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Baltimore County IG recommends changes to planning board after alleged rezoning controversy

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CBS News Baltimore Live

BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore County Inspector General recommended some changes to the Planning Board after allegations that a member filed to have properties rezoned outside of their assigned district for self-serving reasons. 

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) received complaints about the board member in 2023. The complaints alleged the member filed applications during the 2024 Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP) that constituted misconduct. 

The OIG initiated an investigation which included a review of similar paperwork filed during the 2016, 2020 and 2024 CZMP cycles. 

Through the investigation, the OIG was able to confirm that the board member had submitted four rezoning applications during the 2024 cycle for properties that were outside of their district. 

It has historically been rare for a member of the Planning Board to file a rezoning application for a property outside of their district, though the OIG was not able to find any law or policy prohibiting the practice, according to a report. 

The OIG report also said there was no evidence that the rezoning applications were filed in an attempt to gain financial profit. 

Recommended changes

In the report, the OIG offered several recommended changes to the Planning Board to prevent similar complaints moving forward. 

The OIG recommended that there be formal policies and procedures for the board to clarify its purpose and the responsibilities of its members along with any ethical considerations members should follow. 

The board should also formalize any trainings that cover policies, procedures and other significant topics for new members. 

The OIG suggested that members who intend to submit rezoning applications outside of their district should be required to notify the member assigned to the impacted district before filing. 

The OIG also suggested the following: 

  • The Log of Issues should specifically list the names of Planning Board members who file issues
  • A fee should be assessed if a person has a Planning Board member or councilmember file a matter on their behalf
  • An applicant should be able to withdraw a zoning application even after it has been mapped by the Department of Planning
  • Property owners whose property has been submitted for rezoning by a third party should be notified directly with all relevant information so they have time to support or oppose the motion

County officials said the Department of Planning will work with the Planning Board and its chair to "study the feasibility and benefit of implementing the recommended actions." 

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