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SECTION 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS

  1.01 PURPOSE 

These regulations establish measures and requirements for the subdivision of parcels of land and the procedures by which these requirements and measures are to be administered and enforced. The purpose of these regulations is to help ensure the orderly development of the City of Cumberland in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan and to provide for adequate community facilities in development and redevelopment areas. 

1.02 AUTHORITY 

These regulations are established in accordance with the provisions of Article 66B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. 

1.03 JURISDICTION 

Effective the date of adoption of these regulations, any owner of any tract, parcel, or lot of land located in the incorporated territory of the City of Cumberland who subdivides that land, creating one or more new lots or parcels of land, shall have a plat of this subdivision prepared and approved by the Municipal Planning and Zoning Commission of the City (hereinafter referred to as "Planning Commission" or "Commission"), in accordance with these regulations and the provisions of Article 66B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. 

1.04 SEVERABILITY 

It is hereby declared to be the intention of the Mayor and City Council of Cumberland that the sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, and phrases of this Ordinance are severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section of this Ordinance or the prior Ordinances hereby reenacted shall be declared unconstitutional or otherwise invalid for any reason in a court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality or invalidity shall not affect the validity of any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, or sections of this Ordinance or the prior Ordinances hereby reenacted. 

1.05 OTHER APPROVALS REQUIRED 

Projects requiring subdivision approval shall also comply with all other applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, such as the City of Cumberland Zoning Ordinance, City of Cumberland Stormwater Management Ordinance, soil erosion and sediment control requirements of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil Conservation Service), etc. 
 

SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS

2.01 SUBDIVISION 

2.01.01 Subdivision 

A "subdivision" shall include all divisions of a tract or parcel of land into two or more lots, building sites, or other divisions for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of sale or building development and shall include all divisions of land involving the dedication of a new street or a change in an existing street or streets; provided, however, that the following shall not be included within this definition nor be subject to the provisions of these regulations: 

(1) The combination or recombination of previously platted lots where the total number of lots is not increased and the resultant lots comply with the zoning regulations of the City of Cumberland. 

(2) The division of land into parcels greater than five acres where no street right-of-way dedication is involved. 

(3) The public acquisition by purchase of strips of land for the widening or opening of streets. 

(4) The division of any tract of land in one (1) undivided ownership whose entire area is no greater than two (2) acres to be divided into not more than five (5) lots where no street right-of-way dedication is involved and where the resultant lots are equal to or exceed the zoning regulations of the City of Cumberland.

2.01.02 Minor Subdivision 

A "minor subdivision" is any subdivision containing not more than five (5) lots fronting on an existing street; not involving any new street or road, the extension of municipal facilities, or the creation of any public improvements; not adversely affecting the remainder of the parcel or adjoining property; and not in conflict with any provision or portion of the Zoning Ordinance or these regulations. 

2.01.03 Major Subdivision 

A "major subdivision" is any subdivisions not classified as a minor subdivision, including but not limited to subdivisions of six (6) or more lots, or any size subdivision requiring any new street or extension of the local government facilities or the creation of any public improvements. 

2.02 LOT 

A "lot" is a piece, parcel or plat of land, intended as a unit for transfer of ownership or for development. 

2.03 STREETS AND ALLEYS 

A "street" is a way for vehicular traffic, whether designated as a street, highway, thoroughfare, parkway, throughway, road, avenue, boulevard, lane, place, or however otherwise designated. 

(1) Major arterial streets are streets that now serve or may serve heavy local and regional traffic and major State and Federal highways. 

(2) Collector streets are streets that carry traffic from minor streets to the major system of arterial streets and highways, including the principal entrance streets of a residential development and streets for circulation within such a development. 

(3) Local service or minor streets are streets that are designed primarily to provide access to adjacent properties. 

(4) Cul-de-sac shall mean a short minor street having one end open for vehicular traffic, the other end being permanently terminated, normally with a circular turn-around. 

(5) Alley shall mean a strip of land publicly or privately owned which provides a secondary means to adjacent properties. 

(6) Marginal access streets are minor streets which are parallel to and adjacent to arterial streets and highways, and which provide access to abutting properties and protection from through traffic. 

(7) Limited access streets are arterial highways which have no intersections at grade with other streets, railroads, and no access from abutting properties. 

(8) Controlled access streets are arterial streets and highways which have only a limited number of at-grade intersections with streets and railroads, and limited access from abutting properties.

2.04 GROUP DEVELOPMENT 

A "group development" is a group of two or more principal structures, built on a single lot, parcel or tract of land, and designed for occupancy by separate families, firms, businesses or other enterprises. 
 

