WHAT IS A STREET GRADE-ESTABLISHMENT PLAN?

A grade-establishment plan sets the vertical profile for the centerline of a street in such a manner that vertical curves are sufficiently long to provide adequate sight distance (and at night, headlight sight distance). This sight distance allows motorists adequate distance to see oncoming vehicles and roadway obstructions. It also allows motorists entering the street adequate distance to see approaching vehicles and enough space to accelerate into the travel lane. A properly designed side-street vertical profile allows an approaching vehicle to stop safely at an intersection

WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO SUBMIT A STREET-GRADE-ESTABLISHMENT PLAN TO THE COUNTY FOR REVIEW?

The County reviews street-grade-establishment plans for street construction on property dedicated to public use in order to ensure conformance with the County Code and various county regulations which ensure safe sight distance based on the classification speed of the roadway. The typical road section is also reviewed during this phase of the development process to ensure proper right-of-way grading by the applicant's excavation contractor.

WHAT ARE PROCEDRUES FOR STREET GRADE- ESTABLISHMENT PLAN REVIEW?

The applicant submits the grade-establishment forms (Transmittal Form and Grade Establishment Review Checklist) and a plan prepared by a State of Maryland Registered Land Surveyor or Registered Engineer to the Department of Permitting Services (DPS).

DPS reviews the plans for conformance with established county requirements and sound engineering practices. When the review is completed, DPS stamps the plans "APPROVED FOR STREET GRADE ONLY,"signs them, and notifies the applicant of plan approval. Grade establishment plans also require the signature of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC). After DPS signature, the applicant must also forward the plans to the Development Review Office for MNCPPC approval. MNCPPC is located at 8787 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring (phone 301-495-4585).

MNCPPC assigns an approved profile number to the plan and keeps a master file of street grade establishments in Montgomery County. Copies of grade establishments are available from its Information Office also at 8787 Georgia Avenue.

After both approvals have been obtained, the Applicant's Engineer or Land Surveyor may submit the necessary information for the grading permit application (see Grading Permit)

WHAT WILL THE GRADE ESTABLISHMENT-PLAN REVIEW COST?

There is no charge for the plan review.

HOW LONG DOES DPS APPROVAL OF THE GRADE ESTABLISHMENT PLAN TAKE?

The grade-establishment plan review takes approximately three weeks for each submittal. Total processing time depends on the number of submittals.