Insights

Planning and zoning questions often come up before you know whether you need professional help. Here, we break down common planning, zoning, land use, and approval questions in practical terms—so you can better understand what may apply, what deserves a closer look, and what to consider before making your next decision.

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Maryland single-family home with a small accessory dwelling unit, illustrating new State and local ADU rules.
Housing + Zoning

Maryland Wants More ADUs. Now the Counties Have to Figure Out the Details.

September 21, 2026
All

Maryland has established a new baseline for accessory dwelling units, but it has not created one set of development standards for every property in the State. Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties are now adapting their rules from different starting points, and the details will determine what homeowners can build.

Existing multifamily housing in Washington, DC, illustrating the long-term work of housing preservation and reinvestment.
Policy + Regulatory Trends

DC Built a Lot of Housing. Now Comes the Hard Part.

September 7, 2026
All

DC’s proposed Housing Investment Protection Act is about more than producing new housing. It raises a less glamorous, but increasingly important question: How do you keep the housing you already have working?

Large Montgomery County shopping center and surrounding development illustrating opportunities for mixed-use redevelopment.
Policy + Regulatory Trends

When Zoning Becomes an Economic Development Tool

August 31, 2026
All

Montgomery County's recent zoning changes show how flexibility and faster approvals can be used to support redevelopment, housing, biohealth investment, and job creation.

Small triangular park in Washington, DC, illustrating how the city’s diagonal avenues create distinctive public spaces.
Planning + Place

Why Does DC Have So Many Triangles?

August 28, 2026
All

Once you notice them, you start seeing them everywhere.

Zoning + Approvals

What Does “By-Right” Actually Mean?

August 27, 2026
All

A by-right project may avoid discretionary zoning relief, but that does not mean automatic approval. Here’s what to understand before you commit time, money, or design work.

Urban property streetscape representing planning questions to review before investing.
Property Planning

Can I do this on my property?

August 17, 2026
All

An early planning check can help you understand what deserves a closer look before you invest in drawings, permits, or a property.

Urban planning image representing when to bring a planning advisor into a project.
Project Planning

When should you bring in a planning advisor?

August 16, 2026
All

The right time to ask for planning guidance is often before a project becomes complicated - while there is still time to evaluate your options.