Public Meetings - Howard County, Maryland

The Howard County Council held a hybrid legislative session on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting included the introduction of new legislation and final consideration of previously tabled appointments and reappointments. The Council approved the journal from the July 29, 2026 session and unanimously confirmed multiple board and commission appointments. Approval of Journal - The Council unanimously approved the journal of the legislative session from July 29, 2026 (vote: 5-0). Introduction of Legislation - The following legislation was introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive (unless otherwise noted) and read into the record. No discussion or vote was taken on these items: - Appointments (CR124–CR154): Numerous appointments to boards and commissions including the Opioid Restitution Fund Commission, Board of Social Services, Interfaith Advisory Commission, Commission on Disabilities, Human Rights Commission, SMART Data Center Task Force, and Inspector General Advisory Board. Appointments from councilmembers for the SMART Data Center Task Force were also introduced. - Reappointments (CR155–CR158): Reappointments to the Multimodal Transportation Board, Agricultural Preservation Board. - Financial Ordinances (CB49–CB53): Authorizations for bond issuances ($670,397 for water infrastructure, $150M public improvement and $50M metropolitan district bonds, refunding bonds), and property tax credits for child care providers and retired public safety officers. - General Resolutions (CR159–CR162): Supporting the Howard County Arts & Culture Plan, approving BikeHoward 2026, establishing a Surplus School Use Committee, and changing a legislative session date. - Legislation from Councilmembers: - CB58-2026 (introduced by Deb Jung): Renaming code sections and establishing a centralized grants application platform. - CB59-2026 (introduced by David Yungmann): Temporarily prohibiting approvals for solar energy facilities in response to state law HB1036. Final Consideration – Tabled Appointments and Reappointments - The Council unanimously voted to remove Council Resolutions 108–119 from the table and then approved them unanimously (vote: 5-0). These resolutions confirmed the following appointments and reappointments: - Appointments: Kelsey E. Ritter (Environmental Sustainability Board), Levita Y. Lowe and Faith Matranga (Human Rights Commission), Brent K. Jones (Commission on Disabilities), Omar J. Jones IV (Commission for Veterans and Military Families), Katharine T. Hemady (Board of Social Services). - Reappointments: Antonia B. Watts (Board of Library Trustees), Mason Godsey (Planning Board), Dr. M. Shafeeq Ahmed (Economic Development Authority), Roberta Kelly (Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board), James Bell (Advisory Board on Consumer Protection), William Phillip Webster (Environmental Sustainability Board). Key Outcomes - The Council approved the journal of the previous session. - The Council introduced 36 new legislative items (resolutions, ordinances, and bills) for future public hearing and action. - The Council unanimously confirmed 12 appointments and reappointments to various county boards and commissions. - The meeting adjourned after the final consideration.

This meeting of the Howard County Board of Appeals took place on August 27, 2026, with all members present via roll call. The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then unanimously voted to enter a closed session to consult with counsel for legal advice, after which the meeting adjourned without returning to open session. Consent Calendar - The board approved the open and closed meeting minutes from August 20, 2026. The motion was made by Ms. Fearcom, seconded by Ms. Phillips, and passed unanimously (5-0). Discussion Items - Closed Session Motion: Chair Ryan moved to enter closed session in accordance with Maryland Code Section 3-305(b)(7) to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice. The motion was seconded, and after no objections from the public, the roll call vote was unanimous (5-0) in favor. The board then adjourned to closed session and did not return to open session. Key Outcomes - Approved the minutes of the August 20, 2026 open and closed meetings (5-0). - Voted to enter closed session under Maryland Code § 3-305(b)(7) to obtain legal advice (5-0). - The meeting concluded with the closed session; no further open session was held.

