Service Area Category Change Requests
Water and sewer service area categories established in the County’s Water and Sewer Plan serve in part to designate where the County has planned either for public water or sewer service or for private wells and septic systems.
A property owner will file a request with DEP to change a property’s service area categories most often in order to allow for public water or sewer service for a property currently planned to use onsite wells and septic systems. DEP receives category change requests from a variety of applicants, including: owners of properties looking for service for an existing house, development interests planning multiple-lot subdivisions, and places of worship planning to relocate to a larger site.
Follow these steps to request for a category change.
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Request Applications
To apply to change an existing service area category for a particular property, follow the steps on this page.
Learn about Requesting Applications -
Intergency Review
This page explains DEP’s request review process with our reviewing agencies, which occurs on a quarterly basis.
Learn about Intragency Review -
Action Processes
This page provides information on the two processes used to make category change request decisions: County Council review and DEP administrative delegation.
Learn about Action Processes -
Hearing Schedules
This page provides information on the current or most recent administrative delegation and County Council hearing groups.
Learn about Hearing Schedules -
Completed Actions
This page provides copies of completed category change actions and other Water and Sewer Plan amendments.
Learn about Completed Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I apply for a category change?
If your property is currently served by well and/or septic and you'd like to request public water and sewer, but your property is not in the correct category for public water and/or sewer, you must fill out a water and sewer category change application.
How do I determine the category for my property?
The property's category is available as a data layer on a map. Follow these step-by-step directions to use the County's interactive MapViewer to locate your property address and check its water and sewer category
What do the different categories mean?
The definitions of the water and sewer categories are spelled out in the category designations and definitions table.
How do I find all the property information that is asked for on the category change request form?
You can search the Maryland Real Property database and display your property records at the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation site.
How will my category change request be reviewed and how will a response be made?
Refer to the Application Review Process section above.
How do I prepare for a public hearing about my category change application?
Please refer to the About the Administrative Process or the About the Council Process sections below. If you aren’t sure which track your application is under, please contact DEP staff. Then, follow the instructions found for each process.
How long does the review take?
The length of time it takes for the application to be processed depends on both the date the application is submitted and the nature and details of the application. If your category change request is going through the administrative process review, DEP will schedule a public hearing typically within four to seven months from the date of application to DEP. If your property is going through a County Council process review, the Council will schedule a public hearing typically within five to ten months from the date of application to DEP.
What if my category change request has been denied?
You may reapply no sooner than one (1) year after the date of your application denial. Before reapplying, it's useful to see if anything has changed since your initial application, such as the proximity of water and sewer lines, the zoning, or the intended sewer service envelope for the County. Also contact DEP at askdep@montgomerycountymd.gov for an explanation of why your request was denied or if there have been significant changes in the area of interest.
What if conditional approvals have been put on my category change request?
After you've met the conditions, you must notify DEP and provide documentation proving that the conditions have been met. A final approval memo for the category change will be sent to you.
Who do I contact for more information?
For further assistance, contact the Department of Environmental Protection at askdep@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240.777.7700.