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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

COMMUNITY PLANNING

What is land use planning?

Land use planning is primarily concerned with guiding and shaping new development and redevelopment while protecting significant environmental, historic or cultural features. Land use planning in Prince George's County includes the approval and implementation of plans that vary in scale and level of detail.

What is the General Plan?

The purpose of the General Plan is to provide broad guidance for the future growth of the county. The Prince George's County Council approved the new General Plan on October 7, 2002. The General Plan establishes goals, objectives, policies and strategies to guide:

Preparation of more detailed area and sector plans
Revisions to the county's development regulations
Decisions on the county's public investments

Implementation of the General Plan will be a major focus of the Planning Department's efforts. Those efforts will be reviewed every two years through the preparation of the Biennial Growth Policy updates.

What issues and subjects are addressed in the 2002 General Plan?

The 2002 General Plan stresses intensive development in Centers, most of which are located around the county's Metro and MARC stations. The plan also divides the county into three development tiers (Developed, Developing and Rural) in recognition of differing goals and the need for different policies in attaining those goals in various parts of the county. The Environmental Element makes recommendations for the protection of important environmental lands, as well as the wise use of the county's natural resources. The Transportation Systems Element describes policies for transit, roads and pedestrian facilities. The Public Facilities Element provides guidance for schools, public safety, libraries, and water and sewer facilities. Other elements within the plan address economic development, housing, revitalization, urban design and historic preservation.

What are subregion and area plans?

The county has been divided into seven subregions which are further divided into 37 planning areas, excluding the City of Laurel, which has its own planning authority. Each planning area is a fairly cohesive district and is typically bounded by a major highway or a natural border such as a stream valley. Subregion plans encompass several planning areas and establish recommendations that guide the more specific land use recommendations offered in area plans. Area plans then typically examine individual parcels of land and other very specific recommendations regarding their use or physical design. The basic components of subregion and area plans include the following: goals and objectives, existing and recommended land uses, existing and proposed zoning, and recommendations for economic development, housing, community character, environmental infrastructure, transportation and public facilities, including schools, parks, libraries, and fire and police stations. Demographic information, including data on population, dwelling units and employment, may also be included. The plans include maps and text.

What are the basic components of subregion and area plans?

The basic components of subregion and area plans include the following: goals and objectives, existing and recommended land uses, existing and proposed zoning, and recommendations for transportation and public facilities, including schools, parks, libraries, and fire and police stations. Demographic information, including data on population, dwelling units and employment, may also be included. The plans include maps and text, and may include a sectional map amendment.

How are plans prepared?

Subregion, area and sector master plans are prepared by the Planning Department staff working in conjunction with the local community. Following a public hearing, plans are adopted by the Planning Board, who presents its recommendations to the District Council. Once approved by the District Council, plan recommendations guide land use decisions that affect the physical growth and development of the area so that consistent and appropriate action may be taken. Adopted and approved plans do not take the place of existing zoning, nor do plans require that rezoning requests be automatically granted or denied. They do, however, provide a basis for comprehensive rezoning consistent with the land use recomendation of the plan. In most instances, immediately following or concurrently with approval of an area plan, the Planning Board initiates comprehensive rezoning, also called a sectional map amendment.

What are sector plans?

Sector plans, sometimes referred to as small area plans, are prepared for areas identified as requiring a greater level of detailed study. Critical environmental issues, complex transportation problems, or land use issues may trigger this finer level of detail. Sector plans can be prepared for Metro transit areas, commercial corridors, town centers, employment centers, economic focal points, and areas of community concern. These plans often emphasize urban design and may include a sectional map amendment.

What is a sectional map amendment (SMA)?

A sectional map amendment (SMA) is a comprehensive rezoning amendment for properties within an entire geographic area, such as a subregion, planning area or part of a planning area. They are adopted for most plans with the exception of the general plan and functional master plans.

What are functional plans?

Functional master plans are countywide in scope and are generally prepared at the request of the District Council. Functional plans amend the General Plan where appropriate; they have been prepared for highways, historic sites, parks and recreation, trails, schools, and public safety. Presently, the county is preparing a functional plan for transportation (Master Plan of Transportation) and for green infrastructure.