SECTION 3: PROCEDURE FOR SECURING APPROVAL OF SUBDIVISIONS

3.01 MINOR SUBDIVISION REVIEW PROCEDURES 

Minor subdivisions as defined in Section 2.01.02 shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission, acting through the Zoning Administrator or his/her authorized designee, in accordance with the following procedures: 

3.01.01 Preliminary Plat Conference 

The Minor Subdivision applicant or his/her agent shall schedule a conference with the Zoning Administrator or his/her authorized designee to discuss the plat preparation and approval process prior to submitting a plat for review. The Zoning Administrator will provide information and advice concerning the review procedure and provide coordination for plat review and approval. The Zoning Administrator’s office, however, will not undertake to design the subdivision or perform any service for which a qualified surveyor should be engaged. 

3.01.02 Preliminary Plat - Application for Conditional Approval 

(1) Following the Preliminary Plat Conference, and before any Subdivider or his agent contracts for the sale of or offers to sell the whole or any part of any subdivision of land or any interest therein, said Subdivider or his agent shall file five (5) prints of a Preliminary Plat of said subdivision with Zoning Administrator for his/her study, review, and recommendations. One of these prints shall be for the records of the City Engineer for his recommendations. 

(2) The Preliminary Plat shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements contained in Section 6 (Plat Data) and shall be submitted prior to the completion of the final surveys of streets and lots and before any grading or construction work has been started upon the proposed streets and before any map of said subdivision is made in final form for recording. 

(3) The Preliminary Plat shall be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator, City Engineer, and other officials affected by such Plat for conformance with the Subdivision Regulations, Zoning Ordinance, pertinent goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan, and other applicable regulations and policies. 

(4) On receipt of reports from the City Engineer and other officials and on completion of his/her review, the Zoning Administrator shall, within twenty (20) days, approve or disapprove the Preliminary Plat, advising the Subdivider of its action. 

(6) In the event that utility systems, publicly maintained roads, or other improvements are required to be extended in a proposed Minor Subdivision, it will be the Subdivider’s responsibility to provide these improvements to City standards according to the procedures set forth in Section 3.02 and the standards set forth in Section 5. 

(7) Preliminary approval shall not constitute approval of the Final Plat. Rather, it shall be deemed an expression of the approval of the layout submitted on the Preliminary Plat as a guide to the preparation of the Final Plat, which will be submitted for the approval of the Zoning Administrator and for recording upon fulfillment of the requirements of these regulations and the conditions of the preliminary approval, if any. 

(8) The action of the Zoning Administrator shall be noted on two (2) copies of the Preliminary Plat, referenced and attached to any conditions determined. One (1) copy shall be returned to the Subdivider and the other retained by the Zoning Administrator’s office. 

(9) Should the Subdivider fail to submit to the Zoning Administrator’s office within two (2) years of the date of the conditional approval of the Preliminary Plat, a final plat affecting all or a portion of the area covered by the Preliminary Plat, the conditional approval of the Preliminary Plat shall expire.

3.01.03 Final Plat - Application for Approval 

(1) Following Preliminary Plat review and approval, a Final Plat will be prepared in conformance with the requirements specified in Section 6 (Plat Data). The Final Plat shall conform substantially to the Preliminary Plat as approved. 

(2) If the Planning Commission, acting through the Zoning Administrator, is satisfied that the proposed subdivision is not contrary to applicable provisions of these regulations or any other law or ordinance, it will, after approval and signature of the City Engineer and any other applicable agency head, approve such subdivision and have the plat signed and dated by the Zoning Administrator. 

(3) Following approval and signature by the Zoning Administrator, three (3) cloth backed prints of the Final Plat are to be filed with the Clerk of Court of Allegany County by the Zoning Administrator’s office, and other copies distributed to appropriate agencies including one (1) each for the files of the City Engineer and the Planning Commission. One (1) print of the signed tracing shall be returned to the Subdivider. 

(4) When an application for final approval of a plat has been submitted to the Zoning Administrator in accordance with these regulations and no notice of objection has been given by the Administrator within thirty (30) days after the submission thereof, and no such notice is given at the end of such time upon demand of the applicant, the plat shall be deemed to be approved and a certificate to that effect shall be issued by the Zoning Administrator’s office, on demand. 

(5) The Final Plat shall be accompanied by the proposed restrictions, if any.

  3.02 MAJOR SUBDIVISION REVIEW PROCEDURES 

Major subdivisions as defined in Section 2.01.03 shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission in accordance with the following procedures: 

3.02.01 Pre-Application Procedure 

(1) Before filing an application for conditional approval of the Preliminary Plat, the Subdivider shall submit to the Planning Commission a sketch plan of the proposed subdivision indicating existing conditions, land characteristics, available utilities, existing covenants, and a general description or layout of the proposed number of residential lots, average lot sizes, utility and street improvements, and areas for all uses other than residential. This step does not require formal application but serves as an opportunity for preliminary discussions and recommendations. 

(2) Within fifteen (15) days, the Planning Commission shall inform the Subdivider that the plans and data as submitted, or as modified, do or do not meet the objectives of these regulations. When the Planning Commission finds the plans and data do not meet the objectives of these regulations, it shall express its reasons therefore.

