Development process guide
How to get approval for your project in the Town of Sykesville
General Processes
| Process | Description | Steps | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amended Plat | For adding land to an existing parcel, deleting land from a parcel, consolidating lots or parcels, or otherwise modifying an existing recorded plat. | 6 steps | - |
| Building Permit | For building and site excavation permits after final site plan approval from the Planning Commission. Subdivision plans must have the final plat recorded prior to applying. | 4 steps | - |
| Minor Subdivision | For subdivisions of five or fewer lots that do not involve construction of new streets or extension streets, nor construction of any other improvements to be dedicated or maintained by the Town. | 11 steps | - |
| Site Plan Review | Full site plan review for commercial and multi-family development. Includes concept plan phase, agency review, and Planning Commission approval. | 11 steps | - |
| Subdivision Plan Review | Full subdivision plan review for larger subdivisions involving new streets, extension streets, or improvements to be dedicated or maintained by the Town. | 20 steps | - |
Planning Commission (PC) Processes
| Process | Description | Steps | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Commercial site plan - staff review, PC hearing, conditions tracking, zoning permit. | 8 steps | - |
| PEC Three-Step | Planned Employment Center three-step review - concept, preliminary, final. | 6 steps | - |
| Residential | Residential permits - county permit, staff review, optional BZA variance. | 3 steps | - |
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Processes
| Process | Description | Steps | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative Appeal | Appeal of a decision made by an administrative official, typically the Zoning Administrator. Board reviews whether the administrative decision was correct. Per Chapter 180-105(A)(1) and 180-107. | 12 steps | - |
| Special Exception | Authorization for uses requiring Board approval before a permit may issue. Compliance with specific standards in Chapter 180-109. Per Rules of Procedure and Chapter 180-105(A)(2). | 11 steps | - |
| Variance | Relaxation of zoning requirements where strict compliance would result in undue hardship. Applicant bears burden of proving hardship. Per Rules of Procedure and Chapter 180-101, 180-105(A)(3). | 11 steps | - |