Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Zone

Greenbelt Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Zone Design Standards

Prince George’s County has, for a number of years, been working on new zoning legislation. That legislation is expected to come into effect sometime later this year with the implementation of the Countywide Map Amendment (CMA). An important aspect of the CMA for GHI members is the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Zone (NCOZ) which, as its name suggests, will supersede zoning rules which would otherwise apply to our property.

GHI members should have received a letter from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, which is responsible for drafting the NCOZ. The letter describes the purpose of the NCOZ, and the process by which it will be implemented. The draft NCOZ itself, as well as the neighborhood study which preceded it, are available at http://zoningpgc.pgplanning.com.

GHI members may wish to review the proposed zoning standards in the draft NCOZ, and may also wish to attend a meeting between the County Planning Department and the City of Greenbelt on Monday, September 20, 2021 at 8:00 PM via Zoom. Information on joining the Zoom meeting is in the letter and is also available from the City.

In particular, members may wish to note that the following provisions appear in the draft NCOZ:

• additions that increase the gross square footage by 15% or more will require review by the County Planning Director

• additions may not exceed 60% of the gross floor area of the original dwelling (current GHI rules allow 100%)

• garages may only be used for vehicle parking or general storage, and not for residential or other uses

Thank you for your interest in this important legislation.

Stefan Brodd, President