3.02.02 Preliminary Plat - Application for Conditional Approval 

(1) On reaching conclusions, informally as recommended in 3.02.01(2) above, regarding his general program and objectives, the Subdivider shall cause to be prepared a Preliminary Plat, together with preliminary improvement plans and other supplementary material as specified in Section 6. 

(2) Before any Subdivider or his agent contracts for the sale of or offers to sell the whole or any part of any subdivision of land or any interest therein, said Subdivider or his agent shall file five (5) prints of a Preliminary Plat of said subdivision with the Planning Commission for its study, review, and recommendations. Such prints shall be filed in the office of the Planning Commission at least two (2) weeks before its next regular meeting to assure consideration of said Plat. One of these prints shall be for the records of the City Engineer for his recommendations. 

(3) The Preliminary Plat shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements specified in Section 6 (Plat Data) and shall be submitted prior to the completion of the final surveys of streets and lots and before any grading or construction work has been started upon the proposed streets and before any map of said subdivision is made in final form for recording. 

(4) The Preliminary Plat shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, City Engineer, and other officials affected by such Plat for conformance with the Subdivision Regulations, Zoning Ordinance, pertinent goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan, and other applicable regulations and policies. 

(5) On receipt of reports from the Zoning Administrator, City Engineer, and other officials and on completion of its review, the Planning Commission shall, within forty (40) days, approve or disapprove the Preliminary Plat, advising the Subdivider of its action. 

(6) Preliminary approval shall not constitute approval of the Final Plat, rather it shall be deemed an expression of the approval of the layout submitted on the Preliminary Plat as a guide to the preparation of the Final Plat which will be submitted for the approval of the Planning Commission and for recording upon fulfillment of the requirements of these regulations and the conditions of the preliminary approval, if any. 

(7) The action of the Planning Commission shall be noted on two (2) copies of the Preliminary Plat, referenced and attached to any conditions determined. One (1) copy shall be returned to the Subdivider and the other retained by the Planning Commission. 

(8) Should the Subdivider fail to submit to the Planning Commission, within two (2) years of the date of the conditional approval of the Preliminary Plat, a Final Plat affecting all or a portion of the area covered by the Preliminary Plat, the conditional approval of the Preliminary Plat shall expire.

3.02.03 Final Plat - Application for Approval 

(1) Application for approval of the Final Plat shall be submitted in writing to the office of the Planning Commission at least ten (10) days prior to the regularly scheduled meeting at which the applicant desires it to be considered. 

(2) The original tracing and six (6) blueprint copies of the Final Plat and other exhibits required for approval shall be submitted as specified in Section 6. One (1) of these prints shall be for the records of the City Engineer for review and approval according to item (4) below. 

(3) The Final Plat shall conform substantially to the Preliminary Plat as approved, and if desired by the Subdivider, it may constitute only that portion of the approved Preliminary Plat which he proposes to record and develop at the time; provided, however, that such portion conforms to all the requirements of these regulations. 

(4) A certificate by the City Engineer shall be furnished stating that the improvements required to be accomplished by the Subdivider have been satisfactorily completed; or, in lieu thereof, the Subdivider shall furnish to the City a bond or other form of guarantee acceptable to both the City Attorney and the Planning Commission, to assure the accomplishment of such improvements within the period of time fixed by the Commission in an amount recommended by the City Engineer, and approved by the Commission, to be adequate to cover the total estimated costs of the required improvements, or in the alternative, a receipt from the City Clerk, showing that prepayment has been made in the amount so fixed. The City Engineer may require that the Subdivider provide an as-built drawing of improvements certified correct by a Registered Professional Engineer. 

(5) The Planning Commission shall review each application for final approval presented in accord with these rules and regulations. When the Planning Commission grants final approval, such approval shall be entered in writing by the Chairman or Secretary of the Commission on the original tracing of the plat, three (3) cloth backed prints of which are to be filed with the Clerk of Court of Allegany County by the Commission, and other copies distributed to appropriate agencies including one (1) each for the files of the City Engineer and the Commission. One (1) print of the signed tracing shall be returned to the Subdivider. 

(6) When an application for final approval of a plat has been submitted to the Planning Commission in accordance with these regulations and no notice of objection has been given by the Commission within thirty (30) days after the submission thereof, and no such notice is given at the end of such time upon demand of the applicant, the plat shall be deemed to be approved and a certificate to that effect shall be issued by the Commission, on demand. 

(7) The Final Plat shall be accompanied by the proposed restrictions, if any.
 

SECTION 4: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM STANDARDS OF DESIGN

  4.01 CONFORMITY WITH EXISTING PLANS 

All proposed subdivisions shall be in conformity with a plan for the most advantageous development of the entire neighboring area and shall bear a sensible relationship to the existing or amended plans of the Planning Commission. Resubdivision of a lot or parcel of land in an existing recorded subdivision will be approved only in those cases where it is clearly shown that such resubdivision will not in any manner be detrimental to the neighboring area or plan. 

