Welcome to the Department of Development Review and Permitting.
Our office is located in Snow Hill inside the Government Center (click here for directions). Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 8:00a.m. – 4:30p.m. If you need assistance please feel free to call 410-632-1200.
The Department is responsible for implementing and enforcing a wide variety of regulations and programs, primarily pertaining to land use activities. These include permits, building construction, site plans and subdivisions. Geographic Information Services (GIS), long range planning and pre-and post-disaster planning are also a function of the Department. Various licenses are also administered and issued by the Department, including liquor licenses and renewals, roadside stand licenses and vending licenses.
Worcester County Housing Study 2025
Worcester County has received a grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to update the 2004 Substandard Housing Study and 2004 Affordable Housing Report.
The Department is divided into a series of Divisions/Services:
Common Links
- 2021 Building Code Amendments to Maryland Building Performance Standards Resolution Effective May 29, 2024
- Design Guidelines and Standards 2017
- Drafting Standards Checklist for Site Plans
- DRP Permit Checklist 3.27.2024
- Fee Schedule
- FEMA Flood Maps
- Flood Hazard Map
- Resolution Adopting the 2017 National Code with Local Amendments
- Permit Application