Town of Friendsville Zoning

The Friendsville Zoning Ordinance was originally enacted on January 3, 1972.  The most recent version of the  Friendsville Zoning Ordinance (2.1 MB)  was adopted on May 21, 2018. Please click the following link to view a  Friendsville Zoning Map (274.21 KB) . Garrett County also offers an interactive webmaps that includes a zoning layer.  Planning & Land Management staff helps administer the Zoning Ordinance and provides final review and approval of all required zoning permits.

The following amendments to the Zoning Ordinance have been adopted:

Contact

For more information, please contact Bruce Metz or Chad Fike at 301-334-1920.

The Town of Friendsville can be contacted at 301-746-5919.  Town Hall is located at 313 Chestnut Street, Friendsville, MD 21531.

Zoning Permits

Erecting most structures or changing the use of land or buildings within the Town of Friendsville requires a zoning permit. In most cases a building permit from the Department of Permits & Inspection Services will also be required. Certain smaller structures such as fences, signs, and small sheds will require a site plan and zoning permit even if a building permit is not required.  Please call with details of any proposed project to determine which permits will be required.

Application Process

Zoning permit applications are made at the Friendsville Town Hall by the property owner or authorized agent of the owner. The zoning permit application must then be brought to the Department of Planning and Land Management at the Courthouse for final review and approval.  If necessary, a building permit will also be initiated at this time. Construction may not begin until all required building and zoning permits are issued.

Site Plans

Zoning permit applications shall include a site layout drawn to scale showing the location, dimensions, and height of proposed buildings, structures, or uses, and any existing buildings in relation to property and street lines.

Fees

Required zoning permit fees are paid at the Town Hall.  Please contact Town Hall for the current fee schedule.  

Appeals for Special Exceptions, Variances & Interpretations

The Board of Appeals may grant zoning approval for Special Exception Uses grant following a public hearing and findings of fact consistent with the provisions of the Ordinance, and provided the use complies with conditions and standards in the Ordinance.

  • A Variance is a request for the Board of Appeals to vary or adapt the strict application of certain specific requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.
  • An Interpretation Hearing may be requested where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the Zoning Administrator.

For more information please contact Town Hall

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board consists of three (3) members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Town Council. The term of office of the members are three (3) years.

The current members of the Friendsville Board of Zoning Appeals are:

  • Rob Smith (Chairman)
  • Robin Sines
  • Kim Thomas
  • Chad Fike (alternate)