Can your staff provide planning/design assistance to our city, town or community?

Yes. Staff is available to provide planning and design assistance to your city, town and community. Our design professionals possess skills in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission offers a Planning Assistance to Municipalities and Communities Program. This program is available upon written request to the Chairman of the Prince George's County Planning Board, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772. For further details and examples of eligible projects for design assistance, please refer to the Planning Assistance to Municipalities and Communities Program guidelines.

Whom can I contact regarding planning issues in my area?

A list of Community Planning Division staff and their community planning responsibilities is shown on our web site at www.mncppc.org/html/paglance.htm. You may also go to the list from our main Planning Department page: click on Community Planning under "Divisions," then click on Staff Directory by Planning Areas and Teams under "Resources."

What is the Planning Assistance to Municipalities and Communities (PAMC) Program?

The PAMC program assists local municipalities and community organizations by offering planning and design assistance in response to various annually submitted requests. Staff services include visioning and goal-setting, park design, architectural facade improvement, playground design, entry signage, streetscape, etc. Resource allocation is in the form of staff or consultant services needed to complete a project, or a phase of a multiyear project, within each fiscal year. The County Council sets the total amount of assistance available through its annual budget process. This program is available upon written request to the Chairman of the Prince George's County Planning Board, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772. For further details and examples of eligible projects for design assistance, please refer to the Planning Assistance to Municipalities and Communities Program guidelines.

What are the procedures for requesting planning assistance through the Planning Assistance to Municipalities and Communities Program?

Requests for planning assistance should be submitted to the Chairman of the Prince George's County Planning Board as described in the Planning Assistance to Municipalities and Communities Program guidelines. In general, requests should be in writing, identify what is being requested and why, and provide contact name and phone number. Design products provided are conceptual in nature and are not to be used for site design purposes. Detailed site designs, provided by others, will be required for construction permits.

COUNTYWIDE PLANNING

Historic Preservation

What is historically significant in Prince George's County?

The history of Prince George's County is found in its older buildings, in nineteenth-century crossroad communities, in early twentieth-century streetcar suburbs, and in those still-rural areas that recall the county's agricultural heritage of tobacco raising and horse breeding. The eighteenth-century George Washington House in Bladensburg, part of a commercial complex which included a tavern and blacksmith shop, is a link to Colonial-era trade and industry. The Belair Stables in Bowie, built early in the twentieth century, attests to Prince George's County’s early association with the nation's thoroughbred horse breeding and racing. A picturesque Victorian house, built in Hyattsville in the 1890s, reflects the county's emerging suburbs, and the City of Greenbelt, laid out in the 1930s, is internationally known as the first "greenbelt town" of the Roosevelt administration.

A countywide inventory in 1974 identified some 550 properties as historically significant; that is, they are linked to people, places and events that helped shape the development and character of the county. In some cases, a building's significance lies in its architectural style, which may be representative of another era, or in its method of construction. It may also be noteworthy as the work of a highly skilled craftsman. Whether significance is based on historical or architectural merit (or both), Prince George's County's historic resources represent an important part of the county's cultural legacy. As such, they deserve special care and protection so that they can be useful for years to come as visible evidence of our proud history.

What is the Historic Preservation Commission and what are its responsibilities?

In 1981, the Prince George’s County Council, in cooperation with The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, approved the Prince George’s County Historic Sites and Districts Plan, a master plan for county preservation efforts. The master plan was last updated in 1992.

To implement the master plan, the County Council enacted the Prince George’s County Preservation Ordinance, Subtitle 29 of the County Code, to protect the identified historic resources. The Ordinance established a nine-member Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) with the power to:

Evaluate properties for designation as Historic Sites or Historic Districts

Define Environmental Settings

Review and approve plans for exterior alteration, demolition or new construction

Approve property tax credits for appropriate restoration and (within historic districts) for new construction

Review nominations to the National Register of Historic Places

In addition, the Historic Preservation Commission reviews land use proposals affecting historic resources. Its staff, provided by the M-NCPPC Planning Department, assists owners planning exterior alterations to historic buildings, conducts research and surveys on historic properties for HPC evaluations, and responds to public inquiry on many aspects of historic preservation.

