Planning Board Seeks Volunteers From Councilmanic District 1

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Volunteers from Councilmanic District 1 are sought to serve on Howard County's planning board. The deadline to apply falls on Feb. 10.

“Our planning board performs an important role providing input and making decisions on development projects and planning matters,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “I encourage residents who have an interest in the future of planning and zoning in Howard County to apply.”

The county's planning board consists 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 1, 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 p.m.

Interested applicants should email Paul Thompson at ApplyBC@howardcountymd.gov with the name of the board or commission for which they seek appointment, their home address and contact information. Included with the email, applicants should attach their resume and a brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the board or commission. Applicants are asked not to include their contact information, i.e., home address, phone number(s) and email address, on their resume and cover letter. 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.