I have recently received emails regarding the board of appeals, requesting me to vote in a certain way, or requesting support of a position related to a case before the board of appeals. This is not the first time I have received these types of requests. I want to take a moment to explain the clear separation between the board of appeals and the county council. The Anne Arundel county council appoints citizens to the board of appeals. The boa often meets in a separate room located in the Arundel center. For cases that have larger attention, and more anticipated attendance, the hearings will take place in the chambers of the county council, but are in no way connected to the county council.
The board of appeals operates as an independent body, separate from both the legislative and executive branches of government. In order to have full independence, members of the county council are advised not to communicate publicly or directly with the board of appeals and its members, or attend hearings on any case before their body. The board of appeals hears cases that have been appealed after a county decision, on land use or animal matters. Their decisions can be appealed to the courts. Due to separation of powers laws, members of the legislative branch are advised not to participate in matters before the judicial branch.
I understand the location of recent board of appeals cases may have created some confusion. The county council does not review, approve or deny applications for development of any kind, big or small. From an addition to an existing home, to a full on residential development, those responsibilities lie expressly with the executive branch and with the office of planning and zoning and inspections and permits. The county council is responsible for updating the county code through ordinances that are then interpreted and executed by county departments in their daily responsibilities.
I hope this has been helpful in understanding the separation between the board of appeals and the council.
