About
ProjectDox is an online tool that streamlines the process of plan submission, review, approval, and tracking. It enables collaboration between agencies, allowing them to review and mark up plans, share comments, and identify potential conflicts. With automatic task notifications and plan routing, ProjectDox aims to improve efficiency and reduce review cycle time.
Visit ProjectDox
Use ProjectDox to submit development and subdivision plans, redline existing plans, or submit a zoning or waiver petition.
What's New?
On January 24th, ProjectDox was upgraded to version 9.4. This upgrade has established a new system for future patches and updates to be installed without significant system downtime and little to no disruption for users. Additionally, there are notable changes to file submissions and viewing.
- Microsoft Word documents in the .doc format are no longer compatible with ProjectDox and will not display in the software. All Word files must be uploaded using the current .docx format in order to ensure compatibility.
- Existing .doc files on ProjectDox, while unable to be viewed in the software, can be downloaded and viewed in Microsoft Word and other external document editing software
- The HTML5 and Brava! viewers from previous version of ProjectDox have been replaced with a custom viewer built specifically for ProjectDox. This new viewer combines the best qualities of the two former viewers. The new viewer has the advanced functionality and of the Brava! viewer while eliminating the need for a separate component to be installed on users' computers. For information on how to use the new viewer, please visit the User Guide section below.
Plan Applications
To access applications for submission, please visit the ProjectDox website. Applications can be made using the Services section in ProjectDox, which is accessible in the top left corner of the Portal screen.
For pertinent information regarding the submission materials, please review the below user guides and checklists for the applicable plan type.
- (NEW) File Viewer User Guide
- This guide helps users, both Applicants and Reviewers, to navigate and utilize the new file viewer
- End User Guide
- A comprehensive guide for all things ProjectDox. For "View Only" users (users who are only accessing projects to view files and information, not perform tasks) see page 13 for the section on "Project View- Entering a Project"
- User Requirements
- The technical specifications for users in order to access ProjectDox and to view files
- Applicant Quick Guide
- This guide focuses on the Applicant experience and details how to upload files, complete tasks, and respond to review comments
- Coordinator Quick Guide
- This guide is for Intake Coordinators performing plan creation and management tasks
- Plan Reviewer First Review Quick Guide
- This guide helps Department Reviewers to perform their initial (first) review, including adding changemarks and using the Reviews tab, during the plan review cycle
- Plan Reviewer Subsequent Review Quick Guide
- This guide is for Department Reviewers performing subsequent reviews after the first review cycle and deals with issues like versioning, overlaying files, and viewing changemarks from prior review cycles
Development Plan Checklists
ProjectDox System Requirements
- Submissions MUST be in PDF format
- Microsoft Word files MUST use the .docx extension and not .doc
- Paper space should include all notes, tables, charts, images, sketches, etc.
- Model space should only contain existing & proposed features
- Fonts should be AUTOCAD Standards
- Paper space sheet should be in a separate CAD file
- Scale in paper space should be between 1" = 10' to 1" = 50'
- Paper space should be printable on 24" x 36" sheet for ECP's, Road Construction Drawings/Supplemental Plans, Water and Sewer Plans and SDP's, and on a 18" x 24" sheet for plats
File Naming Convention
- Plan sheets must have specific sheet numbers with two digits & names (ex: C-01_CoverSheet; C-02_Sediment Control, etc.)
- Reports/Exhibits should have specific file numbers and names. (ex: SDP-09-001_SWMReport; SDP-90-001_PhotoExhibit,etc.)
- Estimates should maintain the file name given when downloading from the checklist.
- For files to version in ProjectDox the naming convention of the files must not change over any subsequent submission. During a resubmission, ProjectDox will provide video instructions on how to correctly version files.
Electronic Signature Process:
All development plans that are signed, except final subdivision plats, are processed electronically through the ProjectDox workflow. Once the project is technically complete or approvable and the developers agreement and/or declaration of covenants process is complete (if applicable), the applicant can upload the original plan to ProjectDox for County signatures. The upload must meet the following standards.
- 24” x 36” with ½” border along all edges of the plan.
- Plans must be in PDF format. PDFs should be flattened to help make uploading and storage more efficient.
- Electronic plans requiring seals and signatures of State licensed individuals must meet the overall criteria for digital signatures provided in the Code of Maryland Regulations 09.23.03.09 and be verified or 3rd party verifiable.