Members of the Historic Preservation Commission are appointed by the County Executive and must be knowledgeable in such areas as history, architecture, planning, real estate and historic preservation.

How are Historic Sites and historic districts created?

Under the county's Historic Preservation Ordinance, the Historic Preservation Commission can designate a property listed in the County Inventory of Historic Resources as a Historic Site if the property meets specific criteria of architectural or historical significance. Similarly, a group of historic properties can be designated as a historic district. The process for designation involves the preparation of a research report documenting the history and architectural characteristics of the building or district; this research may be initiated by the property owner or local citizens. The Historic Preservation Commission then holds a public hearing to receive the comments of residents and other interested parties and then makes a decision. The County Council hears appeals of the Historic Preservation Commission's decisions.

How do I find out whether my property is designated as historic?

The Prince George's County Historic Preservation Ordinance (Subtitle 29 of the County Code) regulates more than 700 properties across the county as historic resources, historic sites, or contributing properties in historic districts. To find out whether your property falls into one of these three categories, consult the county's Historic Sites and Districts Plan 1992, or contact the Historic Preservation staff at 301-952-3520. When calling, please provide the exact address of the property in question.

When do I need a Historic Area Work Permit (HAWP) for work on my historic property?

A HAWP is required when making substantive changes to the exterior of a Historic Site or a contributing property in the Broad Creek Historic District. Substantive changes include the construction of additions and the removal or replacement of architectural elements such as windows, doors, porches, steps, and shutters and other decorative features. The demolition of all, or part, of a building requires a HAWP. A HAWP is not required for interior work or for ordinary maintenance, which includes minor repairs using like materials and design, minor landscaping, and painting of non-masonry surfaces using the same or substantially the same color.

A HAWP approval does not eliminate the need for a building permit issued by the county's Department of Environmental Resources (DER). If you have questions regarding the HAWP process, please contact the Historic Preservation staff at 301-952-3520.

What financial resources are available to assist with preservation efforts?

There are various grants, loans and tax credits available from state and federal agencies and private nonprofit organizations. Please refer to the chart below for descriptions and resource numbers and websites.

Summary of Historic Preservation Incentives and Funding Sources

TAX CREDITS	GRANTS	LOAN FUNDS
Local
Prince George's County Preservation Tax Credit 10 percent tax credit for the approved restoration/ rehabilitation of county-designated historic sites or contributing properties within county-designated historic districts. 5 percent credit for approved new construction in a county-designated historic district. For more information, contact the Historic Preservation Commission at 301-952-3520 or consult www.mncppc.org/county/hpc.htm.		Friends of Preservation Grant Program Up to $2,000 for "bricks and mortar" for locally designated Historic Sites and contributing properties in local historic districts; properties listed in the National Register are also eligible. For more information contact Prince George's Heritage Grant Program, 301-864-6709.
State
Maryland State Tax Incentive for the Rehabilitation of Historic Property Up to 20 percent state income tax credit for approved restoration/rehab expenses for "certified heritage structure" properties or properties designated under a Certified Local Government ordinance. For more information, call Maryland Historical Trust,410-514-7600 or consult www.marylandhistoricaltrust.net.	Preservation MarylandEmergency matching grants to local organizations (individuals are not eligible); $500- $5,000.	Preservation Maryland Revolving Loan Fund for the purchase and rehabilitation of endangered properties by nonprofit organizations. Loans range from $5,000-$50,000. For more information, contact Preservation Maryland at 410-685-2886, or consult www.preservationmaryland.org
*Maryland Historical Trust*
The Gift Easement Program enables owners of National Register properties to convey perpetual easements as gifts to the Maryland Historical Trust in exchange for income, estate and property tax advantages.	Historic Preservation Capital Grants to nonprofit organizations, Historic Preservation Capital Grants to nonprofit organizations, local jurisdictions, business entities and individuals for the acquisition, rehabilitation or restoration of historic properties listed in or eligible for listing in the Maryland Register of Historic Properties. Non-Capital Grants are available to nonprofit organizations and local jurisdictions for historic preservation education and promotion projects including research, survey, evaluation and the preparation of preservation planning documents and educational materials.	Historic Preservation Loan Fund available to nonprofit organizations, local jurisdictions, business entities and individuals for acquisition, rehabilitation, restoration of properties listed in or eligible for listing in the Maryland Register of Historic Properties. For information on all Maryland Historical Trust programs, call the Office of Preservation Services, 410-514-7600 or consult www.marylandhistoricaltrust.net.
National
Federal Income Tax Credit for Historic Buildings A 20 percent Federal tax credit for the substantial rehabilitation of historic buildings for commercial, industrial and rental residential purposes, and a 10 percent tax credit for the substantial rehabilitation for nonresidential purposes of buildings built before 1936. Rehab work must be certified by the Maryland Historical Trust and National Park Service for compliance with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. For more information, contact the Preservation Assistance Division, National Park Service, 202-343-9573 or consult www.cr.nps.gov.	National Trust for Historic Preservation The Preservation Services Fund makes small grants ($500-$5,000) to nonprofit organizations, public agencies or educational institutions for consultant services, preservation education and cosponsored conferences. Grant funds must be matched dollar-for-dollar. The Critical Issues Fund supports innovative research and problem-solving to effect policy change at the local, state and national level. Grants ranging from $5,000$25,000 must be matched.	National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Preservation Loan Fund offers below-market rate loans, lines of credit and participation with other lenders to nonprofit organizations and public agencies for acquisition, stabilization, rehabilitation or restoration of significant historic property. Properties may be used, leased or resold. Loans must be matched dollar-for-dollar. Special assistance is available for National Historic Landmarks. For more information, contact National Trust for Historic Preservation, 202-673-4000 or at www.nationaltrust.org.

