Even when designers have the best of intentions, large websites provide a host of navigation problems. The Montgomery County Planning Department site is no exception. While the site includes a number of navigational aids (buttons, a search engine, an index, and cross-referenced pages), you will still need to use your browser's forward and backward buttons.
Using the Browser's Arrow Buttons
These buttons are typically located in the upper left corner of your browser's menu strip and are represented by arrows. The arrow pointing to the left will take you back one page; the arrow point to the right will take you forward one page. You will need to use the arrows when going between documents in the same area (i.e. the Planning Commission Meeting Archives, the Zoning Ordinance, and the Comprehensive Plan). The arrow buttons represent the easiest method of returning to the previous page after you have followed a link. For example, if you click on one of the definition links in Article II of the Zoning Ordinance, the link will take you to the definition of the word or phrase, located in Article VI. You will need to use the back button (the arrow pointing to the left) in order to return to Article II.
Buttons & Links
"Buttons" is rather a misnomer, although there are a few buttons (illustrated squares & rectangles) scattered throughout the site. The majority of major links in this site are located in tables. The links, with a few exceptions, are represented by dark green, underlined text. Vistied links are dark blue, and active links are dark purple. If you move your cursor over the underlined text, the location of the link should appear in the bottom left portion of your browser window. Clicking on the link will take you to that particular page. Major return links have been provided at the bottom of each page. Minor links are incorporated into each page and require the use of the right and left arrow buttons on your browser.
If you click on a link and it turns out to be broken (it doesn't take you where you want to go, or it gives you an error message), please notify the Planning Department webmaster so that it can be repaired.
Index & Search Engine
The index provides you with a basic list of subjects included in this website and is organized in much the same manner as an index at the end of a book. Each listing in the index is linked directly to the page on which the subject can be found. In cases where the subject is covered on more than one page, multiple links and explanatory text are provided. If you are uncertain of where to look for the answer to a question you might have, the index is a good place to start. Keep in mind, however that the index only covers general topics rather than specific information.
The site includes a full text search engine, which means it will scan the site for specific textual references (words, phrases, dates, or numbers). If the reference or references exist, the engine will provide you with a list of locations as well as direct links to the required text. The search engine for this site looks specifically at html documents. PDF files will not be included in the full text search. If you are looking for a specific reference to a zoning case, a special use permit, a subdivision, or a rezoning, the search engine will provide you with the easiest and quickest access.
Additional search capabilities are provided under the Montgomery County Website.
If you still can't find the answer to your question or the range of information you are looking for, contact the Planning Department at 540-382-5750 or write the Planning Department webmaster.
©Montgomery County Department of Planning & Inspections
Last Updated: 11 August, 2002
Comments and suggestions should be sent to the Planning Department Webmaster
