FAQs • Westminster, MD • CivicEngage

Are the developer and/or engineer required to attend the meeting in order to obtain an approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission?: No, but the developer and/or engineer and other interested parties are strongly encouraged to attend. If specific questions arise that the staff cannot answer, there is the possibility that plan approval could be delayed until a later date.

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Development Review

1. What is the difference between a Site Plan and a Simplified Site Plan?: A Site Plan is a very detailed drawing that is required for land development. A Simplified Site Plan is for less intensive projects that meet the requirements of Section 164-209 of the City Code. The Director of Community Planning and Development reviews and approves Simplified Site Plans.

2. How do I submit a proposed development plan to the City of Westminster?: A pre-submittal meeting must be set up with Carroll County Bureau of Development Review at 410-386-2722. The county sets up all pre-submittal conferences with both County and City Staff.

3. Where is the pre-submittal meeting held?: City of Westminster offices are located at: 45 W. Main St. Westminster MD 21157 Ph: 410-848-9002.

4. How do I get my Letter or Credit or Surety Bond reduced?: The owner / developer must complete and submit an Application and Certificate for Payment to the City (410-848-9002) to process the request for release with City inspection staff.

5. What is the Letter or Credit or Surety Bond and why is it required?: A Letter of Credit or Surety Bond is required to financially guarantee the work covered in the project Public Works Agreement can be completed in the event the owner / developer is unable to complete the project. The amount is generally determined as 110% of the cost of the public works items to be conveyed to the city, plus other items such as stake-out, as-built drawings, etc.

6. What is a Public Works Agreement (PWA)?: A Public Works Agreement (PWA) is a legal contract between the owner / developer and the City of Westminster that guarantees public works and related items are completed. This document must be signed and notarized by all applicable individuals and a bond is required before work begins.

7. Are the developer and/or engineer required to attend the meeting in order to obtain an approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission?: No, but the developer and/or engineer and other interested parties are strongly encouraged to attend. If specific questions arise that the staff cannot answer, there is the possibility that plan approval could be delayed until a later date.

The 3rd Thursday of each month at:

City Hall

1838 Emerald Hill Lane

Westminster, MD 21157

9. When can we present the project to the Planning and Zoning Commission?: After all approvals have been received by city and county agencies and the Director of Community Planning and Development determines the project is ready for Planning and Zoning Commission consideration.

10. Do I have to fill out a water allocation request if I am in the City of Westminster?: Yes, you are encouraged to submit a completed application for water allocation and pay the required fee as early in the process as possible so you can be added to the list of potential projects. This process is also applied to projects in the county areas around Westminster that involve city utility service.

11. How long will it be before I get my building permit?: It depends on the complexity of the project. But allow for 4-6 months depending on all the approvals required. However, due to current shortfalls in water supply, this time frame is not certain if the project does not have water allocation from Westminster.