Havre de Grace
Unique on the Chesapeake

Neal Mills, Director
Donald J. Bautz, Jr., Deputy Director

Mission

To preserve, protect and enhance the physical and built environment for its' historic heritage and for the prosperity of present and future generations and all those who live, work and visit within this unique Chesapeake Bay community.

Organization

The Department of Planning & Zoning is comprised of four divisions which work cooperatively to provide planning and regulatory compliance. These divisions are:

Planning

* Provide opportunities for public participation in the planning process for new development through Planning Commission and Board of Appeals meetings
* Maintain the City Comprehensive Plan with 6 year updates
* Encourage best management practices guidance in environmental, recreational, residential and business development projects
* Utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and database capabilities as analytical tools in the planning and development process
* Provide planning technical assistance to encourage adherence to smart growth policies and practices
* Maintain and track Census statistics of the City
* City Zoning Map

Development Services

* Administer and maintain the City's Building, Zoning and development Codes
* Provide technical assistance to applicants in the permit application process
* Conduct site plan and subdivision reviews to assure compliance with planning and zoning regulatory requirements
* Provide Geographic Information System support in the permit process
* Ensure compliance with protective regulations in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, Floodplains and Forest Conservation habitats and other environmentally sensitive areas

Inspections

* Administer the building permit and plan review process and applicable fees
* Conduct field inspections to ensure compliance with building and property maintenance codes for the safety and health of the public
* Issue Civil citations for code violations when necessary
* Maintain a code violations data base to monitor compliance statistics
* Monitor and inspect City water, sewer and storm drain installation for new development projects to ensure installation per approved plans
* Monitor and regularly inspect storm water management systems to ensure maintenance and compliance with Maryland State regulations

Rental Registration

Click here for Application for Rental Housing Registration

Click here for Rental Housing Registration Tenant Information

Disclaimer of Rental Registration Affidavit

* Maintain a Residential Rental data base to provide statistical data and to ensure compliance with the City Residential Rental Property Ordinance
* Provide and assist the public with rental property maintenance guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy environment in which to live
* Inspect residential rental properties for compliance with applicable City Codes and Ordinances