Who can answer my questions regarding county history and property research?

The Historic Preservation and Public Facilities Section receives many questions about county history, research methods and sources. The Section maintains a small library of research materials, and assists the public in methods of research and sources of documentary materials. Files and information on all county historic sites and resources are also available for review. Staff also refers researchers to pertinent sources of information, e.g., the Maryland Historical Society, the Prince George's County Historical Society, the Prince George's County Genealogical Society, etc.

What historic photographs and maps are available?

The Historic Preservation and Public Facilities Section maintains a limited collection of historic photographs, allows researchers to make copies of them, and also refers researchers to other repositories of historic photographs. The Historic Preservation Section also maintains copies of historic maps and atlases of Prince George's County, including the following:

Maps

• Prince George's County tracts laid out by 1696, overlaid on USGS map

• 1861 Martenet map

• 1878 Hopkins map

• 1894 Hopkins map (most of county)

• 1903, 1914, 1927 USGS maps

• Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, 1906-1949 (selected areas)

• 1940 Franklin Atlas (inside Beltway)

• 1967 Tax Map

• USGS Quads (current)

• Property Address (current)

Aerial Photos

• 1937-38 ...................................• 2000 ........................................................................

• 1965..........................................• 2005

• 1982

These historic maps and photographs are available for viewing during normal business hours. Some historic maps and photos are also available online. The 1861 Martenet map and historic aerial photos from 1938 – 2005 can be accessed at www.pgatlas.com. The Maryland State Archives website, www.mdarchives.state.md.us, and the Library of Congress website, www.loc.gov, are also useful tools to access historic information, maps, and photos.

How can I become more involved in county preservation activities?

The county Historic Preservation Commission meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m., in the County Administration Building in Upper Marlboro, unless otherwise announced. The meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

Periodically new members of the Historic Preservation Commission are appointed by the County Commissioner. This is a volunteer position; commissioners meet once a month at the County Administration Building in Upper Marlboro. For information on applying for membership please contact us at HistoricPreservation@ppd.mncppc.org

The Prince George’s County Historical and Cultural Trust (a volunteer body whose 15 members are appointed by the County Executive), in conjunction with the Historic Preservation Commission, has established a countywide organization of volunteers, the Friends of Preservation, to support preservation efforts. The Friends of Preservation Newsletter is produced quarterly by the Trust, and contains articles about preservation issues, the proceedings of the HPC, and information about preservation-related classes, tours and special events. Trust volunteers run The Newel Post, a recycling center of architectural elements. The Trust also offers grants to individuals and organizations in support of research, publications, educational activities and events. For more information, visit their website: www.pgchct.org.

