Note: Specific Design Plans (SDPs) are only applicable to development proposals reviewed under the previous Ordinance OR properties in the Legacy Comprehensive Design (LCD) Zones under the new Ordinance.

Specific Design Plans (SDP) are the last phase of a three-phase review process when a development proposal is in a comprehensive design zone (CDZ). SDPs include detailed site and landscape plans, tree conservation plans, recreational facility plans, and building elevations. A determination must also be made that the development will be adequately served by public facilities. They must conform to the design and approval conditions of any preceding Comprehensive Design Plan and/or Preliminary Plan of Subdivision. A Homeowner's Minor Amendment to an SDP is required for making home improvements that require permits. 

Pre-Application Conference: Optional

Pre-Application Neighborhood Meeting: Optional

Subdivision and Development Review Committee (SDRC): When reviewed by the Planning Board, Specific Design Plans are required to be reviewed by SDRC.

When reviewed by the Planning Director, amendments to Specific Design Plans may be referred to SDRC, at the discretion of the section Supervisor or at the request of the applicant.

Decision-Making Body: Specific Design Plans are generally ruled upon by the Planning Board, however, limited minor amendments may be ruled upon by the Planning Director.

Public Notice Requirement: Public notice of Planning Board Hearings is satisfied by mailings to adjoining property owners, parties of record, civic associations registered with M-NCPPC, and municipalities and by posting signs with notice of hearing date 30 days prior to hearing.

Estimated Review Time:  3 months

Application Instructions

The new Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations go into effect on April 1, 2022. For a period of two years (until March 31, 2024), Applicants have the option to submit under the requirements of either the new or prior Ordinance. [Note: Review under the prior Ordinance requires a Pre-Application Conference and Statement of Justification to explain why the applicant has not chosen to develop under the provisions of the new Ordinance.] 

Any application accepted prior to the effective date of the new Ordinance will be reviewed and decided in accordance to the provisions of the prior Ordinance. See the Transitional Provisions Quick Reference for more information. 

Find application materials below separated per the applicable Ordinance.