ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is seeking applicants from Councilmanic District 5 interested in serving on the Planning Board. The deadline to apply for this vacancy is April 18, 2024.
This board is key to the future of our county and what our residents want in terms of growth and investment. In District 5 especially, there are always questions of preserving and supporting our rural, agricultural heritage, while being adaptable and resilient for the future. It is important for these discussions to be thoughtful and inclusive.
The Board is comprised of five voting members appointed for a term of three years. Board member responsibilities include providing recommendations to the County Executive, County Council and Zoning Board on matters relating to planning and zoning, including capital programs, capital budget, Zoning Map Amendments, Zoning Regulation Amendments, Area and Specific Plans, and the County’s General Plan, a long-term document guiding county land use. Board members also make decisions on Comprehensive Sketch Plans, Final Development Plans and Site Development Plans in certain zoning districts.
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be Howard County residents residing in Councilmanic District 5 and the Rural Conservation District or the Rural Reservation Residential District. Candidates can use the interactive map to determine whether they qualify. All applicants should also be 18 years of age or older, have an interest in planning and zoning, and be able to attend the Board’s meetings, which are typically held the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Banneker Room of the George Howard Building at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City.
Interested applicants should complete an application online by visiting www.howardcountymd.gov/applybc and selecting “Planning Commission” in the form. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for consideration. If approved, the appointment will be forwarded to the County Council for confirmation. For any questions regarding the application process, please email ApplyBC@howardcountymd.gov.
The Department of Planning and Zoning shapes the growth and future of Howard County by facilitating the development of safe, healthy, equitable, connected and sustained communities, while respecting individual rights and protecting the County's natural environment, historical integrity and character.
For more information on the Planning Board, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/boards-commissions/planning-board or contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 410-313-2350.