Planning Board

• 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.

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 of the Jefferson Building, 105 West Chesapeake Avenue, Towson. 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 (PDF) 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, Myles Muehlberger, 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 in 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 mmuehlberger@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.

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. For questions regarding the cancellation of a meeting, please call the office at 410-887-3482.

Upcoming

To view upcoming meeting details, select from the list below.

2020 

2019 

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.