Planning Board

The County Charter gives the Planning Board a major role in recommending the content of the Capital Program and Budget. The Board's other advisory responsibilities are established in the County Code or by Executive Order. They include making recommendations or decisions on:

• The Baltimore County Master Plan
• Area and special plans and other amendments to the Master Plan
• The Comprehensive Zoning Map Process
• Amendments to zoning and related regulations  
• Functional plans, such as the Master Water and Sewerage Plan and Basic Services Maps 
• Developments that conflict with the master plan or involve historic landmarks

Staff Contact: 410-887-3482

Members

The Planning Board, established by the County Charter, consists of 15 members, serving for three-year terms, staggered so that one-third of the terms expires each year. Each of the seven County Council members appoints a Board member from the respective County Council District. The County Executive appoints the other eight members and nominates the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, subject to confirmation by the County Council. There are no term limits.

Board members are volunteers who contribute many hours of service preparing for, and participating in the Board's meetings, hearings and decisions. They cannot hold salaried positions in County government, and they do not receive any salary as members. More information about the Planning Board is contained in the booklet Planning Board Basics booklet. (PDF)

Apply for a vacancy online.

Meetings 

The Planning Board meets on the first and third Thursday of each month, excluding August and December. Special meetings of the Board or Committees are scheduled as necessary. All meetings are open to the public. No meetings will be held when County schools are either closed for the day or subject to early dismissal due to inclement weather. For questions regarding the cancellation of a meeting, please call the office at 410-887-3482.

Unless otherwise noted, meetings begin at 4 p.m. in Room 104 of the Jefferson Building, 105 West Chesapeake Avenue, Towson. The tentative agenda for each meeting is available by the Thursday of the preceding week at the Department of Planning and on this page. Subscribe to receive email notifications when the latest Planning Board meeting documents have been posted.

For the majority of agenda items, the Board first conducts an advertised introduction and review at least two weeks before voting on its decisions or recommendations. Either through public hearings or scheduled opportunities during meetings, citizens can participate by offering verbal or written testimony. Written testimony sent in advance is always welcome. Use of the hearing room audio-visual equipment at public hearings is permitted if the Planning Board's policy (PDF) is followed.

Minutes are available below in PDF format and open in a new window.

2020 

2019