4.02 STREETS 

(1) Major Thoroughfare Plan: Whenever a tract to be subdivided embraces any part of a thoroughfare, boulevard, or parkway so designated by the Planning Commission, such part of such proposed public way shall be platted by the Subdivider in the location and to the width recommended by the Commission. 

(2) Relation to Adjoining Street System: The proposed street system shall extend existing streets or projects to the same or greater width but in no case less than the required minimum width. Where in the opinion of the Planning Commission it is desirable to provide for street access to adjoining property, proposed streets shall be extended by their dedication to the boundary of such property. 

(3) Unsubdivided Portion of Plat: When the plat submitted represents only a portion of land owned by the Subdivider, the Subdivider shall submit a tentative street layout for the remaining portion of the land. 

(4) Contour of Land: The proposed subdivision shall take advantage of and be adjusted to the contour of the land so as to produce usable lots and streets of reasonable gradient. 

(5) Minor Streets: Minor streets shall be laid out so that their use by through traffic will be discouraged. 

(6) Marginal Access Streets: When a subdivision borders or contains a railroad right-of-way or limited access highway right-of-way, the Planning Commission may require a street approximately parallel to and on each side of such right-of-way at a distance suitable for the appropriate use of the intervening land, as for park purposes in residential districts, or for commercial or industrial purposes in appropriate districts. Such distances shall also be determined with due regard for the requirements of approach grades and future grade separations. 

(7) Reserve Strip: Reserve strips controlling access to streets shall be prohibited except where they are definitely placed under City control in accordance with conditions approved by the Commission. 

(8) Curves and Grades: 
 

(a) Tangents: A tangent at least 100 feet long shall be introduced between reverse curves on all arterial and collector streets. 

(b) Horizontal Curves: Where a deflection angle of more than 10^o in the alignment of a street occurs, a curve of reasonably long radius shall be introduced. The centerline radius of curvature shall not be less than 400 feet on all major arterial streets, 300 feet on all collector streets and 200 feet on all minor local service streets. 

(c) Alignment and Visibility: Clear visibility measured along the centerline, shall be provided for at least three hundred (300) feet on major arterials; two hundred (200) feet on collector streets and at least one hundred (100) on minor streets. 

(d) Vertical Curves: All changes in grade shall be connected by vertical curves designed to the specifications of the City Engineer, in accordance with good engineering practice. 

(e) Grades: Grades on all street profiles shall be approved as specified by the City Engineer, in accordance with good engineering practice. Whenever feasible, shall not exceed the following, with due allowance for reasonable vertical curves: 

Street TypePercent Grade 

Arterial Per Maryland State Highway Administration standards 

Collector 10% 

Minor 12% 

Marginal Access 10% 
 

 (9) Intersections: 

 

(a) Streets shall be laid out so as to intersect as nearly as possible at right angles and no street shall intersect with any other street at less than a 60 degree angle. 

 

(b) Property lines at street intersections shall be rounded with a radius of twenty (20) feet or of greater radii where the Commission may deem it necessary. The Commission may permit comparable cutoffs or chords in place of rounded corners. 

(c) At street and alley intersections, curbs shall be rounded by an arc, the minimum radius of which shall be ten (10) feet. 

(d) Street jogs with centerline off-sets of less than 125 feet shall be avoided. 
 

 (10) Rights-of-Way: Street right-of-way widths shall be as shown on the Thoroughfare Plan and where not shown therein shall be not less than as follows: 

 

Street TypeRight-of-Way Width 

 

Major Arterial 80 feet 

Collector 60 feet 

Minor 50 feet 

Marginal Access 40 feet 

Alley 20 feet 

Subject to the approval of the City Engineer, the above requirements may be reduced in cases where the full specified right-of-way width is not available. 

 

(11) Half Streets: Half streets shall be prohibited except where essential to the reasonable development of the subdivision in conformity with the other requirements of these regulations; and where the Commission finds it will be practicable to require the dedication of the other half when the adjoining property is subdivided. Whenever a half street is adjacent to a tract to be subdivided, the other half of the street shall be platted within such tract. 

 

(12) Dead-End Streets: Streets designed to have one end permanently closed (cul-de-sacs) shall terminate in a circular area for public right-of-way having a minimum property line radius of 50 feet. In addition, space for parking bays shall be provided as needed. Cul-de-sacs longer than 500 feet are discouraged. 

(13) Temporary Turn-Arounds: The Planning Commission may require a suitable turn-around when a street is temporarily dead-ended over one hundred and fifty (150) feet from its nearest intersection. Such turn-around will be adequate to accommodate the turning radius of fire engines and other emergency vehicles. 

