The goal of the Commission is to attract new businesses, and assist in the retention and growth of existing businesses. It coordinates its work with public, private and nonprofit agencies to provide resources for businesses in the County (County Code, sec. 1-606).
The Department oversees two divisions: Comprehensive Planning, and Plan Review and Permitting. The Department also is aided by the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board, and the Historic District Commission.
Appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, the five members of the Advisory Board serve five-year terms (Code Agriculture Article, sec. 2-504.1).
AGRICULTURAL RECONCILIATION BOARD
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Seven members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners comprise the Commission, and serve three-year terms (Code Land Use Article, secs. 8-101 through 8-501).
The Division works with and advises the planning and zoning agencies of the County’s municipalities, and helps those municipalities that lack such an agency.
The Commission consists of seven members. Six are appointed to five-year terms by the County Council, and one serves ex officio (Code Land Use Article, secs. 2-101 through 3-304).
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, the Appeals Board consists of five members who serve three-year terms (Code Land Use Article, secs. 4-101 through 4-406).
AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD
Created in 1981, the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board advises the Board of County Commissioners on the establishment of agricultural districts and the approval of purchases of easements within the County by the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation.
The Agricultural Reconciliation Board was created in January 2004.
The Historic District Commission oversees and approves building permits for properties located within the County that are zoned as historic or rural village. The Commission also enforces federal, State and local zoning regulations, and advises and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on these matters.
DIVISION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
Maintaining the County’s comprehensive plan for planning and zoning, the Division analyzes growth and development trends, and updates the plan to best meet the County’s future infrastructure needs. In addition to standard zoning, the Plan includes guidelines for the development of environmental and historic preservation, parks, transportation, and water and sewer. The Division works in cooperation with regional and State agencies to best use and conserve resources.
PLANNING COMMISSION
The Planning Commission reviews and approves subdivision plats, forest conservation plans, site plans, and development plans. The Commission also advises the Board of County Commissioners on matters related to rezoning requests, ordinance text amendments, and adoption of County Ordinances. In addition, the Commission helps develop the County's Comprehensive Plan for the County. Updated every six years, the Plan provides a basis for long- and short-term planning.
The Board of Zoning Appeals holds public hearings to hear requests for variances, conditional uses, and appeals relating to zoning. The Board also hears and decides appeals where it is alleged there is any error in any zoning order, requirement, decision, or determination. Upon appeal, in specific cases, the Board may authorize such variances as will not be contrary to the public interest where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement would result in unnecessary hardship or practical difficulty. In addition, the Board interprets district boundaries on official zoning maps.
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e-mail: mdmanual@mdarchives.state.md.us