As part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the Montgomery County Planning Board works to:
- manage physical growth
- plan communities
- protect and steward natural, cultural and historical resources
- provide leisure and recreational experiences
Background
In 1927, the Maryland Legislature created M-NCPPC to acquire land and implement plans for a system of parks and conservation areas, determine the location of highways, exercise control of the subdivision of land, and implement zoning regulations. Maryland State Law (Article 28) provides the basic planning and zoning authority for M-NCPPC.
M-NCPPC has 10 Commissioners, five appointed by the Montgomery County Council and five by the Prince George’s County Executive. Thefive members of the Montgomery County Planning Board are appointed for staggered, four-year terms. Planning Board members may serve a maximum of two full terms, and no more than three members may belong to the same political party. The Montgomery County Council appoints and the County Executive confirms all members of the Montgomery County Planning Board.
Functions
Each year, the County Council approves the operating budget for the Planning Board, Planning Department and Department of Parks and sets priorities for each work program. The Planning Board meets every Thursday, and at other times as needed, at Park and Planning Headquarters, 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD.
Among the Planning Board’s responsibilities:
- preparing master plans that provide a 15- to 20-year vision for change for County Council consideration and approval
- reviewing and considering approval of preliminary plans, site plans and other development applications
- advising the Council on changes to the Zoning Ordinance
- reviewing and making recommendations to the County Hearing Examiner on applications for zoning map amendments
- making recommendations to the Board of Appeals on applications for special exceptions and variances
- advising local, state and federal agencies on their construction projects in Montgomery County
- reviewing and approving park plans
Participation
The Planning Board welcomes resident participation in planning for the orderly physical development of Montgomery County. Consult the Planning Board’s weekly agenda to find out when the Board will review specific items. The Board encourages residents to participate by writing letters and testifying in person. Sign up to testify at the appropriate Planning Board hearing.
When the Planning Board makes decisions on subdivision plans, site plans and project plans, it is subject to ex-parte provisions that restricts its members from speaking on these issues outside the public record. Residents who wish to express their views on these issues should not attempt to communicate directly with members of the Planning Board, but should submit oral or written testimony for the public record. Letters may be submitted in advance of the public hearing and will be included in the public record.
Adjoining and confronting property owners who will be affected by a subdivision or other development activity receive official notice from the staff.