Planning

The City of Cumberland has a long-standing commitment to planning dating back to the city's 1st Planning Commission in 1948. Since then, planning has taken many different forms, from a large urban renewal staff of 17 in the 1970's, to a broad-based community development program.

Department Coordination
In more recent years, planning within the City of Cumberland has been more of a "function" than separate department. The Cumberland City Planner works closely with several departments within city government, including:

• Engineering - Designs public improvements, oversees major public facility construction projects, and maintains computer maps for the city
• Community Development - Receives applications for site plans, subdivisions, and building permits, oversees all site plan and building permit reviews, undertakes historic preservation activities, and administers community development block grants
• Economic Development - Works cooperatively with developers and businesses to expand the city's economy and employment base

City Planner
The primary duties of the city planner include:

• Serve as Zoning Administrator
• Review all subdivision and major site plan applications
• Serve as technical adviser for the Municipal Planning and Zoning Commission
• Serve as technical adviser for the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Serve as technical adviser for the Cumberland Bicycle Advisory Committee
• Administer the city's Comprehensive Plan and oversee or prepare updates
• Oversee and prepare amendments to the city's Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map (PDF)
• Administer and prepare amendments to the city's Subdivision Regulations (PDF)
• Assist in the processing of Annexation petitions and studies
• Oversee and prepare special planning studies and projects
• Coordinate with the Maryland Department of Planning and Maryland Municipal League
• Provide customer assistance on planning issues and needs