Calvert County officials announced February 10, 2026, that a major upgrade to the county’s Land Management System, completed in collaboration between the departments of Technology Services and Planning & Zoning, went live in November 2025 to improve permit processing and tracking efficiency.
The system serves multiple county departments in handling permits and inspections for development projects. Key updates integrated architectural review directly into the permit workflow, incorporated Board of Appeals processes, and refined permitting, site plan, and subdivision review components to minimize manual staff interventions as applications progress through approval stages. Workflow revisions also aligned the system with the updated zoning ordinance that took effect March 1, 2025.
Jason Brinkley, director of Planning & Zoning, stated: “The updated system went live in November 2025, and has significantly streamlined Planning & Zoning operations.” He added: “These improvements enhanced customer interaction through the county’s online Encompass Portal for permit submittals and reduced the need for manual overrides by staff, creating a more efficient and streamlined process from application through approval.”
The enhancements build on the county’s adoption of a revised zoning ordinance in early 2025, which modernized land-use rules and supported smoother development reviews. By automating more steps and embedding new processes, the upgrade reduces administrative burdens on staff while improving transparency and speed for applicants, including builders, homeowners, and businesses in Calvert County.
Residents and developers access the system primarily through the Encompass Online Portal at encompass.calvertcountymd.gov, where they submit residential building, grading, plumbing, electrical, and other permits. The portal allows real-time status checks and electronic submissions, aligning with broader county efforts to digitize services.
This update coincides with ongoing planning initiatives in Calvert County, such as town center master plan reviews and agricultural preservation adjustments, all tied to efficient land management under the 2019 Comprehensive Plan framework. The streamlined system supports faster handling of applications amid growth in Southern Maryland, where Calvert County borders neighboring jurisdictions experiencing similar development pressures.