(14) Alleys: Alleys shall be provided to the rear of all lots used for the business purposes but shall not be provided in residential blocks except where the need for alleys is fully justified. 

(15) Street Names: Proposed streets which are obviously in alignment with others already existing and named shall bear the name of the existing streets. In no case shall the name for proposed streets duplicate, or be phonetically similar to existing street names, irrespective of the use of the suffix: Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Drive, Place or Court.

  4.03 BLOCKS 

(1) Orientation: The length, width and shape of a block shall be determined with due regard to (a) provision of adequate building sites suitable to the special needs of the type of use contemplated, (b) needs for convenience, access, circulation, control and safety of street traffic, (c) limitations and opportunities of topography, and (d) zoning requirements as to lot sizes and dimensions. 

(2) Block Length: Block lengths shall not exceed sixteen hundred (1,600) feet, or be less than three hundred fifty (350) feet. 

(3) Block Width: Blocks shall be at least wide enough to allow two tiers of lots of minimum depth, except where prevented by topographical conditions, or the size of the property. A single tier of lots may be used adjoining a major thoroughfare when access is provided from a minor interior street. 

(4) Crosswalks: Pedestrian crosswalks not less than ten (10) feet wide may be required when deemed essential to provide circulation or access to schools, playgrounds, shopping centers, transportation, and other community facilities. 

(5) Sidewalks: Sidewalks at least four (4) feet wide shall be provided when required by the Planning Commission to provide proper circulation or access to schools, playgrounds, shopping centers, transportation and other community facilities.

4.04 LOTS 

The lot size, width, depth, shape and orientation and the minimum building setback lines shall be appropriate for the location of the subdivision and for the type of development contemplated and shall conform to the following: 

(1) Arrangement: 
 

(a) Every lot or parcel of land shall abut on a public right-of-way. 

(b) Insofar as practical, side lot lines shall be at right angles to straight street lines or radial to curved street lines. 

(c) Depth and width of properties reserved or laid out for commercial and industrial purposes shall be adequate to provide for the offstreet service and parking facilities required by the type of use and development contemplated. 

(d) Double frontage and reverse frontage lots shall be avoided except where desirable to provide separation of residential development from traffic arteries and to overcome specific disadvantages of topography and orientation. A planting screen easement of at least ten (10) feet, across which there shall be no right-of-way access, shall be provided along the lines of lots abutting such traffic artery or other disadvantageous use. 

(e) Corner lots for residential use shall have extra width to permit appropriate building set-back from and orientation to both streets. 
 

 (2) Lot Size: Lot dimensions and set-back shall conform to the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. 

(3) Lot Depth: Where practical, the depth of a lot shall not exceed three times the width, and shall not be less than ninety (90) feet.

4.05 GROUP DEVELOPMENT 

The foregoing requirements may be modified by the Planning Commission in case of an entire new community or in the case of group developments for housing if departures are made without destroying the intent of the standards herein prescribed. 

4.06 EASEMENTS 

(1) Easements in favor of the City, at least 20 feet wide, 10 feet on each side of rear lot lines and when deemed necessary to gain adequate access to rear lot lines along side lot lines, shall be provided for utilities such as public service poles, conduits and sewer or water lines. 

(2) Where a subdivision is traversed by a water course, drainage way, channel or stream, there shall be provided a storm water easement or drainage right-of-way in favor of the City, conforming substantially with the lines of such water course, and such further width or construction, or both, as will be adequate for the purpose. Parallel streets or parkways may be required in connection therewith.

4.07 PUBLIC SITES AND OPEN SPACES 

The Planning Commission may require that suitable areas be dedicated for public use or reserved for the common use of all property owners within the proposed subdivision by deed covenants. In the interest of public welfare, at least five (5) percent of the area of every subdivision, exclusive of streets, should be set aside for public use. Where the tract contains less than forty (40) acres, such reservations for open space may be combined wherever possible with similar reservations in adjoining tracts. 
 

SECTION 5: REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS

5.01 MONUMENTS 

Monuments tied into the State Plane Coordinate System shall be placed at all block corners, angle points, points of curves in streets, and at intermediate points as shall be required by the City Engineer. The monuments shall be of such material, size and length as may be approved by the City Engineer. 

5.02 UTILITY AND STREET IMPROVEMENTS 

The following utility and street improvements shall be provided by the Subdivider in each new subdivision: 

(1) Connection to a public water distribution system, as approved by the City Engineer. 

(2) Connection to a public sewer system, as approved by the City Engineer. 

(3) Underground installation of electric, gas, telephone, and CATV lines, as approved by the City Engineer. 

(4) Storm sewer system and other drainage improvements, as approved by the City Engineer. The City’s Stormwater Management Ordinance requires that the two (2) and ten (10) year post development peak discharge rates shall be controlled and released at the respective two (2) and ten (10) year predevelopment rates. The difference between the predevelopment and postdevelopment runoffs for the two (2) and ten (10) year storms shall be retained in an approved stormwater management facility. 

