The language is difficult to understand. The rules are murky. And how residents can weigh in on often contentious development issues is just unclear.
Community activists have been bemoaning Howard?s land use process, and now some County Council members want to give them a chance to improve it.
“The confusion is so monumental that it deters the public from attempting to have a significant role,” said Bridget Mugane, president of the Howard County Citizens Association.
Councilwomen Mary Kay Sigaty, D-District 4, and Jen Terrasa, D-District 3, want to create a task force to examine the county?s land use planning processes.
They have pre-filed legislation to be introduced at the Nov. 5 legislative session.
The task force would explore subdivision and land development, the Planning Board, Zoning Board and comprehensive zoning process.
Members would be appointed by the County Council, Howard County Citizens Association, League of Women Voters of Howard County and Columbia Association, among others.
The group is not expected to come back with sweeping changes to the Department of Planning and Zoning or Planning Board, but rather small steps to encourage public involvement, Terrasa said.
How residents fit into land use planning was a major issue on the campaign trail, Sigaty said.
For example, community notification of developments is different for each zone, which leaves many residents wondering when they can comment on projects, she said.
“It makes sense to look at [planning issues] more broadly,” rather than piece by piece, Sigaty said.
The Howard County Citizens Association has been leading the charge for change, lobbying for better communication between county officials and the public. One recent change is a county administration explanation appended to many bills explaining why the legislation was proposed.
Some possible changes from the land use task force include clearer Planning Board procedures and a more user friendly way to find information on the county?s Web site, Mugane said.
“It?s a continuing train of a plan to develop this area of communication with the citizens in the legislation and land development process,” Mugane said.
IF YOU GO
What: Introduction of proposal for task force to examine land use planning.
When: 7:30 p.m. Monday
Where: 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City
