Planning, Zoning, and Codes Enforcement are integral to the development of the Town of Ridgely and the planning for its future. This office handles construction-related permits, rental inspections, code enforcement, and long-range land use planning.
Most requirements related to construction and development can be found in the Town’s zoning ordinance or Town Code. There may be updates to the Zoning Ordinance that are not available online. Please contact our office to verify requirements.
Melissa Leonard, Assistant Clerk-Treasurer & Zoning Administrator
Email Melissa
Phone: (410) 634-2177
2 Central Avenue
Ridgely, Maryland 21660
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Building & Construction
The land within Town limits falls under specific zoning districts, which regulate the types of development allowed and outline additional requirements.
If you are interested in developing, redeveloping, subdividing, or undertaking a project on land within the Town, we highly recommend you contact the Town office to discuss your project. This will allow the Town staff to work with you to identify what regulations and conditions may apply to the property.
Property Maintenance & Code Enforcement
All properties in Ridgely are subject to maintenance requirements under the Maryland Minimum Livability Code (see Code of Maryland Regulations 05.02.023.01) and the most current International Property Maintenance Code.
Property maintenance requirements exist to protect residents from safety hazards, as well as to protect the property value of surrounding properties by eliminating blight.
If you have questions about the town’s property maintenance requirements, we encourage you to contact the Town office. If you wish to make a complaint about property maintenance, you can call Town Hall or submit a form using the form linked below.
Rental Properties
All rental properties in the Town of Ridgely must be registered. Please bring a completed rental registration form and the $200 fee to the Town Office during regular business hours.
Please review the rental property checklist on page 2 of the registration form carefully before submitting your registration.
Zoning & Land Use Planning
Together the Planning Commission and the Town Commissioners determine the future development of the Town through the Comprehensive Plan process. This long-term policy document guides the growth and development of a county or municipality. It addresses various aspects such as land use, housing, transportation, public facilities, environmental protection, and economic development. The plan is designed to ensure sustainable and organized development while preserving community character and natural resources.
Under Maryland law, local governments are required to update their comprehensive plans every 10 years, with community input being a key part of the process. These plans help shape zoning regulations, infrastructure investments, and other land-use decisions, aligning local goals with state planning objectives. Ridgley’s next Comprehensive Plan update will be done in 2025.
Planning & Zoning Commission
The Ridgely Planning Commission is responsible for reviewing and making decisions or recommendations on development proposals, rezonings, and amendments to the Town’s planning and zoning regulations. It plays a key role in shaping growth by evaluating subdivision plans, commercial and industrial developments, and changes to the Comprehensive Plan.
Complaints
If you have questions about any of the Town’s planning, zoning, or code enforcement requirements, please contact the Town Office. To report a concern or file a complaint related to any of the topics on this page, you may call Town Hall or use the form linked below.