commission must take action to authorize the Chief of Zoning to approve Final Record Plat applications that are submitted, based on the nondiscretionary criteria included in the new code. Adoption of the attached resolution will memorialize that action.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt the resolution.