The Division oversees the Gaming Office and two departments: Permits and Inspections, and Planning.
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).
PLANNING COMMISSION
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).
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
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
(County Code, sec. 1-606)
DIVISION OF PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The Division of Planning and Community Development 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 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.
The Board of Zoning Appeals holds public hearings to hear requests for variances, conditional uses, and appeals relating to the County Code. The Board hears and decides appeals where it is alleged there is any error in any zoning order, requirement, decision, or determination. It also interprets district boundaries on official zoning maps. 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.
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