During these challenging and unprecedented times, we wish to convey to our development community that safety is our top priority. To that end, we are updating you on the latest decisions made by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission leadership in response to COVID-19 and the initiatives we are taking to promote containment and the wellness of all.

The Planning Department is actively reviewing and establishing more procedures to minimize physical contact in observance of social distancing. In addition, it is a priority to promote a healthy environment for the public, applicants, and our staff. In doing so, the Department is taking the following actions regarding development review operations and meetings with outside individuals.

Submitting and Processing Development Review Applications

At this time, the Planning Department is operating business as usual. Applicants are encouraged to submit application packages to the Applications Section. Since members of the public are not permitted to enter the County Administration Building, the Planning Department is working to place a physical application submittal dropbox outside the building. All application submittals can be dropped off by applicants and staff will retrieve the packages by 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Staff is currently testing a means for electronic plan submittal and will provide more details very soon. Visit www.pgplanning.org for more details regarding the location of the dropbox and other submittal questions.

Sign Posting for Development Review Cases

The Department will continue to meet and determine posting for development review applications. Applicants will continue to be notified by the Development Review Applications Section regarding when and how to pick up signs. We have established a process to minimize direct physical contact and possible health risks during this time.

Status of Planning Board Hearings

Please visit the Prince George’s County Planning Board’s website at www.pgplanningboard.org for the most up-to-date information on Planning Board Hearings.

Meetings with Planning Department Staff

All meetings with Planning Department staff are being assessed to have a teleconference or remote meeting format. For each meeting, staff will be contacting meeting attendees and provide the applicant with detailed information regarding how to join the meeting. The department has various formats such as Microsoft Teams (MS Teams), GoTo Meeting, and conference call-in phone lines.

Subdivision and Development Review Committee (SDRC) Meetings

The Subdivision and Development Review Committee meetings scheduled will not take place in the County Administration Building. Staff will be providing major issues memos to the designated planner and their supervisor. The supervisor or planner will be e-mailing comments and contacting applicants to schedule a time on Fridays to go over the complete list of SDRC comments. If further detailed information regarding comments is necessary, applicants will be provided the contact information for the reviewer to discuss in more detail for any necessary clarification. Join SDRC virtual meetings from your computer, tablet or smartphone. 

We hope these procedures that have been set in place will meet the needs of the development community to continue business in the County. While this new environment is ever changing, rest assure that the Planning Department is doing everything within its capacity to keep our planning functions moving forward. If there are specific questions about existing development review cases, applicants are encouraged to contact their designated planner.

Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to working with you, our community.