The Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) supports economic growth and local control in Maryland. We help counties and cities with land use and planning, and offer reviews and technical help on many planning topics. We also provide data, research help, policy advice, and support to local governments, communities, businesses, and other groups.

MDP publishes the newsletter, Planning Practice ​News​, to share updates on state, regional, and local planning efforts. This includes work by MDP, other state agencies, county and city planning departments, and local governments. ​See past newsletters​​.​

​​​Boards and Commissions, MDP takes part in many boards, commissions, task forces, and associations. Often, we provide staff for these groups. ​Find links to these boards.

​Accessory Dwelling Unit Policy Task Force, In 2023, the Maryland General Assembly passed SB 382, creating the Accessory Dwelling Unit Policy Task Force. This group studies accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on single-family residential land and reviews laws and policies about ADUs. Learn more about the Task Force.

Baltimore County East Side Assessment Grant,
Learn more about the Baltimore County East Side Revitalization Community-Wide Assessment Grant.​

The Maryland Zoning ​CheckUp, 
Learn more about Zoning CheckUp.​

Maryland Military and Community Co​mpatible Use, 
Learn more about Maryland Military and Community Compatible Use.

Maryland's Brownfields Redevel​​opment Assistance Program, The Brownfield​ Redevelopment Assistance Program connects local planning jurisdictions throughout the State with brownfield Maryland's Brownfields Redevelopment Assistance Program The Brownfield Redevelopment Assistance Program connects local planning areas with funding and resources for brownfield assessment and cleanup. Learn more about the Brownfield Redevelopment Assistance Program.​

Maryland Building Permit Software Survey Report, Title 12, §12–505, of the​​​ Public Safety Article requires local jurisdictions to enforce Maryland Building Performance Standards. This includes reviewing plans, issuing permits, inspecting work, and providing use/occupancy certificates. How this is done varies across counties and cities.

Planning's 2020 survey showed that m​​​ost counties and larger cities use third-party building permit software, while smaller areas use office software like Microsoft Office. Over 40% of counties provide permit and inspection services to their cities. The full report can be read here.

There are a few software vendors that handle most building permits in Maryland. The top six firms process 75% of new housing permits annually. While most counties and many cities report local building activity, fewer post these reports online. There is potential for better coordination and a statewide reporting system to improve economic data and future development projections.