People's Counsel

The Office cannot represent any individual person or association, as the purpose of the Office is to act on behalf of the general public interest.

The position of People's Counsel was created by the citizens of Baltimore County pursuant to a 1974 amendment to the Baltimore County Charter. Read Section 524.1.(link is external) 

The People's Counsel Office enters an appearance in all cases involving reclassifications, petitions for variances, special exceptions, and special hearings; as well as other land use related matters, to determine if legal involvement is appropriate. Standards for legal involvement are based on:

  • Adverse effects on the public health, safety and welfare
  • Establishment of important precedent for the future
  • The existence of significant legal issues
  • The possibility of broad public impact