The Natural and Historical Resources Division of the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation manages and operates the Commission-owned historic properties ranging from an eighteenth-century Georgian plantation house to a nineteenth-century, one-room schoolhouse, a 1900 African-American Chapel, and a post-World-War-I estate mansion. Staff provides interpretive programs at these facilities and offers a range of volunteer opportunities through the various “Friends” groups. Call 301-627-2270 for more information, and see the M-NCPPC Prince George's County Parks Department website (www.pgparks.com).

Prince George’s Heritage, Inc., administers a heritage grants program which awards seed grants for research, planning and restoration projects. Heritage members work closely with the Historic Preservation Commission in education and preservation efforts.

The Prince George’s County Historical Society is a membership organization dedicated to promoting knowledge and appreciation of Prince George’s County’s heritage. Headquartered at the Marietta Historic Site in Glenn Dale, the Society maintains a library of county history, publishes a bimonthly newsletter, News and Notes, holds programs and special events for members, conducts guided tours and educational activities for the public at Marietta, and recognizes research and preservation activities with annual awards. For information about its activities, call 301-464-0590, or go to the website: www.pghistory.org.

Are there any publications dealing with the county's historic communities and resources?

Over the years, the Historic Preservation Section has produced a number of plans, studies, and reports about historic communities and the county's architectural heritage. Many have been published and are available from the Planning Department's Planning Information Services counter in the County Administration Building. Please refer to the list below and the ordering instructions.

M-NCPPC Historic Preservation Plans and Studies

Countywide
African-American Heritage Survey, 1996* $4.25
Historic Contexts in Prince George's County: Settlement Patterns, Transportation and Cultural History, 1991 $4.00
Historic Preservation Program in Prince George’s County (brochure) free
Historic Sites and Districts Plan, Prince George's County, 1992 * $4.00
Illustrated Inventory of Historic Sites, 2006 $5.00
Landmarks of Prince George's County, Johns Hopkins University Press, 1993* $31.45
National Register of Historic Places in Prince George’s County (brochure) free
Rural Historic Landscapes and Scenic Roads Study, Subregion VI, 1988
$3.00
Sears Mail Order House Survey in Prince George's County, 1988 $4.00
Victorian Pattern Book Houses in Prince George's County, 1988 $4.00

Community Studies
Brentwood Historical Survey, 1992 $4.00
Broad Creek Historic District Study, 1983 $4.00
Broad Creek Historic District Design Guidelines, 1987 $2.00
Broad Creek Historic District: Livingston Road Streetscape Guidelines and Alternatives $7.50
Broad Creek Historic District Preservation Planning Study June 2002 $13.00
Edmonston Historical Survey, 1993 $4.00
Fairmount Heights Historical Survey, 1991 $3.00
Glenarden: The Past in Perspective, 1995 $3.00
Greenbelt Historic District Study, 1994 $4.00
Mount Rainier National Register Nomination, 1989 $4.00
North Brentwood Historical Survey, 1991 $3.00
Old Town College Park, Architectural Survey, 1998 $3.50
Piscataway Village Rural Conservation Study, 1991 $3.00
Piscataway Village Rural Conservation Study, Part II: Village Design Guidelines, 1995 $7.50
Piscataway Village Community Vision Process, 1995 $7.50
Riverdale Historical Survey, 1991 $3.00
Takoma Park Historical Survey, 1991 $2.00
Takoma Park Maryland, An Historic District Study, 1992 $4.00

Available from Prince George's County M-NCPPC Planning Department. Please add $1.50 for postage and handling on most items; (*) Items add $3.00 each. Make check payable to M-NCPPC and send to:

Planning Information Services, County Administration Building, Lower Level, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Name	____________________________________________
Address	____________________________________________
City, State, Zip	____________________________________________
Phone No.	____________________________________________