Mylar Signature Process:
Final Subdivision Plats are processed by submission of a physical Mylar for wet seal and signatures. The final plat must meet the following standards.
- 18" x 24" with ½” border along all edges of the plat.
- No information or numbers shall be placed within the borders, except the assigned County file number. When more than 1 sheet is required, a sheet index chart shall be provided on sheet 1. All sheets in the set will be numbered as in this example (i.e.: Sheet 1 of 5, etc.).
- Be made of durable, reproducible mylar material. No sepia paper, tracing paper, etc., will be accepted.
- Not be pieced, spliced, have "stick-ons" or "press-type" lettering.
- On all sheets, have original seal and signature of the Maryland registered professional engineer/surveyor/architect(s) authorized by appropriate section of Annotated Code of Maryland to prepare the specified plan.
- Have on the appropriate sheets of the plan the original signature(s) of owner/developer/engineer and any required certificates.
- All required signatures and seals on the original drawings shall be in permanent ink. Water soluble felt tip pens and similar instruments shall not be used.
Simplified Environmental Concept Plan: The Simplified Environmental Concept Plan process is for projects that do not require a plat or site development plan. The Simplified ECP should be submitted as a .pdf file. The plan should generally meet the criteria listed in the ECP Checklist and shall contain sediment and erosion control, forest conservation, and stormwater management. This plan should be emailed to Jeff Pickett in the Development Engineering Division using the button below.
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Water and Sewer Final Plan Checklist (if final water & sewer is with SDP)
- Fee-in-Lieu Request Form
- Declaration of Intent for Agricultural Activities
- Declaration of Intent for Forestry Activities
- Declaration of Intent for Linear Project
- Declaration of Intent for a Real Estate Transaction
- Declaration of Intent for a Single Residential Lot
- Forest Conservation Worksheet
- Forest Conservation Data Summary
To request alternative compliance to the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.
Engineering Design Manual Waivers are processed by paper application to the Development Engineering Division. Please visit the Alternative Compliance webpage for more information.
The Route 1 and Route 40 corridors have Design Manuals that provide requirements and recommendations for specific site design and building design standards. If you wish to request an alternative compliance to the Route 1 or Route 40 design criteria, please complete the applicable form below and submit it with your subdivision or site development plan application.
Zoning Petitions
IMPORTANT NOTE: Pursuant to Howard County Code Section 16.211, incumbent Councilmembers shall not take final action on any Zoning Regulation Amendment or Zoning Map Amendment after the date of the primary election, until the newly elected County Council members have qualified and taken office. The primary election date this year is June 23, 2026.
- Zoning Map Amendments - To provide sufficient time for any written decisions to be drafted and signed by the Zoning Board, the Zoning Board plans to conclude decision-making on Zoning Map Amendment cases toward the end of April. Any cases that are not concluded within these deadlines could be deferred until the next County Council takes office in December and begins to schedule Zoning Board meetings in 2027.
- Zoning Regulation Amendments - The last complete legislative session before the primary election begins May 4, 2026. Proposed zoning regulation amendments would need to be pre-filed no later than April 23, 2026, to be including in the May legislative session.
All Zoning Petitions are accepted by the Department of Planning & Zoning through its ProjectDox online plan submission system.
For these zoning petitions, there is a two-step process:
- The first step involves entering the petition application information into the ProjectDox webpage.
- After the project data has been entered into the online form, you will be notified through email to complete the second step and upload the necessary documents to complete the petition application.
Depending on the petition type, uploads may include a Petition Plan, Owners Authorization, Supplemental Information, Affidavit of Posting, and Affidavits of Contributions. All uploads must be in PDF format and uploaded into the applicable folder. For any required or supplemental material that are uploaded, three (3) hard copies of the required or supplemental material must be submitted.
Please select the link below to access the Petition Submittal Guide for each petition type.
Zoning Petition Submission Requirements
Who To Contact
If you require assistance with ProjectDox or have questions about the plan and permit review process, please contact:
Subdivision & Development Plans | Alternative Compliance
Payton Semmont - 410-313-4351
Jason Lenker - 410-313-4394
Water & Sewer Plans | Redlines
Jeff Pickett - 410-313-3363
Zoning Petitions
Justin Tyler - 410-313-4415
Building Permits
Debbie Whalen - 410-313-3943
Moriah Jayjock- 410-313-3944
ProjectDox Software
James Wilkerson - 410-313-4362
Lisa Kenney - 410-313-4373
