Zoning & Planning

Zoning oversight within the City of Mount Rainier is primarily administered by Prince George's County and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NPPC). However, the City plays an integral role in the zoning process by actively contributing its insights and perspectives to inform zoning decisions.

MOUNT RAINIER NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION OVERLAY ZONE (N-COZ)

The Mount Rainier NCOZ overlays the RSF-65 (Residential Single-Family 65) and RSF-A (Residential Single-Family Attached) Zones in the new Zoning Ordinance and includes the largely single-family, early-twentieth century neighborhoods surrounding the LMUTC (Legacy Mixed-Use Town Center) Zone.

The purpose of the Mount Rainier NCO Zone is to aid in preserving the character of Mount Rainier's existing residential neighborhoods and buildings. This is accomplished by establishing standards for form, massing and composition, lot area, height, fenestration, porches, materials, and accessory structures associated with the following principal use types: dwelling, single-family detached; dwelling, two-family; dwelling, three-family; and dwelling, townhouse; within the incorporated City of Mount Rainier to ensure building patterns that are consistent and compatible with existing development.

The new Zoning Ordinance, including the Mount Rainier Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Zone, took effect April 1, 2022.

View the Mount Rainier NCO Zone Standards (PDF)

LMUTC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Legacy Mount Rainier Mixed-Use Town Center Design Review Committee reviews all exterior renovations and new development projects within the Mount Rainier MUTC Zone to ensure that the applications comply with the intent of the plan vision, the design standards and guidelines, the implementation strategies of the development plan, and the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.

Permit applications are reviewed by the LMUTC Committee for recommendation to the Prince George's County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE). Special Permit applications are reviewed by the LMUTC Committee for recommendation to the Prince George's County Planning Board.

Approved City of Mount Rainier Legacy Mixed-Use Town Center Zone Development Plan