Public Facilities

		POLICE
Q.		What county police station serves my community?
A.		Prince George’s County is broken into six police districts (I-Hyattsville, II-Bowie, III-Landover, IV-Oxon Hill, V-Clinton, and VI Beltsville). Some jurisdictions have their own police forces as well – (see the next question). Additional information can easily be obtained from the county's website.
Q.		Which jurisdictions have their own police departments?
A.		Municipalities with their own police departments include Berwyn Heights, Bladensburg, Capitol Heights, Cheverly, Cottage City, District Heights, Edmonston, Fairmount Heights, Forest Heights, Glenarden, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Landover Hills, Laurel, Morningside, Mount Rainier, Riverdale Park, Seat Pleasant, University Park, and Upper Marlboro.
Q.		What is the COPS Program?
A.		The Community-Oriented Policing Program is a specialized unit with officers trained in community policing concepts that handle individual community needs, as well as assisting with civic associations and Neighborhood Watch programs. Currently, there are over 60 officers assigned to COPS with eventual plans to assign one officer to each beat.
		FIRE
Q.		What fire station serves my community?
A.		The county currently has 49 fire stations. Additional information can be obtained from the county's website.
		LIBRARIES
Q.		Where is the closest library branch to my community?
A.		Currently there are 18 branch libraries within the county. Additional information can be obtained from the Prince George's County Library System's web site.
		SCHOOLS
Q.		Which school will my child attend?
A.		Currently there are 131 elementary schools, 29 middle schools, 21 high schools, 9 special education centers, one outdoor education center, one early childhood center and two vocational schools. To obtain specific information about the school to which your child is assigned, go to the Prince George’s County Public School's website.
Q.		What does the “school facilities surcharge” mean?
A.		The school facilities surcharge is a fee collected at the time of the issuance of the building permit. It goes into a fund that supplements new school construction costs in the county.
Q.		When will a school be built in my neighborhood?
A.		You can check the Prince George's County Public School's website to get the most up-to-date information concerning the school construction program. The information is updated each month.
		WATER AND SEWER
Q.		What is a water and sewer category?
A.		Every piece of property in the county is designated in a water and sewer category. This determines where private well and septic systems must be used (category 6) and where public water and sewer service is or will be available (categories 3, 4 and 5). Depending on certain conditions, these categories may be changed by the County Council as properties begin to develop. To verify water and sewer categories, call the DER Program Support Section, or check the county maps of water and sewer categories. The categories are defined as: Category 3: Community System (public water and sewer) Category 4: Community System Adequate for Development Planning Category 5: Future Community System Category 6: No Community Service—Individual Systems (well and septic)
Q.		What is the “sewer envelope”?
A.		The sewer envelope is a boundary beyond which no community water and sewer facilities are planned. The sewer envelope boundary is based on topography, existing sewer service areas and proposed development density according to the area master plans. Maps displaying the sewer envelope are located at the Department of Environmental Resources and at the Prince George’s County Planning Department. For additional information, call 301-883-5834.
Q.		Why is it important for me to know a property’s water and sewer service category if I am going to build a house or develop a piece of land?
A.		The water and sewer categories determine whether you can develop using public water and sewer or if you must use individual wells and septic systems. Category 6 allows for individual systems; category 4 or 3 is required before the submission and approval of a subdivision using public water and sewer, and category 3 is required for getting plumbing permits.
Q.		How do I know which categories my property is in?
A.		In order to determine which water and sewer categories your property is in, you must review the latest water and sewer category maps located on the county's website. For additional information, call 301-883-5834.