This hearing, held on August 27, 2026, before the Hearing Examiner, considered case number 26-009 C, an application by Cadigan Properly LLC for a conditional use permit to develop 27 units of age-restricted adult housing. The property is located on Baltimore National Pike (Route 40) and Frederick Road (Route 144) in Ellicott City, zoned RED (Rural/Environmental Development). The petitioner was represented by attorney Christopher DeCarlo, who presented testimony from engineer Sam Alomar and proffered testimony from traffic engineer Mr. Cornelius. Discussion Items - Site and Proposal Overview: The 18-acre property is encumbered by wetlands, floodplains, streams, and buffers. The petitioner proposes 27 age-restricted units (single-family, semi-detached, and attached) on approximately 11.67 net acres, yielding a density of 2.3 units per acre (well below the 4 units per acre maximum). Open space is 72% (12.5 acres), exceeding the 50% requirement. - Compatibility and Setbacks: Initial technical staff concerns about rear setbacks from Route 40 (compatibility criterion) were resolved after discussion with DPZ; the revised staff report confirmed compliance with 40-foot setbacks. The nearest existing residential units are about 300–320 feet away (Fisher subdivision and Terra Maria), and the site is heavily vegetated. Additional landscaping and a privacy fence will be provided. - Environmental Resources: The development respects all required buffers (streams, wetlands, floodplain), plus an additional 15 feet. A stream crossing for the private road is necessary and has received necessary disturbance approval in prior plans; the engineer expressed confidence that approval would be maintained at the site development plan (SDP) stage. - Traffic and Access: Access is from Frederick Road (Route 144), a minor arterial. A site distance analysis (Petitioner's Exhibit 2) was conducted, and traffic engineer Mr. Cornelius proffered that access is safe and the minimal traffic from age-restricted units can be accommodated. Access must still be approved by State Highway Administration. - Design and Amenities: The Design Advisory Panel (DAP) reviewed the project and endorsed it (Exhibits 3 and 4). All DAP comments were addressed except a sidewalk location issue resolved by referencing the design manual. Architectural renderings (Exhibits 4 and 5) show typical townhouses/villas. A 540-square-foot community building with deck and barbecue area is included. Parking exceeds requirements (125 spaces vs. 60 required). Universal design features are incorporated. - Affordable Housing: The petitioner will comply with the 10% Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) or Payments in Lieu (PNL) requirement at the SDP stage. - Prior Development History: The property had a previously approved 22-unit by-right development (sketch plan and final plans signed) but the developer abandoned it. The current proposal uses a similar layout due to limited buildable area. - Hearing Examiner's Comments: The Hearing Examiner noted that she had issued a denial for the adjacent Terra Maria property, but the Board of Appeals reversed that on August 20, 2026, with conditions she found irrelevant to this case. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public testified. One online participant (Mo) did not respond when invited to speak. Key Outcomes - The evidentiary hearing was concluded after the petitioner presented its case and the Hearing Examiner noted no opposition. - The Hearing Examiner will issue a written Decision and Order (DNO) shortly. - The petitioner must still obtain necessary disturbance approval for the stream crossing and satisfy MIHU requirements at the SDP stage.

The Howard County Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board met on August 25, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Banneker Room, Ellicott City, MD. The board unanimously approved the prior meeting minutes and two license applications. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes of the July 21, 2026 meeting. (Motion by Chair Chen, seconded; all members voted yes.) Discussion Items Extension of Premises – Absolutely Wine & Spirits The board considered a request by OHM Nilkanth Corp. (t/a Absolutely Wine & Spirits), licensee Nipa Lalit Patel, to extend its premises from 3,080 sq. ft. to 3,980 sq. ft. at 5305 Village Center Drive, Suite 102, Columbia. The 900 sq. ft. expansion would take over an adjacent former seafood space. Testimony: Representatives Martin Johnson, Nipa Patel, and Amit Patel testified under oath. Key points: - Seven years of operation with no alcohol compliance violations. - Use of IntelliCheck age ID scanning; 1-3 fake IDs detected per month. - 199 Google reviews, average rating 4.5/5. - Extensive community involvement (Wild Lake outreach, coat drives, food pantry, school events). - Expansion to allow increased inventory, quantity discount purchasing (estimated 5-7 dollar savings per item for customers), and educational tasting events for whiskey, tequila, and craft beer. - Two new employees to be hired (one already added). - Existing surveillance cameras to be extended; current hours maintained (10am-10pm Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm Sun). - Construction expected to take six months after approval. Board Comments: Members praised the applicants’ track record, community investment, detailed plan for the space, and educational component. All found the applicants fit and proper. Vote: Unanimous approval (5-0). The licensee waived the right to appeal. New Class B License – Uzu Revolving Sushi & K-Pub The board considered an application by YJLLK, Inc. (t/a Uzu Revolving Sushi & K-Pub), in the names of Yoojun Kim and Lex Kim, for a new Class B beer, wine, and liquor 7-day on/off sale license for a 6,000 sq. ft. restaurant at 8801 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City. Testimony: Representatives Martin Johnson, Yoojun Kim, and Lex Kim testified. Key points: - Yoojun Kim has over 20 years of restaurant experience and currently operates SushiQ in Ellicott City (licensed 1.5 years, no violations). - The restaurant will feature a dual conveyor belt system: one for pre-made sushi rotating through tables, another robotic "train" for special orders via iPad. - Seating capacity 150 (40-45 tables, 10 bar seats); three group rooms. - Alcohol sales estimated at 5-10% of revenue, focusing on sake, beer, and premium sakes. - Hours: Sunday 12pm-12am; Monday-Thursday 11am-1am; Friday-Saturday 11am-2am. - Detailed alcohol service policies: mandatory ID check for anyone appearing under 40; refusal of vertical driver's licenses (except military ID); manager intervention for questionable patrons; written alcohol training test; staff sign policy documents; record-keeping for two years. - The location (formerly Viet Pearl) has been vacant; the space is under construction. - Target opening: November 2026. Board Comments: Members recognized the unique and modern concept, filling a large vacant space, and comprehensive alcohol service planning. Some noted potential for higher alcohol sales given late hours but found controls adequate. Vote: Unanimous approval (5-0). The applicant waived the right to appeal. Key Outcomes - Absolutely Wine & Spirits extension of premises approved unanimously. Expansion expected to be completed in approximately six months. - Uzu Revolving Sushi & K-Pub new Class B license approved unanimously. Restaurant aims to open by November 2026. - Both licensees waived their right to appeal.

