Applicants For Montgomery County Planning Board Sought By Council

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the Montgomery County Planning Board.

The partial term of Commissioner Shawn Bartley is expiring in June, and he has indicated his interest in reapplying.

Applicants must live in Montgomery County and be registered to vote in the county as a member of any political party, or unaffiliated with any political party. Voter registration will be verified by the Montgomery County Board of Elections.

Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, March 11.

Members generally serve four-year terms and are limited to two full terms. No more than three members of the Planning Board may be from the same political party.

Annual compensation for Planning Board members is currently $30,000, and the full-time chair currently earns $228,000.

The Planning Board serves as the council’s principal adviser on land use planning and community planning. Planning Board members also serve as commissioners of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

The Planning Board’s responsibilities include preparation and amendment of the County General Plan, Thrive Montgomery 2050, master plans and functional plans. Additionally, the Planning Board formulates subdivision regulations; prepares recommendations on text amendments to the County Zoning Code; and implements the subdivision process by reviewing and approving all preliminary plans, site plans, and development plans.

The Planning Board oversees the 37,000-acre park system. It is responsible for submitting the Parks Department’s proposed operating budget and capital improvements program to the council.

The Planning Board meets all day every Thursday, including many Thursday evenings, and will schedule other meetings as needed. The entire Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission meets on the third Wednesday of every month.

On average, a Planning Board member may spend two full days a week in scheduled and informal meetings. Additionally, substantial time is required for preparatory work and other activities related to Planning Board responsibilities.

A cover letter expressing interest and resume, listing professional and civic experience (including appointments to any state or local boards or committees), political party affiliation, telephone number, home mailing address, and an email address (no more than four pages) should be emailed to Council President Andrew Friedson at [email protected], or mailed to Council President Andrew Friedson, Montgomery County Council, Stella B. Werner Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850.