Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) about

 Brunswick City Planning & Zoning

1.      I am interested in building a new home on a lot within City limits.  What 

  is the process for requesting permits, approvals, etc.? 

For new construction, the following paperwork is required for the City of Brunswick. 

·        Zoning Certificate (ZC) with Plot Plan showing a scale drawing of the lot boundaries and the location of the house and any other buildings, driveway entrance apron, and approximate location of lateral connections for water & sewer.  The appropriate fee must be submitted with the ZC application in order for it to be processed.  Check Article 6—Administration and Enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance and the Administrative Fee Schedule on the Planning home page at http://www.brunswickmd.gov/PlanningHome.htm/ for more information and exact fees required.  The ZC application may also be downloaded from this page.

·        If no driveway entrance apron exists, you must also complete a Driveway Entrance Permit application and fee, including a Site Plan showing where the entrance apron will be located on the site.  The application form and instructions are also available by contacting the Dept. of Public Works at 301-834-6270.

·        Water and Sewer Tap Allocation Application and application fee.  Upon approval of the tap allocation by the Mayor and Council, the following additional fees must be submitted:

o       Water Meter Fee

o       Water and Sewer Capacity Fees

o       Lateral Inspection Fee (please note that this fee is an estimate—the actual amount due may vary +/- depending on the actual length of the connection)

o       For specific fees, see the Water and Sewer Rules and Regulations Appendix (contact Dept. of Public Works at 301-834-6270) 

In addition to City requirements, you must also request a County building permit.  Contact the Frederick County Department of Permits and Inspections at 301-631-2313 for more information.  You may check the status of County permit and project applications at the County's Public Access web site under Services, then go to eServices at www.co.frederick.md.us/.

2.      What is the status of available sewer taps in the City of Brunswick?     

Currently, the number of new sewer taps available is EXTREMELY limited.  Unless the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) allocates additional taps based on the City’s existing capacity to process sewer flow, or until the City’s Waste Water Treatment Plant Expansion is completed (scheduled for 2006), new sewer taps will NOT be available after the few that are left are allocated.  The City of Brunswick has established a Tap Waiting List for individuals who are interested in submitting paperwork to be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis.  In order to get on the Tap Waiting List, the Water and Sewer Tap Allocation Application and application fee must be submitted along with a Zoning Certificate and application fee, as well as any other required forms and approvals.  (See Question #1 above for new construction.)

3.      I want to determine if a lot is buildable.  How do I find out?

The City of Brunswick is not able to provide legal determinations of suitability for real estate.  Refer to the City’s Zoning Ordinance for the legal requirements for construction within City limits.  You should hire a development consultant, e.g., a land surveyor or civil engineer, to help you to apply the local, County, and State requirements.  Check the Yellow pages for listings.

4.      I want to determine the market value of a piece of real estate within City 

limits.   Where do I go for this information?

You should contact a real estate appraiser for assistance with determining market value.  In addition, see Question #3 above for details on how to determine if a lot is buildable. 

5.      I am planning to erect or replace a fence or retaining wall.  What do I need to do?

If you are erecting or replacing a FENCE, you will need to complete and submit a Fence Zoning Certificate application, including a Plot Plan (scale drawing of lot) with location and height of proposed fence shown on the Plot Plan.  An administrative processing fee is required for Fence Zoning Certificate applications.  Forms and instructions, including the Fence Zoning Certificate regulations, are available at the Planning home page.  The City’s Zoning Ordinance contains specific height and other requirements for fences.

If you are erecting or replacing a RETAINING WALL, a standard Zoning Certificate application and fee is required, along with a Plot Plan showing the size, composition, and location of the proposed retaining wall.  In addition, a right-of-way obstruction permit may be required if there will be an impact or construction encroachment on or affect City property or right-of-way, including creating stormwater runoff or abutting City sidewalks.  Contact the Dept. of Public Works at 301-834-6270 for info. on right-of-way obstruction permits.

     6.      I want to build a deck, pool, or other structure (including buildings, 

     sheds, and garages) on my property.  What is the process?

For each of the above buildings and structures, you will need to complete and submit a standard Zoning Certificate application with fee, along with a Plot Plan showing the size and location of the building or structure, and indicating setbacks from property lines.  The City’s Zoning Ordinance contains setback requirements.  In addition to City requirements, you should also contact the Frederick County Department of Permits and Inspections at 301-631-2313 for County permitting requirements.

If you are building a DECK, your Plot Plan should also include the height and location of the deck.

If you are planning to install an IN-GROUND POOL or ABOVE-GROUND POOL, your Plot Plan should also include the size and location of the pool, deck, walk, pump area, etc.  

For all other BUILDINGS, including SHEDS and GARAGES, your Plot Plan should also include the size and location of the building.    

You may check the status of County permit and project applications at the County's Public Access web site under Services, then go to eServices at www.co.frederick.md.us/.

     7.      I want to install a propane tank or heating oil tank on my property.  How do I

             request approval?

You must complete and submit a standard Zoning Certificate application with fee, along with a Plot Plan indicating the size, capacity, and location of the tank on the property.  Contact the Frederick County Department of Permits and Inspections at 301-631-2313 for permitting requirements for such tanks. 

     8.     I think I may need a temporary dumpster for my property during

     renovations, roof repair, or other large-scale waste removal.  What should I

     do?

To request approval for a temporary dumpster that is completely contained WITHIN YOUR PROPERTY LINES, complete and submit a standard Zoning Certificate application (for an accessory structure) with fee, including a Plot Plan showing the location of the dumpster.  If the temporary dumpster will NOT BE SOLELY WITHIN YOUR PROPERTY LINES, complete a Citizen’s Concern Form, which will be routed to various City agencies for approval.  The Citizen’s Concern Form should also include a Plot Plan showing the location of the dumpster.  At this time, no administrative fee is required for processing the Citizen’s Concern Form.  For more information, contact the Dept. of Public Works at 301-834-6270.

9.    What is my property zoned?  What can I do with my property?

The City is not a repository for deeds, plats, plans, etc.  Since there are no title records at City Hall, you should refer to the City Zoning Map for guidance.  You can find the Zoning Map under Legal Documents, Zoning Ordinance at the Planning home page.  After identifying the location on the Zoning Map, find the zoning classification and look up the appropriate zoning district in the City Zoning Ordinance.

10.  What are the development regulations and where can I get copies? 

Because of continual changes to the regulations due to development pressures, most regulations are out of print.  However, the majority of these regulations are available for download at the Planning home page.

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In addition, please note the following:

• Questions with regards to infrastructure, including location of existing infrastructure, or questions about streets, alleys, or other public works items should be directed to the Dept. of Public Works at 301-834-6270. 

• For copies of recorded items, including deeds, plats, plans, etc., contact the Records Room, Office of the Clerk of the Court for Frederick County at 301-600-1957.  Requests for copies of approved plans and other related information should be directed to the Design Engineer or the County Department of Permits and Inspections at 301-631-2313.

• For questions regarding the status of Frederick County permit and project applications, as well as real estate tax bill and County water/sewer bill inquiries, go to the Frederick County Public Access web site under Services, then go to eServices at www.co.frederick.md.us/ 

This page was last updated 05/03/2007