The Howard County Board of Appeals convened on August 20, 2026, at 9:00 AM in a hybrid meeting. The board approved previous meeting minutes, granted a postponement request for the primary case (BA 828D – Hillstreet Overlook, LLC), and then entered a closed session to consult with counsel. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the meeting minutes from June 18, 2026 (both open and closed sessions) and the administrative meeting minutes from July 23, 2026. The motion carried with all five members voting in favor. Discussion Items - Case BA 828D – Hillstreet Overlook, LLC: The appellant, Hillstreet Overlook LLC, represented by Chris DeCarlo, appealed the denial of a waiver petition (WP-24-119) to develop a single-family home on a 0.144-acre parcel at 8500 Hill Street, Ellicott City. The board had received a request to postpone the hearing, which was granted. The hearing was rescheduled to December 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The continuation dates of August 27 and September 24, 2026, were canceled. Appellant's counsel noted that the appeal includes both the initial September 17, 2025 denial and the denial of reconsideration on November 21, 2025. - Closed Session: The board voted unanimously to enter a closed session under Maryland Code Section 3-305(b)(7) to consult with counsel regarding legal advice on the "Trotter LLC decision in order." The closed session was approved, and the board did not return to open session. Key Outcomes - The meeting minutes from June 18 and July 23, 2026, were approved. - The hearing for BA 828D was postponed to December 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM. - The board entered a closed session for legal consultation and adjourned without returning to open session.

