Planning & Zoning

Responsibilities

The Cambridge Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for:
  • Assistance with Intra-department of Historic Preservation
  • Chesapeake Bay Critical Area
  • Design Standards for Neighborhood Compatibility
  • Flood Plain Management information
  • Forest Conservation Act information
  • Land Use Management
  • Present & Future Planning
Unified Development Code Enforcement



Click here to view the Forms and Permits for Planning and Zoning Applications.

Gov OMalley with kids
Staff provides assistance and technical support to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and Historic Preservation Commission. This Department works closely with other city departments in administering the State's Community Legacy and CDBG grant programs.

Comprehensive Plan

The City of Cambridge began the process of updating the 1996 Comprehensive Plan in 2008. In February 2011, after more than 30 public meetings and workshops, the City of Cambridge Commissioners approved Ordinance Number 1008, inclusive of Exhibit A, to formally adopt the City's new Comprehensive Plan (PDF). The new plan which sets forth a series of goals for the future prosperity of Cambridge, will help guide future growth and development of Cambridge while ensuring that these changes happen in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Unified Development Code


City Council adopted the Unified Development Code (UDC) and it went into effect January 1, 2015. Please keep in mind that because the UDC is a living document, it is subject to updates and additions. Page links are updated periodically to reflect the new status of the documents.
If you have any questions regarding the documents links please contact Planning and Zoning at 410-228-1955.

Working Waterfront Implementation Plan

On October 27, 2017, Campion-Hruby completed Implementing the Vision: Cambridge Working Waterfront Implementation Plan