Board of Appeals

About

Under State Law (§ 10–305 of the Local Government Article of the Maryland Code), local governments are authorized to establish a Board of Appeals to review decisions and orders made by the County government. The Howard County Board of Appeals hears appeals of administrative decisions regarding land use and certain zoning matters. The Board may authorize variances from the zoning regulations, may hear appeals where a party alleges an error was made, and may authorize land uses provided by the zoning regulations. Decisions by the Board of Appeals can further be appealed to Circuit Court for Howard County.
The Howard County Board of Appeals consists of five residents appointed by the County Council who serve overlapping, five-year terms. These members are paid $5,000 per year, $220 per official public session, and reimbursement for reasonable expenses, up to a maximum cumulative total payment of $27,250 per year. 

The Board may appoint a Hearing Examiner to conduct hearings and issue decisions, which can also be reviewed by the Board of Appeals. 

Information regarding the applicable Howard County Code may be found using the link provided below:
Howard County Code § 16.301

Board Administrator Information

George Howard Building
3430 Court House Drive
Ellicott City, Maryland 21043
(410) 313-2395 
Kel Berg

Hearing Information

Unless, otherwise stated, all Board of Appeals hearings are held as hybrid meetings. You may attend in person at the George Howard Building (3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City) or virtually via Webex.

If you wish to testify (in Opposition, in Support, or Undecided) please go to the Testify page or https://cc.howardcountymd.gov/legislation/testify.

From this page select TESTIFY AT A PUBLIC HEARING under PUBLIC HEARINGS TESTIMONY which will direct you to the electronic sign up to testify at upcoming Board Hearings. If you are only attending virtually via Webex Webinar, you will be called upon at the hearing.

If you have any issues registering or have questions, please call the Boards Office at 410-313-2395 or email us at councilboards@howardcountymd.gov.

Persons needing accommodations to fully participate in meetings, please contact the Council Office, 410-313-2001 or email CouncilADA@howardcountymd.gov.

Board of Appeals Cases

Click on the Case Number to review a specific case.