(5) Arterial and Collector Streets: As approved by the Planning Commission and City Engineer. The City Engineer may require the applicant to prepare a traffic impact analysis to quantify the amount of traffic generated by the proposed development where necessary to determine the required width of arterial and collector street improvements. 

(6) Minor Street: 50 foot right-of-way, 30 foot pavement, two curb sections, two four-foot utility areas, two four-foot sidewalks when required by the Planning Commission. The City Engineer may reduce these standards to 24 foot pavement and/or two shoulders and two drainage swales with no curb sections where warranted by topographic or other local conditions. 

(7) Marginal Access Street: 40 foot right-of-way, 24 foot pavement, two curb sections, two four-foot utility areas, and one four-foot sidewalk when required by the Planning Commission. The City Engineer may reduce these standards to two shoulders and two drainage swales with no curb sections where warranted by topographic or other local conditions. 

(8) Streets along development boundaries and streets connecting development with existing improved street system: As approved by the Planning Commission. 

(9) Pavement base, pavement, wearing surface, sidewalks and curbs: According to specifications of the City Engineer. Roadway pavement specifications shall include a minimum of six inches of aggregate subbase and a combined minimum of four inches of asphalt (2½ inches base course and 1½ inches surface course). 

(10) Driveways: As approved by the City Engineer. Proposals for private driveways within public rights-of-way are subject to site plan review in accordance with Section 8 of the Zoning Ordinance, and shall be reviewed by the City Engineer with regard to the following factors: 
 

(a) Effect of the proposed development on future ability to construct an improved public roadway within the driveway. 

(b) Compliance with City and State stormwater management/soil erosion and sediment control requirements. 

(c) Ability to accommodate emergency vehicle access. 

(d) Effects on adjacent properties (access, drainage, etc.). 

 

The City Engineer shall make a recommendation regarding proposals for private driveways within public rights-of-way to the Zoning Administrator as part of the site plan review process. 

 

(15) Grading and centerline gradients: Plans and profiles as approved by the City Engineer.

 The City Engineer may require that the Subdivider provide an as-built drawing of such improvements certified correct by a Registered Professional Engineer. 
 

SECTION 6: PLAT DATA

6.01 PRELIMINARY PLAT SPECIFICATIONS 

The preliminary plat shall be drawn at a scale of either fifty (50) or one hundred (100) feet to one (1) inch and shall show the following on one or more sheets: 

(1) The subdivision name, the names and addresses of the owner or owners, and the designer of the plat. 

(2) Date, approximate north point, and horizontal scale. 

(3) A vicinity sketch showing the position of the subdivision with relation to the surrounding streets and properties. 

(4) The boundary line of the tract to be subdivided drawn accurately to scale with accurate linear and angular dimensions. 

(5) Names of adjacent subdivisions and owners of undivided tracts. 

(6) Contours at an interval of not more than five (5) feet. 

(7) The location of existing and platted property lines, lot and block numbers, streets, building, water courses, railroads, bridges, water mains, sewers, culverts, drainpipes and other public utility easements both on the land to be subdivided and on the land immediately adjoining. 

(8) Sites, if any, for multi-family dwellings, shopping centers, churches, industry or other non-public use, exclusive of single-family dwellings. 

(9) The names, proposed location and approximate dimension of proposed streets, alleys, easements, parks and other open spaces, reservations, lot lines and building lines. 

(10) Site data, including numbers of residential lots, typical lot size, and acres in parks, etc. 

(11) When deemed necessary by the City Engineer, profiles of all streets showing natural and finished grades. 

(12) A copy of any proposed deed restrictions or restrictive covenants.

  6.02 FINAL PLAT SPECIFICATIONS 

The final plat shall be drawn in ink on tracing cloth and shall be at a scale of either fifty (50) or one hundred (100) feet to one (1) inch. Where necessary, the plat may be on several sheets, accompanied by an index sheet showing the entire subdivision. For large subdivisions the final plat may be submitted for approval progressively in contiguous sections satisfactory to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The final plat shall show the following: 

(1) The exact boundary of the tract of land being subdivided, showing clearly the disposition of all portions of the tract into designated tracts, lots, streets, alleys, parks or other classifications, the exact location and width of all existing or recorded streets intersecting the boundary of the tract being subdivided, and the names of adjoining parcels of unsubdivided land. 

(2) The lines and names of all streets, alley lines, lot lines, building lines, easements and areas devoted to public use, with notes stating their purposes and lot and block numbers. 

(3) An accurate location of the subdivision in reference to the real estate records of Allegany County. 