The Howard County Planning Board convened on August 20, 2026, at an unspecified evening time, with a quorum of members present. The meeting included approval of the agenda, a deferred vote on the previous meeting's minutes, a schedule change for an upcoming meeting, and two development plan items: a site development plan for a new car wash and a final development plan amendment for a school parking lot expansion. Public comments were heard on both items. The board approved both applications unanimously. Agenda and Minutes Approval - The board approved the agenda for the August 20, 2026 meeting by a unanimous voice vote. - A motion to approve the minutes of the July 23, 2026 meeting was made and seconded, but it failed because only two members present at this meeting had attended that prior meeting. The minutes were deferred to the next meeting. Meeting Schedule Change - The executive secretary requested to move the regularly scheduled October 15, 2026 planning board meeting to October 22, 2026. The change accommodates the Howard County Board of Education, which needs to present its annual state- and locally-funded project updates for concurrence with HoCo by Design before a county council work session on October 26, 2026. The board agreed to the change, with some members expressing concerns about the compressed timeline and past process difficulties. Site Development Plan 26-033 – Auto Spa Express - Staff Presentation: Catherine Bolton from DPZ presented SDP 26-033 for a 4,145-square-foot car wash facility at 8121 Robinson Jefferson Drive in the Gateway Overlook Shopping Center. The proposal conforms to the FDP’s permitted uses, setback, parking, stormwater management, and landscaping requirements. The site is 1.2 acres and zoned for commercial use, which permits car washes. - Petitioner Presentation: The petitioner showed site plans, landscaping, signage, and queuing capacity (approximately 15 cars). The design was approved by Howard Hughes architectural review. - Public Comment: Victor Larka, owner of Exodia Motors next door, expressed concern that the required 19 shade trees would block his business’s visibility from Lark Brown Road. He also noted that school children frequently cut across the property to reach bus stops, and that construction could force them into unsafe roadways. He offered to share photographs showing the current view. - Board Discussion: Board members noted that the landscaping meets minimum requirements and that the trees are small (2.5-inch caliper), allowing visibility initially. A fence along the property line may redirect pedestrians to sidewalks. The board encouraged continued cooperation between the petitioner and adjacent business. - Vote: The board voted unanimously to approve SDP 26-033. Final Development Plan 45-A-4 – Wild Lake Middle and High School Parking Lot Expansion - Staff Presentation: Catherine Bolton presented an amendment to FDP 45-A-4 to convert 0.099 acres of credited open space to non-credited open space for a parking lot expansion on the Wild Lake school campus. The expansion supports the adjoining redevelopment of the “Source” (STP 26-001). The current credited open space is 44.771 acres; after conversion, it would be 44.672 acres, still exceeding the 36% minimum required for the new town. - Petitioner Presentation: Eric McWilliams of Bowler Engineering explained that the parking lot expansion adds nine spaces plus some additional spaces on a lower level. The expansion includes landscaping, with more trees than currently exist. The sidewalk connection from Wild Lake to the multi-use pathway has been installed, and further connections to Little Patuxent will be built. - Public Comment: Joan Lankos, a resident, supported the amendment but raised concerns that the SDP for the Source was approved before this FDP amendment, creating a backwards process. She also suggested that the Newtown Task Force report, which finalized recommendations for Section 125 of the zoning regulations, should address streamlining small open-space changes while ensuring cumulative impacts are tracked. She asked the board to consider these issues in future regulatory reviews. - Board Discussion: Board members acknowledged the process concerns and thanked the speaker for her work on the task force. The sidewalk connection was noted as an improvement. - Vote: The board voted unanimously to approve FDP 45-A-4 for the Howard County Board of Education. Key Outcomes - Agenda: Approved (unanimous).n- Previous Minutes: Deferred to next meeting (motion failed).n- Meeting Schedule: October 15, 2026 meeting moved to October 22, 2026 (board agreed).n- SDP 26-033 (Auto Spa Express): Approved (unanimous).n- FDP 45-A-4 (Wild Lake Parking Expansion): Approved (unanimous).n- Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned after the final vote.

On August 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM, the Howard County Hearing Examiner (Joyce Nichols) held a hybrid hearing for case BA 26-015S, a petition by Baltimore Signs & Graphics (representing Blair Sign Programs, which represents Burlington Stores) seeking a sign area variance for the Burlington store at Columbia Crossing shopping center (6161 Columbia Crossing Circle, Columbia, MD). The requested variance is 289.25 square feet above the code allowance, for a total sign area of 467 square feet. The hearing included testimony from the applicant's representatives, and no public comments were received. Discussion Items - Petitioner's Arguments for Variance: The applicant presented three main arguments: (1) Unique physical conditions – a setback of approximately 600 feet from the main shopping center entrance (Columbia Crossing Circle) and partial obstruction of visibility by trees and foliage, creating a practical difficulty. (2) Obstructions – excessive grade change (about 5 feet) and landscaping on the property that interfere with sign visibility. (3) Historical/architectural/aesthetic characteristics – the Burlington logo includes ascending and descending letters (e.g., capital B, lowercase letters, g descending), which creates about 186 square feet of unused space within the sign's bounding box; the applicant argued that this dead space should be considered a hardship because it forces the sign to be larger to achieve the same letter height as nearby tenants. The applicant also noted that there are no wayfinding or ground-mounted identification signs in the shopping center, making the store harder to find. - Hearing Examiner's Questions on Variance Criteria: Examiner Nichols systematically reviewed the six variance criteria: - Criterion 1 (Unique physical conditions): The applicant cited the store's location in a corner of the shopping center, tree coverage, and intentional obscuring of the center from roadways. The examiner noted that the shopping center was designed to be obscured from 175 and Dobbin Road. - Criterion 2 (Obstructions): The applicant pointed to foliage and grade changes on Dobbin Road that block visibility. The examiner acknowledged the intentional design of the shopping center. - Criterion 3 (Historical/architectural/aesthetic): The applicant stated that the facade design follows Burlington's national branding and is aesthetically compatible with the shopping center. The examiner noted no historical properties nearby. - Criterion 4 (Effect on adjacent properties/traffic): The applicant and examiner agreed the variance would not adversely affect adjacent properties (the center is fully developed) or create dangerous traffic conditions. - Criterion 5 (Minimum variance necessary): The applicant argued that the 84-inch letter height is the minimum needed for visibility from 600 feet, and that after accounting for dead space, the effective sign area is closer to 281 square feet, aligning with other tenants. - Criterion 6 (Hardship not self-imposed): The applicant asserted that the hardship is imposed by the shopping center's design and location, not by the applicant. The examiner questioned whether the enlarged facade (part of Burlington's national branding) could be a self-imposed hardship; the applicant countered that the larger facade was necessary to accommodate a larger sign for visibility. - Additional Testimony: Nicholas Zonner (Blair Sign Programs) briefly added that the larger sign would help Burlington thrive, bring customers to the shopping center, and benefit the tax base. Key Outcomes - The evidentiary hearing was concluded by Examiner Nichols. A decision and order will be issued at a later date. No vote was taken during the hearing.

