Zoning: Zoning

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Zoning

Council members also comprise the membership of the Zoning Board -- the county's zoning authority. The Zoning Board guides the future growth of the County in accordance with a General Plan which is developed to ensure the most beneficial and coherent relationships among the county's residential, nonresidential and public areas. The county's zoning regulations guard the character, social, and economic stability of the County.

Hearings

All Zoning Board hearings begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Banneker Room unless noted otherwise.

For further information, please contact the Zoning Board office at 410-313-2395.

Zoning Counsel

A Zoning Counsel is employed by the County Council on a part-time, contractual basis. The Zoning Counsel appears at all Zoning Board hearings concerning piecemeal zoning map amendments for the purposes of producing evidence and testimony supporting comprehensive rezoning and facilitating the compilation of a complete record. The Zoning Counsel may present evidence and witnesses, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and present argument, however, does not represent the County, is not a party to a case and does not have a right of appeal in connection with any case. The Zoning Counsel may advise citizens individually or may be available to speak to any group as to procedures in Howard County, but cannot engage in the practice of law or render legal advice.

Board of Appeals

The Board of appeals consists of five registered members who are residents of the County. They serve overlapping, five-year terms.

The Board of Appeals hears appeals of administrative decisions and certain zoning matters. The Board may authorize variances from the zoning regulations, may hear appeals where a party alleges an error was made, and may authorize land uses provided by the Zoning Regulations.

Hearing Examiner

A hearing examiner, appointed by the Zoning Board, may hear any cases falling within the authority of the Board of Appeals. Decisions of the hearing examiner may be appealed to the Board of Appeals.