What is the PlanHoward Academy?
The Academy is an award-winning planning course designed by the Department of Planning and Zoning that educates residents on how the planning and land development process works. The free, five-week course includes in-class instruction, hands-on learning exercises and take-home materials. Taught by professional planners and legal experts, the Academy provides residents with a thought provoking, interactive curriculum focused on the underpinnings of land development in Howard County.
Join Our Waitlist
Interested in applying for our next PlanHoward Academy class? Join our PlanHoward Academy waitlist and you will be notified when the application period opens for our next session.
Nationally Recognized
PlanHoward Academy received the 2019 Civic Education and Public Information Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). Recognized as an innovative, effective county government program that strengthen services for residents, PlanHoward Academy seeks to educate residents on land use plans, policies, and procedures that shape and grow our county.
All About PlanHoward Academy
The Academy class size includes up to 35 Howard County residents aged 18 and older.
Planning staff anticipate there being a significant number of applicants; therefore, they will be reviewing applications based on demonstration of interest in Howard County planning and their community’s future. Each PlanHoward Academy class will attempt to be representative of the County as a whole with participants that:
- live in various geographic areas of the County
- represent the County's diverse population
- have lived in the County for various amounts of time
Participants will attend five sessions with the following learning objectives:
Session 1– Introduction to Planning and HoCo By Design
Learn about the history of planning in the County. Gain an understanding of the role of the County’s General Plan, HoCo By Design. Obtain an understanding of the demographic changes and other factors that are driving growth in the County. Become familiar with our planning processes and learn where residents can have a voice in the process. Engage in small group discussions about policies used to guide planning and redevelopment efforts.
Session 2– Zoning Overview and Code Enforcement
Understand zoning in the County, how our regulations are used, and how you can participate in zoning decisions. Determine how zoning regulations impact the location and type of development, specifically diverse housing types, in a group activity. Gain an understanding of how uniform procedures and standards are consistently enforced to ensure that development conforms to all County regulations.
Session 3 – Land Development and Subdivision Plan Review Process
Gain a better understanding of how DPZ and other County agencies use regulations to guide the orderly development of land in the County and how regulations apply to the review and processing of development plans. Different plan types for residential and commercial projects will be explained and the required plan submissions for each. The session will explain the subdivision review process and procedures. Participants will learn when and how to be most effective in influencing the plan review and approval process and will have the opportunity to review a residential subdivision plan, acting in the roles that make up the subdivision review committee.
Session 4 – Planning Law and Development Review Regulations
Learn about the legal underpinnings of land use decisions. Gain an understanding of case law, Supreme Court decisions, and the legal process associated with land development. In this session, code flexibility, as outlined in County regulations, will be discussed and incorporated into an exercise that evaluates an alternative compliance petition. Participants will learn what elements are considered for granting code flexibility, as well as gain an understanding of how the County and its regulations influences site design and encourages neighborhood compatibility.
Session 5 – Responsible Growth and Informed Citizenry
Gain an understanding of the tools and approaches that lead to responsible and sustainable growth in the County. Learn how the County manages growth in relation to infrastructure. The evening consists of interactive presentations on housing, schools and road policies that pace growth. For the final exercise, the group will discuss ways to stay informed and involved. Certificates of completion will be handed out to participants.
Please join our PlanHoward Academy waitlist to be notified when the application period for our next session opens.
For questions, contact Kristin O'Connor at koconnor@howardcountymd.gov.
The Academy launched in the fall of 2017 with its inaugural class of 25 residents. DPZ built on the success of the first Academy and increased the number of sessions to five (5) for the second class, which was held in the spring of 2018 with 27 graduating. Attendees have come from many parts of Howard County, including Columbia, Clarksville, Ellicott City, Laurel, Elkridge, Jessup, Fulton, Woodstock and Woodbine. We’ve held twelve classes and engaged 336 residents, including eight elected officials, over 150 Homeowners Association members, and over 30 board or commission members, including 3 Planning Board members.
Students get a closer look at the County's planning processes through presentations, table exercises, role playing and small and large group discussions. Residents network with each other and build relationships with DPZ staff, an important goal emphasized early in the Academy's development. The result provides a great opportunity for residents to become better informed about the important role they play in shaping the County's future.
The Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) appreciates the time and dedication of all Academy participants and looks forward to the contributions these graduates will make to Howard County’s civic life. We will continue to provide opportunities for residents to effectively participate in shaping their communities and our County's future.
Candidates are selected through an online application process and participation is free. Classes include hands-on exercises accompanied by concise, take-home materials, and demonstrations on how to access information through DPZ’s interactive map and web-based tools.
“I truly enjoyed the experience and walked away with a much deeper understanding of how Howard County approaches growth and planning. Being part of the Academy has motivated me to re-engage more formally, and I am interested in several of the County’s boards and commissions. I plan to review the openings and apply so I can continue contributing to community development and engagement.”
“The interactive exercises were well designed and added real value to the sessions. They helped reinforce the material and encouraged participants to think practically about how planning decisions are made. I especially appreciated that the exercises reflected real Howard County scenarios, which made them feel grounded and meaningful.”
"It was excellent and informative. Please attend to learn more about how zoning works and how you can participate in the decisions that are being made in your own county."
"If we want Howard County to continue to be a great place to live, the citizens need to be active, but we need to be informed in order to be active. This course gives a great background to help you act constructively."
"Incredible opportunity to learn the ins and outs of zoning...no matter your current level of knowledge. If you care about development in Howard County, you will learn how to take part in the process and make your voice heard."
"If you want to learn more about planning and zoning, about how Howard County's process works, and how you (as a resident) can give input on zoning and other plans - this is the place to come."
"It is a great learning experience and a wonderful way to meet others in the community who have similar interest and the outstanding staff who make the county a place where folks can feel heard and appreciated."