About
Garrett County Planning & Land Management is the county division that handles zoning, subdivisions, vacation rental licensing and long-range land-use planning for Garrett County. It is part of the Department of Community Development and works from 203 South Fourth Street, Room 207, Oakland, in the county government building. Homeowners, builders, rental owners and anyone weighing a project near Deep Creek Lake will find this office useful early on.
What the Office Handles
The division administers the county's land-use rules and the programs that go with them:
- Zoning administration, including the Deep Creek Watershed zoning and zoning for several of the county's towns
- Subdivision administration
- Transient Vacation Rental Unit administration and related licensing
- Sensitive Areas regulation
- Land preservation
- Comprehensive planning, addressing and mapping services
It also maintains the county Comprehensive Plan under the Planning Commission's direction, reviews rezoning requests, prepares studies on land use, transportation and population, and coordinates with state and federal agencies on policy and funding.
Boards and Plans It Supports
Staff support the Planning Commission, the Deep Creek Board of Zoning Appeals, the Local Youghiogheny River Advisory Board and the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board. The division's web page also gathers the county's plans and ordinances in one place, from the Comprehensive Plan and Parks & Recreation Plan to the Subdivision, Sensitive Areas, Livability Code and Transient Vacation Rental Unit ordinances, along with online maps.
Before You Go
Building, electrical, plumbing, grading and floodplain permits are handled by the separate Permits & Inspections Division, so check which office you need before you visit. Calling or emailing ahead with your property address helps staff point you to the right ordinance or map.
Address
203 S 4th St Room 207, Oakland, MD 21550