The Department oversees two divisions: Comprehensive Planning, and Plan Review and Permitting. The Department also is aided by the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board, and the Historic District Commission.
Appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, the five members of the Advisory Board serve five-year terms (Code Agriculture Article, sec. 2-504.1).
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Seven members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners comprise the Commission, and serve three-year terms.
The Division works with and advises the planning and zoning agencies of the County’s municipalities, and helps those municipalities that lack such an agency.
The Commission consists of seven members. Six are appointed to five-year terms by the County Council, and one serves ex officio (Code 1957, Art. 66B, secs. 3.01-3.09).
The Division oversees Engineering and Land Use Review, and Permits and Land Review.
ENGINEERING & LAND USE PLAN REVIEW
PERMITS & LAND REVIEW
Appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, the Appeals Board consists of five members who serve three-year terms.
HAGERSTOWN - WASHINGTON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
The Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission coordinates its work with public, private and nonprofit agencies to provide resources for businesses in the County. The goal of the Commission is to attract new businesses, and assist in the retention and growth of existing businesses (County Code, sec. 1-606).
PLANNING & ZONING DEPARTMENT
Formerly the Division of Planning and Community Development, the Planning and Zoning Department provides a framework for orderly, compatible and fiscally responsible land use that protects the County's natural and cultural resources. Planning staff coordinates a comprehensive program of short- and long-term planning goals with public service agencies and the public to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the County.
AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD
Created in 1981, the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board advises the Board of County Commissioners on the establishment of agricultural districts and the approval of purchases of easements within the County by the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation.
The Historic District Commission oversees and approves building permits for properties located within the County that are zoned as historic or rural village. The Commission also enforces federal, State and local zoning regulations, and advises and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on these matters.
DIVISION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
Maintaining the County’s comprehensive plan for planning and zoning, the Division analyzes growth and development trends, and updates the plan to best meet the County’s future infrastructure needs. In addition to standard zoning, the Plan includes guidelines for the development of environmental and historic preservation, parks, transportation, and water and sewer. The Division works in cooperation with regional and State agencies to best use and conserve resources.
PLANNING COMMISSION
The Planning Commission reviews and approves subdivision plats, forest conservation plans, site plans, and development plans. The Commission also advises the Board of County Commissioners on matters related to rezoning requests, ordinance text amendments, and adoption of County Ordinances. In addition, the Commission helps develop the County's Comprehensive Plan for the County. Updated every six years, the Plan provides a basis for long- and short-term planning.
DIVISION OF PLAN REVIEW & PERMITTING
Building codes are reviewed and enforced by the Division of Plan Review and Permitting, which also issues construction permits within the County. For construction permits on properties zoned as historic district, or rural village, applications are reviewed by the Historic District commission prior to approval.
Engineering and Land Use Plan Review oversees the County building inspectors and advises the Division on matters related to forest conservation, public land development, road design, and stormwater and floodplain management.
Permits and Land Review receives and processes permit requests for the Division of Plan Review and Permitting. It also issues trade permits for contractors operating in the County, including electricians, mechanics, and plumbers. Permits and Land Review enforces local and State building codes, and ordinances related to residential junk, weeds, and zoning. It also oversees the Board of Zoning Appeals.
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
The Board of Zoning Appeals holds public hearings to hear requests for variances, conditional uses, and appeals relating to zoning. The Board also hears and decides appeals where it is alleged there is any error in any zoning order, requirement, decision, or determination. Upon appeal, in specific cases, the Board may authorize such variances as will not be contrary to the public interest where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement would result in unnecessary hardship or practical difficulty. In addition, the Board interprets district boundaries on official zoning maps.
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