(4) Sufficient data to determine readily and reproduce accurately on the ground the location, bearing and length of every street and alley line, lot line, easement boundary line, block line and building line whether straight or curved. This shall include tangent distances, the central angle, and the radius, arcs, and chords of all curves. All linear dimensions shall be given in feet and hundredths thereof and angular dimensions shall be of comparable accuracy within the limits of good surveying practices. The boundaries of the tract shall be determined by an accurate survey with an error of closure not to exceed one (1) in ten thousand (10,000). 

(5) The accurate location, material and size of all monuments. 

(6) The accurate outline of all property which is offered for dedication for public use with the purpose indicated thereon and of all property that may be reserved by deed covenants for the common use of the property owners in the subdivision. 

(7) All setback lines accurately dimensioned. 

(8) Protective covenants in form for recording. 

(9) The title including the name of the subdivision, the City, the name of the registered engineer or surveyor under whose supervision the plat was prepared, the date of the plat and the north arrow. 

(10) Certification of the registered engineer or surveyor to the effect that the plat represents a survey made by him and that all monuments shown thereon actually exist and that their location, size and material are accurately shown. 

(11) A certificate by the City Engineer, certifying that the Subdivider has complied with one of the following alternatives: 

 

(a) All improvements have been installed in accord with the requirements of these regulations and with the action of the Planning Commission giving conditional approval of the preliminary plat. 

 

(b) A bond or a legally acceptable guarantee under Section 3.02.03(4) of these regulations, or certified check has been posted, which is available to the City, equal to the estimated cost of improvements, which shall be released after a period of one year from installation of all improvements, provided the work is inspected and approved by the City Engineer at the end of such period.

The City Engineer may require that the Subdivider provide an as-built drawing of the improvements certified correct by a Registered Professional Engineer. 

(12) A certificate of ownership and dedication properly completed and signed by the owners and all other interested parties, similar in wording to the following: 

"The undersigned hereby acknowledge(s) this plat and allotment to be __________ free act and deed and hereby dedicate(s) to public use as streets, playgrounds, parks and easements, forever, all areas so shown and indicated on said plat." 

(13) A form on the plat for the endorsement of the Planning Commission, similar to the following: 

Approved by the Cumberland Planning and Zoning Commission, 

on the __________ day of __________, 19_____. 

Signed: ______________________ 

Chairman-Secretary
 

SECTION 7: HARDSHIPS AND CONDITIONS

7.01 HARDSHIPS 

(1) Where the Planning Commission finds that extraordinary hardships may result from strict compliance with these regulations, it may vary the regulations so that substantial justice may be done and the public interest secured; provided that such variation will not have the effect of nullifying the intent and purposes of the Comprehensive Plan, or these regulations. 

(2) The Planning Commission shall determine extraordinary hardship if it finds all of the following facts in regard to the subdivision: 

 

(a) That the land is of such shape or size, or is affected by such topographic conditions, or is subject to such title limitations of record that it is impossible or impractical for the Subdivider to comply with all of the regulations of this Ordinance. 

 

(b) That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to other property in the vicinity of the subject property.

7.02 CONDITIONS 

In granting variances and modifications, the Planning Commission may require such conditions as will, in its judgment, secure substantially the objectives of the standards or requirements so varied or modified. 
 

SECTION 8: PENALTIES

8.01 PENALTIES 

Any violation of any provision of this Ordinance shall be a municipal infraction and the violator shall be fined an amount of five hundred dollars ($500.00) for a single violation and one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for any second violation. Each day a violation occurs shall constitute a separate offense. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to limit the power or authority of the Mayor and City Council of Cumberland or its appropriate officer, agent, or employee from pursuing any other remedy available to enjoin, restrain, or recover damages and costs incurred as a result of the violation. Further, nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude any individual, person, firm, corporation, etc., from seeking any remedy which he or it might have for any violation of this Ordinance. All fines shall be payable to the Mayor and Council which shall remit the same on a daily basis to the City Treasurer. 

Where we’ve been, where we’re going 

 In 1787, the Maryland General Assembly made the wise move of establishing the town of Cumberland through an act passed during that legislative session.  Of course, that act simply provided the stamp of officialdom to a community that had been in existence, in one form or another, for thousands of years. 

Artifacts pointing to civilizations in existence before the time of Christ have been found in the area, so we can only assume that people have been living here forever, a fact that those of us who now live at the confluence of Wills Creek and the Potomac River can understand, given the level of natural beauty that surrounds us. 

For generations an American Indian village, then a western outpost of roughshod cabins established by European Americans, Cumberland eventually became a stop for many in the push west.  In this role, the city grew into a transportation hub, first as the starting point of the first National Road - now known as Route 40, or National Highway - and then as home to numerous railroads and the western terminus of the famous C&O Canal. 

As the city raced through the 19th century and into the 20th, it became less dependent on railroads as more industry moved to the area.  Glass manufacturing and brewing were big, as were tires and steel. 

Cumberland experienced the same fate as many American cities in the latter quarter of the 20th century; many industries closed their doors, battering the local populace.  But the natives here are resilient if nothing else, so Cumberland looked around and noticed that a lot of people traditionally traveled here for our rich history.  Small firms began to crop up focusing on the tourism trade, and Cumberland was off and running into its next era. 

