The Department of Planning and Zoning's Code Enforcement Office ensures compliance with Howard County Zoning Regulations, Subdivision and Land Development Regulations, Ellicott City Historic District Guidelines, and Lawyers Hill Historic District Guidelines.
Code enforcement is complaint-driven. We rely on citizens to bring issues to our attention and work with the Department as necessary.
Learn more about the Code Enforcement Process.
Zoning Violations
Any person who is aggrieved by an alleged violation may request in writing that the Department of Planning and Zoning issue a Violation Notice. Requests must be made in writing using the Zoning Complaint Form.
If your name and contact information is included on the complaint form, the Department will notify you if a violation is found and inform you of any formal notices that are issued. Further updates are provided if a hearing is scheduled or if the case closes. No updates or notices are provided on open enforcement cases except to the written complainant. The Department does not provide status updates for open cases submitted anonymously.
A person who wishes to appeal a departmental decision regarding an alleged violation must use this petition form. It is recommended that a person determine whether he/she can be acknowledged as being an aggrieved person.
Location and Hours
Howard County Planning and Zoning
3430 Court House Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043
COVID-19 Update
Following the announcement that the George Howard building was closed to the public, the Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) is operating through a combination of remote service and limited on-site essential staff. DPZ will continue to work toward meeting deadlines and processing information as quickly as possible, however, please expect some delays during this time.
Please see our Department COVID page for additional information about our business processes.
Telephone
410-313-2350
