Planning Board

The Planning Board works in an advisory role to provide recommendations to the Baltimore County Council, County Executive and Administrative Law Judges—as established by the County Charter, County Code, Council Bills and Resolutions, and Executive Orders—on matters affecting land use, community development, and short- and long-range planning within Baltimore County. 

Members of the Planning Board come from a variety of careers and professions, and provide different background knowledge and skill sets. These backgrounds include, but are not limited to: 

  • Business
  • Education and Baltimore County Public Schools
  • Experience in law
  • Finance
  • Real estate
  • Research and data analysis

The 15-member body is comprised of seven members appointed by individual County Council members, and eight at-large individuals appointed by the County Executive. All Members are subject to confirmation by the County Council and are limited to serving three consecutive three-year terms. Members are eligible to receive an annual salary of $15,000; the Chair is eligible to receive a salary of $20,000.

Advisory Responsibilities

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
  • Review and formulation of the Capital Improvement Program
  • Review of the Annual Development Impact Fee Reports

Staff Contact: 410-887-3482

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.

Unless otherwise noted, meetings begin at 4 p.m. in Room 104 at:

Jefferson Building
105 West Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, Maryland 21204 

Meetings will conclude once the Board has addressed all items on the agenda, which may be earlier than the posted end time.

If, because of a disability, you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, call the Department of Planning at 410-887-3480 or via TTY, at 1-800-735-2258 or 711, at least two working days before the event.

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 is followed.

INFORMATION FOR PRESENTERS

It is advised that individuals giving presentations to the planning board present visual materials i.e. maps, plans, etc. using a digital format such as PowerPoint. Rendered site plans must be mounted and GIS aerials must be mounted or easily visible on an overhead projector. 

All of the above items and a copy of the digital materials must be given to the Planning Board Manager, Taylor Bensley, at 410-887-3480 no later than 48 hours in advance. The presenter must arrive at the Planning Board a minimum of one half hour before the meeting to prepare for the actual presentation.

HOW TO TESTIFY

Citizens may register to address the Planning Board (for themselves or as representatives of organizations or clients) for certain agenda items. The chairman will announce the points during the Board’s deliberations (generally after the presentation by County staff and/or the applicant), at which this testimony will be received. Anyone wishing to testify can register in advance by emailing their name and phone number to tbensley@baltimorecountymd.gov before 3 p.m. on the date of the hearing. Each speaker testifying will be given two minutes to speak. Those who do not wish to speak at the hearing but want to share their thoughts can provide written comment or testimony via email or Webex chat. The specific rules of procedure for the testimony will be available during the Webex meeting.

For in-person meetings sign-in sheets will be provided in the Jefferson Building lobby outside of Room 104 for citizens to address the Board (for themselves or as representatives of organizations or clients). These sheets will be posted approximately half an hour prior to the Board Meeting start time.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

This policy will be implemented for the foreseeable future and will follow the actions of the County offices.

No meetings will be held when County offices are closed for the day, meetings will proceed as scheduled if County offices are under liberal leave status. Check the status of Baltimore County Government offices. For questions regarding the cancellation of a meeting, please call the office at 410-887-3482.

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