The Montgomery
County, Maryland Experience
As
Montgomery County continues to
attract an increasingly diverse, technologically savvy, well-educated
population, the Planning Department focuses its skills and talents to bring
high-quality design in both form and function to all areas, from central
business districts to rural villages and improve quality of life by conserving
and enhancing the natural and built environment for current and future
generations.
Community Planning great communities are created by developing master plans, reviewing
applications for development and analyzing
information to help public officials plan the future. Multi-disciplinary
geographic teams with regulatory as well as community planning functions lead
to better integration and more balanced decision-making. Staff also provide
recommendations, information, analysis and services to the Planning Board, the
County Council, the County Executive, other government agencies and the general
public.
The Environment sustainability and a reduced carbon footprint contribute to healthier
communities by
o assisting property owners to improve or develop their properties
o analyzing natural resources for community planning
o reviewing development applications, and
o participating in efforts to promote environmental sustainability for residents
and visitors.
Reduce Transit Times and Travel Cost on Your Next Trip
Sustainable
communities are created by addressing resource
protection, climate change, air quality, water quality and availability, human
health and well-being.
Historic Preservation is supported by providing identification, designation, and
regulation of historic sites in Montgomery County. Staff maintains an
archive and library of documentation on historic resources and provides
preservation outreach and guidance on best-practices to the public.
Transportation Planning entails detailed analyses of transportation issues and
improvements needed to support expected growth during master plan preparation
as well as planned improvements. A biennial Mobility Assessment report plays an
integral role in developing recommendations for growth policies matching
transport services with new development.
Urban Designers establish guidelines, blend architecture, landscape architecture,
and environmental stewardship, resulting in:
o Street Character improving the
character of the street system, promoting walking, providing easy access to
transit, creating inviting connections to services
o Open Spaces establishing
open space systems designed to serve people of all ages and needs, providing a
variety of urban spaces - plazas, urban parks and town commons - connected by a
system of greenways and sidewalks
o Building Form and Character fostering
the design of buildings that shape public streets and open spaces, density,
building heights, setbacks from the curb, and parking locations
o Landmarks and Gateways preserving
and highlighting the elements that make a community unique and increasing
access to historic resources.
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