Board of Zoning Appeals
The Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals, a seven member Board, has twenty-four (24) scheduled meetings a year on the second Thursday and third Wednesday of each month. The second hearing is only called if there is sufficient case load to require it. The meetings commence at 6:30 p.m. and usually end by 10:00 p.m. The Board of Zoning Appeals reviews requests for special exceptions, variances to lot area, and lot width requirements, expansions of nonconforming uses - structures, appeals of determination made by the Department and the application of the law, appeals relative to forest conservation regulations and critical area requirements, etc.
- Regulation and Guidelines
For more information please contact Kristen Tremblay at 410-632-1200 (ext 1131) or to view the calendar for meeting dates and times.
- Building Code Appeals Board
The Worcester County Building Code Appeals Board, a seven member Board, hears and decides appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official or designee relative to the application and interpretation of the building code. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or rules legally adopted have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply, or an equally good or better form of construction is proposed. The Board shall have no authority to waive requirements of this code.
Electrical Board
The Worcester County Electrical Board consists of seven members who operate pursuant to § BR 2-201 of the Worcester County Code of Public Local Laws. Each member’s term is for a period of three years. The Board has twelve scheduled meetings a year on the second Tuesday of the month or as deemed necessary. The main function of the Board is to regulate the registration of electricians in Worcester County. The Board prepares exams for Inspectors and Electrician Limited for testing. The exams are updated with the National Electric Code (NEC). The Board reviews and approves applications for persons wishing to take an examination to obtain a registration. The Board reviews applications for electricians who are eligible to obtain a local registration through reciprocity with either the State or another County.
Electrical permits are $25.00 and must be inspected by one of the following inspection agencies that have been approved by the Worcester County Commissioners:
First State Inspection Agency
1001 Mattlind Way
Milford, DE 19963
Email: fsia@verizon.net
Phone: (302) 422-3859
Fax: (302)422-4270
American Inspection Agency
PO Box 66
Frankford, DE 19945
Website: www.americaninspectionagency.com
Email: info@americaninspectionagency.com
Phone: (302) 732-6900
United Inspection Agency, Inc.
716 N. Bethlehem Pike, Suite 300
Lower Gwynedd, Pa. 19002
PO Box 3121
Ocean City, MD 21843
Website: www.unitedinspectionagency.com
Email: khawke@unitedinspectionagency.com
Office: (410)656-8114
Cell: (610)639-7988
For more information please contact Debbie Mooney at 410-632-1200
Housing Review Board
The Housing Review Board is a seven member Board pursuant to Building Regulation Article 3-104 of the Worcester County Code of Public Local Laws. Initially appointed, two members shall be appointed for a term of one year, two for a term of two years and three for a term of three years. Members reappointed shall be for a period of three years. The Board main purpose is to determine applicable codes and requirements for property maintenance within the County, and to hear appeals of such Property Maintenance Standards.
Board of License Commissioners (Liquor License)
The Board of License Commissioners, a three member Board, is appointed by the Governor of the State of Maryland to hear requests at public hearings for alcoholic beverage licenses, to hear complaints of citizens and law enforcement about existing licensed premises and to annually review each license that applies for a renewal. The Board is responsible for assisting the public with the issuance of alcoholic beverage licenses and permits, consideration of special allowances for licensed premises and with understanding the responsibilities associated with holding an alcoholic beverage license. The Board enforces Article 2B of the Annotated Code of Maryland and follows through all regulatory aspects associated with alcohol licensing. The Board holds investigative “show cause” hearings upon receipt of police reports and bona-fide citizen complaints of wrongdoing on the part of the license holders. These hearings can result in fines up to $4000 in addition to suspension or revocation of the license for each substantiated violation.
The Board works very closely with the Fire Marshal’s Office and Health Department to ensure safety regulations are complied with. Additionally, there is a strong relationship with all State and local police agencies in order to maintain all enforcement aspects with regard to licensed facilities. The Board complies with pertinent local and state mandated studies and reports. It also regulates and develops strategic plans in order to make sure all State taxes owned by licensees are kept current and up-to-date. The Board welcomes a professional relationship with its licensees in order to ensure regulations are adhered to while maintaining the responsibilities they have been tasked to fulfill. Click here for a complete list of rules and regulations. Click here for an application to allow an employee under 18 to serve alcoholic beverages.
For more information please contact April Payne at 410-632-1200 (ext 1120) or view the calendar for meeting dates and times.
Planning Commission
The Worcester County Planning Commission, a seven member Board, has twelve (12) scheduled meetings a year the first Thursday of each month. The second Thursday of each month is held only for special meetings. The meetings commence at 1:00 p.m. and generally end by 5:00 p.m.
In addition, the Planning Commission reviews draft development guidelines and development standards such as the Scenic Transportation Corridor for US Route 50 and US Route 113, and the Commercial Design Guidelines. Also, the Planning Commission plays an active role in the updates to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code.
For more information please contact Jennifer Keener at 410-632-1200 (ext 1123) or view the calendar for meeting dates and times.
Technical Review Committee
The Technical Review Committee (TRC) holds meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Project reviews include commercial, industrial and multi-family developments, as well as major subdivision plats.
The Technical Review Committee consists of the following or their representatives: Zoning Administrator, Building Administrator, Environmental Programs Administrator, Natural Resources Administrator, Director of Public Works, County Roads Superintendent, State Highway Administration representative, Water and Wastewater Services Deputy Director, Stormwater Management/Sediment Erosion Control Inspector, Fire Marshal, Critical Area Specialist, Forestry Specialist, and one member of the Planning Commission.
For more information please contact Jennifer Keener at 410-632-1200 (ext 1123) or view the calendar for meeting dates and times.