Meetings are being held virtually until further notice.  Please visit the Planning Commission Virtual Meeting Information page for more information.

The Planning Commission consists of seven (7) citizens appointed by the County Commissioners for a four (4) year staggered term. The members are citizen planners and typically do not have formal planning training.

The Maryland Land Use Code authorizes the County Commissioners are given authority to appoint a Planning Commission. This Code describes the duties and responsibilities the Planning Commission has relating to land use within the County. It charges the Planning Commission with the preparation and implementation of a Comprehensive Plan for the County, which is recommended for adoption to the County Commissioners.

The Planning Commission hears various land use and regulatory requests relating to zoning, subdivision, and development regulations within the County. Examples include approval of major subdivisions and findings of adequate public facilities. Additionally, the Planning Commission serves as an advisory board to the County Commissioners when considering certain regulatory or legislative items such as amendments to the Subdivision Regulations or Zoning Ordinance and requests for Capital Improvement Programs.

Planning Commission meetings are held in the Commissioners Meeting Room at the County Government Building. Meeting agendas are announced through the Citizen Notification System and are posted to BoardDocs. Public Hearings for the Planning Commission are advertised in the local newspaper.