Environmental Planning
Q.		Do I need a permit to cut down some trees in my yard?
A.		Removal of one or two individual trees to protect life or property is allowed without a permit or plan. Photos should be taken of the trees before they are removed to document why they needed to be removed. The stumps should remain in place wherever possible to limit the amount of disturbed area. The removal of trees in an area 5,000 square feet or greater may require a Tree Conservation Plan. Contact the Environmental Planning Section at 301-952-3650 for information related to the requirements.
Q.		Do I need a Tree Conservation Plan or can I receive a waiver?
A.		A site is EXEMPT from the Woodland Ordinance if: It is less than 40,000 square feet in area and does not have a previously approved Tree Conservation Plan. It contains less than 10,000 square feet of woodland at this time and does not have a previously approved Tree Conservation Plan. It is within the Chesapeake Bay Conservation Area (CBCA), Note that activities within the Critical Area may require a CBCA Conservation Plan. The proposed activity is EXEMPT from the Ordinance if: It will result in a cumulative disturbance of less than 5,000 square feet of woodland during the next 5 years and does not have a previously approved Tree Conservation Plan. It is logging or a timber harvest on agriculturally assessed land and a Declaration of Intent has been provided.
Q.		What information do I need to apply for an exemption?
A.		The information needed includes a site plan that clearly shows what activity is proposed for the property, the limit of disturbance for the proposed activity, the location of the woodlands on the property, a vicinity map showing where the property is located and a completed application form. Applications can be made in person or by mail. To apply in person, come to the 4th floor of the County Administration Building in Upper Marlboro. To apply by mail send the necessary information to: Environmental Planning Section Countywide Planning Division M-NCPPC 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772 Faxed applications can be sent to 301-952-3799 and must include a completed application form and plans at a legible scale.
Q.		What environmental information is available on the web?
A.		Many different maps are available on the web at www.pgatlas.com. The maps are intended to provide general information for research purposes only. All maps, imagery and associated data are intended to provide general information and are not to be used as a recognized reference or for official purposes. M-NCPPC assumes no responsibility for the use, implementation, or derivation of information or graphics from the GIS web site or as otherwise stated. Some of the environmental information available includes: - streams, wetlands and FEMA floodplains (see additional information below) - slopes and Marlboro clay - previously submitted tree conservation plans Aerial photographs are also available for various years.
Q.		Is my property in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area?
A.		The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area in Prince George's County is found along the Patuxent, Potomac and Anacostia Rivers and includes land and water within 1,000 feet of the mean high tide line. On the Anacostia River the Critical Area extends north to the Decatur Street Bridge and the 38th Street Bridge. On the Patuxent River, the Critical Area extends upriver to Queen Anne's Bridge. Detailed maps are available at the Planning Information Services counter in the Lower Level County Administration Building.
Q.		Are there wetlands on my property?
A.		There are no maps or other resources that accurately show all of the wetlands in Prince George's County. Staff of the Countywide Planning Division can look at in-house information, such as the Maryland Nontidal Wetland Guidance Maps and the types of soils indicated in the Soils Survey and make an educated guess about the possible presence or absence of wetlands on a site. A full determination can only be made by having someone trained in wetland identification make a field visit. Staff of the Environmental Planning Section will not visit a property unless an application has been submitted through the development review process and only when the information supplied with the application appears to be insufficient for review.
Q.		Is there a floodplain on my property?
A.		A 100-year floodplain is the area that will be inundated by a flood that has a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The Environmental Planning Section has copies of Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] maps and some individual watershed studies, which depict the approximate location of the existing 100-year floodplain. The FEMA maps are for insurance purposes only and are not used for land development because they do not account for future development. The official source for floodplain information is the Prince George's County Department of Public Works and Transportation. Contact Lertchi Seebsitt at 301-883-5777.
Q.		My basement has flooded from all this rain! What can I do?
A.		Contact the Prince George's County Department of Environmental Services call 301-883-5830.
Q.		How do I register my boat or obtain information about hunting and fishing licenses?
A.		You may contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 301-855-1748.
Q.		When are the Hunter Safety Courses?
A.		You can contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources about their Hunter Safety and Boating Safety course at 410-974-2040.
Q.		What can I do about nuisance or injured wildlife in or around my home?
A.		Contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services at 1-800-442-0708 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday. This office is very busy from April to August and if the phone is busy keep trying or leave a message after hours. This is an information office that will provide tips on why the animals may be present and what to do to resolve the problems. There is also information on Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators and Licensed Trappers if that is an appropriate course of action. This office does not deal with deer, bear or beaver in agricultural situations. If there is a deer problem with crop damage, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources should be contacted at 301-855-1748 about obtaining a permit for nuisance deer causing crop damage.

Research Section
Q.		What is the current population of the County?
A.		801.515 as of April 1, 2000. Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census
Q.		What is the current racial composition of the County?
A.		Black: 62.7%; White: 27.0%; Asian: 3.9%; American Indian: 0.3%; Persons of Hispanic Origin 7.1% Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census.
Q.		What is the amount of growth expected in the County by the year 2025?
A.		Between 2000 and 2025, the county is forecast to add 162,940 more jobs, 139,373 more residents and 81,153 additional dwelling units. Source: Round 6.1 Cooperative Forecasts, M-NCPPC.