The economy continued to perk up as a number of technological firms moved to the area.  The future looks brighter now than it has in years, essentially because we have something here most people want - a quality of life hard to come by today. 

So come along, and we'll show you our town, a beautiful little city nestled among the Appalachian Mountains, home to those who seek tranquillity, peace, and friendly neighbors.  

City Vital Signs 

Items of Interest for Those Wishing to Move their Large ( or small) Companies to a city with an innovative, self sufficient workforce: 

Utilities: City supplies water and sewer services, electricity by Allegheny Power, natural gas by Columbia Gas of Maryland. 
Other City Services of Note: Full time police and fire departments  
Create the Workforce You Want: How to accomplish this mammoth task?  Try Allegany College.  A few years back, this local community college took up the gauntlet in training the local workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.  Through its Center for Continuing Education, Allegany College works with local employers in molding employees for an individual employer's 
workplace. 
The initial consultation is free and provides a basic assessment of your training needs.  From there, the school will design and implement your training programs, which will make your life a lot easier.  Topics covered range from core business topics (accounting, marketing, etc.) to areas such as sexual harassment awareness, management development, customer service and sales and licensure and certification. 
In addition, the school is involved in the state Interactive Distance Learning Network, which allows Allegany College students to participate in course work in classrooms all over the state.  Need some hard-to-find training?  If Allegany College doesn't have it on-site, they can probably find a program for you through the Interactive Distance Learning Network.  Also allows users to network with others in their industry, and with professional and industrial associations without leaving town.  Cool. 

And Don't Forget FSU: Not only does Cumberland have Allegany College, the city also has access to Frostburg State University just 10 miles away.  Two computer labs on campus provide training opportunities for area businesses, the school's Center for Regional Progress offers technical and research assistance, its Western Maryland Regional Geographic Information Systems Center provides infrastructure delineation and environmental assessment graphics, and conference facilities are available with long-distance interactive meeting sites. 

And While We're on the Subject of Schools: 

To Your Health 

Number of hospitals: two, now sister agencies in the Western Maryland Health System. 
The city established Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, now a 222 bed facility, and the Daughters of Charity founded Sacred Heart Hospital, which has 240 beds.  The health care system here consists of a sizable network of physicians - over 200 - who practice over 30 medical specialties.  We also have the Allegany County Health Department, which offers services for patients of all ages, the Thomas B. Finan Center provides mental health care, the Brandenburg Center offers care for developmentally disabled adults, and we have day care facilities for people afflicted with mental illness and mental retardation through the Archway agency and the Friends Aware agency, respectively. 

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Welcome to the official web site of the municipal government of the City of Cumberland, Maryland. This site was established by the City of Cumberland to better serve its citizens with current information regarding city functions, services, and requests for information.

Welcome to the Engineering Division's web pages

To browse the Division's pages please select a link to the left; or select a link at the top to return to the main sections of the City of Cumberland's site.

Department of Public Works 
215 Bowen Street

Cumberland, Maryland 21502
Phone:  301-759-6620

 Mission

• Support the City of Cumberland with operational services
• Manage resources

              Develop long-term plans

              Monitor short-term plans

              Execute near-term plans

•  Provide the most efficient services to the citizens of the City

See the menu to the left for detailed information on each Public Works Division

Call 301-777-1600 to report after hours emergencies (down trees, public waterline breaks, sewer emergencies . . . )

 FAIR HOUSING DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT APPLICATION

DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCESS 

Fill out this form to request information about visiting the Cumberland area, or to inquire about opportunities in Cumberland for your new or existing business.

memorial hospital reuse

The City of Cumberland’s 2004 Comprehensive Plan is available for viewing online.

The document is provided in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF).  In order to view the document, you must have the free Adobe Acrobat viewer. The set of PDF files below contain the maps as well. The maps are also provided at the bottom of this page in a larger, more readable format using the free Autodesk map viewer.

Cover

Page 2

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

1. Introduction

2. Plan Concept

3. Sensitive Areas

4. Land Use

5. Transportation

6. Community Facilities

7. Mineral Resources

8. Housing

9. Economic Development

10. Energy Conservation

11. Implementation

Figure 1. Regional Context

Below are the links to open the figures/maps in the Comprehensive Plan.  The following documents are provided in DWF format.  These files can be viewed by using the free Autodesk DWF viewer.

Figure 2. Concept Plan: Cultural Resources

Figure 3. Open Space and Recreational Resources

Figure 4: Concept Plan: Development Opportunities

Figure 5. Sensitive Areas

Figure 6. General Land Use Concept

Figure 7: Existing Generalized Land Use

Figure 8. Generalized Future Land Use

Figure 9. Transportation Plan

Figure 10: Economic Development Districts

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