# Land Use (GLU)

## Title 2. Planning Commission

### Subtitle 1. Organization and General Authority

#### Section 2-101

A local jurisdiction may establish by local law a planning commission with the powers and duties set forth in this division.

#### Section 2-102

(a)

  (1) Except as otherwise provided in this division, a planning commission established under this subtitle shall consist of three, five, or seven members.

  (2) One member of the planning commission may be a member of the legislative body, who serves as an ex officio member concurrent with the member's legislative term.

  (3)

    (i) An ex officio member of a planning commission may not vote on any question in the result of which the ex officio member has an immediate personal or financial interest.

    (ii) When an ex officio member abstains from voting on a question under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the ex officio member shall disclose the recusal.

(b)

  (1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the members of a planning commission shall be appointed by:

    (i) the legislative body; or

    (ii) the person designated as the appointing authority in the local law establishing the planning commission.

  (2) If there is a single elected local executive, the members of a planning commission shall be appointed by the local executive and confirmed by the legislative body.

(c)

  (1) The term of a member of a planning commission other than an ex officio member is:

    (i) 5 years; or

    (ii) until the member's successor takes office.

  (2) The terms of the members of a planning commission shall be staggered.

(d)

  (1) A legislative body may remove a member of a planning commission for:

    (i) incompetence;

    (ii) misconduct; or

    (iii) in the same manner as for a member of a State board or commission:

      (1) failure to attend meetings under Sec. 8-501 of the State Government Article; or

      (2) conviction of a crime in accordance with Sec. 8-502 of the State Government Article.

  (2) The legislative body shall provide to the member:

    (i) a written statement of charges stating the grounds for removal; and

    (ii) an opportunity for a public hearing to contest the charges.

(e) If a vacancy occurs during the term of an appointed member, the vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as is required for appointment under subsection (b) of this section.

(f)

  (1) The legislative body may designate one or more alternate members to sit on the planning commission in the absence of any member of the commission.

  (2) If an alternate member is absent, the legislative body may designate a temporary alternate member to sit on the planning commission.

#### Section 2-103

(a)

  (1) From among its appointed members, a planning commission shall elect a chair.

  (2)

    (i) The term of a chair is 1 year.

    (ii) A chair may be reelected.

(b) A planning commission may establish and select other officers that it considers appropriate.

#### Section 2-104

(a)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a planning commission shall hold at least one regular meeting each month.

  (2)

    (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a planning commission appointed by a municipal corporation shall hold meetings quarterly, or more often as the planning commission's duties require.

    (ii) If there is no business before the planning commission, the chair may cancel the quarterly meeting.

(b) Each member of a planning commission is entitled to the compensation that the legislative body considers appropriate.

(c) A planning commission may:

  (1) appoint the employees necessary for the performance of the planning commission's functions; and

  (2) contract with planners, engineers, architects, and other consultants for services that the commission requires.

#### Section 2-105

(a)

  (1) A planning commission shall have the powers necessary to enable the commission to fulfill its functions, promote planning, and execute the purposes of this division.

  (2) On a planning commission's request, all public officials shall provide to the commission, within a reasonable time, available information that the commission may require for the performance of the planning commission's functions.

  (3) In the performance of the planning commission's functions, a planning commission and its members, officers, and employees may enter on any land and make examinations and surveys.

  (4) A planning commission may accept and use gifts and public or private grants for the performance of the commission's functions.

(b)

  (1) A planning commission's expenditures, other than gifts, shall be made in accordance with:

    (i) the conditions of the legislative body;  and

    (ii) the amount appropriated by the legislative body.

  (2) The legislative body shall provide the funds, equipment, and accommodations necessary for the performance of the planning commission's functions.

(c)

  (1) A planning commission shall:

    (i) adopt rules for the conduct of its business; and

    (ii) keep records of its resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations.

  (2) The records required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be open to the public.

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Md. Code Ann., Land Use (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)