In order to answer this question, the following must be known:

• the size of the tract in acres or square feet,
• the zoning of the property, and
• whether or not the property fronts on a publicly maintained road.

A history of the property's ownership transfers and other divisions from April 23, 1963 is necessary in determining what type of division is applicable. This information is found by searching the deeds in Land Records at the Courthouse Annex at 55 North Court Street in Westminster, Maryland.

If the property is in a recorded subdivision, Land Records has copies of record plats, maintenance agreements for use-in-common driveways, deeds of easement, etc. that may be purchased.

It is wise to visit the Bureau of Development Review in Room 207 at 225 North Center Street, Westminster, Maryland with your gathered information for clarification of any questions or concerns you may have.

An off-conveyance is the legal method of creating buildable lots, subsequent to April 23, 1963, without requiring the subdivision process or the recording of a subdivision plat.

A Site Development Plan provides layout and construction details for the development of commercial and/or industrial property.

In general, a site plan is required for the establishment of a new commercial use or the change of use of an existing commercial facility. A final determination is the responsibility of the Zoning Administrator.

A Minor Subdivision, as designed by the Subdivision Regulations, is a division of property into no more than 3 lots not involving a Planned Major Street or public project.

A Major Subdivision is a division of property into four or more lots or any division of property involving a Planned Major Street or public project.

A plot plan refers to when the outline or perimeter of a property is plotted graphically from the metes and bounds description contained in the deed. The Bureau of Development Review does not have individual plot plans or copies of property.

Generally when a property is mortgaged, the lender requires a location survey to be performed. This survey shows the perimeter of the property and the location of improvements on that property. The best place to look for the location survey is in the papers from settlement. If significant changes have occurred since settlement, you might consider having the location survey updated by the engineer/surveyor who performed the original survey.

Copies of a recorded plat may be obtained from the Office of Land Records in the Courthouse Annex at 55 North Court Street, Westminster, Maryland.