Transportation Planning
Q.		What is the Master Plan of Transportation?
A.		The Master Plan of Transportation is the network of key transportation facilities which are needed to serve existing and future development in Prince George's county. These facilities include existing and planned roadways which interconnect our neighborhoods, commercial centers and employment centers. The last overall Master Plan of Transportation was completed in 1982, and that plan has since been amended by each area Master Plan which has been approved since that time.
Q.		When are the planned facilities on the Master Plan going to be built?
A.		In general, most planned facilities in Prince George's county are built by private land developers at the time that adjacent property is developed and the facilities become necessary. All Master Plans are developed in order to determine facility needs at the time that full development potential is reached; therefore, there is no target year given for construction of transportation facilities. Some larger facilities may be needed to serve needs beyond those of adjacent property owners; these facilities will be constructed by State or local transportation agencies as priorities suggest they are needed and as money becomes available.
Q.		Why has the county proposed a Master Plan facility across, or adjacent to, my property without informing me?
A.		All planned facilities must be included in an area Master Plan or in the Master Plan of Transportation. Any such plan is prepared with public input. Prior to any official approval, the Plan must go to a public hearing which is advertised and publicized in local newspapers, and all landowners within the area affected by the Plan are notified of the Plan by mail. The Planning Board and the District Council approve such plans during public meetings. Short of personally visiting individual homes, as much as possible is done to inform citizens about road proposals. Even so, property changes hands and new residents move into the county, and any interested person should log on to www.pgatlas.com or visit the Transportation Planning Section to see if there are any Master Plan roads which affect a property.
Q.		What is the existing, or planned, right-of-way for a particular street?
A.		Existing rights-of-way along State highways should be verified at the State Highway Administration's District 3 office in Greenbelt, 9300 Kenilworth Avenue, Greenbelt. Along county roadways, existing rights-of-way can be verified at the Department of Public Works and Transportation Office of Project Management, 9400 Peppercorn Place, Largo. Within municipalities, the local municipal office should be contacted. Future rights-of-way can be obtained by logging on to www.pgatlas.com or contacting the Transportation Planning Section.
Q.		What is meant by Adequate Public Facilities?
A.		Regarding transportation, before a new subdivision can be approved by the Planning Board, county regulations require that the Planning Board determine that transportation facilities in the vicinity of the subdivision will be adequate to serve it. The Planning Board determines adequacy on the basis of information submitted by the subdivider as well as agencies responsible for building the required facilities, such as the State Highway Administration and the County Department of Public Works and Transportation.
Q.		How do I obtain traffic counts along roadways?
A.		Counts of average daily traffic (ADT) are available for State highways in a map format by contacting the SHA Map Store, 211 East Madison Street, Baltimore, or by visiting the State Highway Administration's website. Similar ADT counts along county roadways are available in booklet form from the Department of Public Works and Transportation Office of Traffic, 9400 Peppercorn Place, Largo.
Q.		How can I find out how many accidents occur along a particular roadway?
A.		The county has database listings of all accidents reported to State and local authorities. While this database is not readily accessible to the public, requests can be given to the Department of Public Works and Transportation Office of Traffic, 9400 Peppercorn Place, Largo.
Q.		Who can I call about a maintenance problem on a roadway?
A.		Potholes and other maintenance problems should be reported to the State Highway Administration's District 3 Office of Maintenance by calling 301-513-7339 or emailing them at SHADistrict3@sha.state.md.us. Along county roadways, potholes and other maintenance problems should be reported to the Department of Public Works and Transportation Office of Maintenance at 301-499-8520. Within municipalities, the local municipal office should be contacted.

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
Q.		As a county resident, how can I participate in the development review process to ensure the protection of my home and community?
A.		You can contact the resident planner assigned to your area of the county at the Community Planning Office or call 301-952-4225 to obtain information about ongoing planning projects and development activities. You can also contact the Development Review Division at 301-952-3530to obtain information about becoming a party-of-record in pending development applications.
Q.		I noticed a sign posted at the end of my street advertising a hearing. Can you please tell me what this is all about?
A.		Call the phone number printed on the sign to obtain more information about the pending application.
Q.		I purchased my home years ago because the land behind me was wooded.