On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., Hearing Examiner Joyce Nichols conducted a virtual evidentiary hearing via WebEx for Case BA 26-010C. The applicant, Kinesha Martin (trading as Persons’ First, Inc.), requested a conditional use to operate a day treatment and care facility for up to 40 clients (ages 21 and older) within three rooms of an existing religious institution at 3291 St. Johns Lane, Ellicott City, Maryland. The hearing focused exclusively on the applicant’s testimony and evidence; no public testimony was offered, and no technical staff report was presented. Discussion Items - Application Details: The facility will occupy approximately 2,075 square feet within an existing building (on an 8.97-acre parcel) with no new construction or site changes. Two classrooms will be used for client activities and one for confidential meetings. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Client Population and Services: The program serves adults with developmental disabilities or autism spectrum disorders, providing structured day programming focused on independent living skills, health education, social development, vocational readiness, and community volunteering. Some clients may have 1:1 staffing ratios. The facility will be licensed by the state as a “day program.” - Capacity: Applicant initially estimated 30 clients but agreed to a maximum of 40 (20 per classroom). The hearing examiner set the maximum at 40, even if the state license authorizes more. The applicant confirmed that number is consistent with their plan. - Compliance with Criteria: Ms. Martin reviewed the general conditional use standards (Section 131.0 of the Howard County Zoning Regulations), stating the proposed use is harmonious with the General Plan, compatible with surrounding land uses, will not alter site design or parking, will not increase traffic congestion or burden public facilities, and promotes community integration for individuals with disabilities. She noted that a lease agreement for the rooms is in place but contingent on conditional use approval and state licensing. - Current Operations: The applicant currently operates only community-based (non-licensed) activities; this facility would be their first licensed site. Key Outcomes - Hearing Concluded: The evidentiary hearing was declared closed. The hearing examiner will issue a written decision and order in the coming days, which may grant approval, approval with conditions, or denial. - Next Steps: If approved, the applicant must then obtain a license from the State of Maryland (likely through the Department of Health or equivalent) and process any needed approvals with Howard County Department of Zoning and Planning. Any party dissatisfied with the decision may appeal to the Howard County Board of Appeals, and subsequently to circuit court.

On Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., the Howard County Hearing Examiner, Joyce Nichols, convened a hybrid meeting to consider BA 26-003V, a residential district variance petition filed by Nicholas Bennett for property at 8250 Mission Road, Jessup, MD. The petition requested four variances related to an existing single-family dwelling (built 1958) and an accessory shed constructed in late 2024. After hearing testimony from the applicant and his engineer, the Hearing Examiner took the matter under advisement, stating a decision and order would be forthcoming. Discussion Items - Case Overview: Attorney Adam Baker (Rosenberg Martin Greenberg) presented on behalf of Nicholas Bennett. The property is a 9,626-square-foot lot (RSC zone) improved with a 2,375-square-foot dwelling. The shed, built without permits, triggered a violation notice (March 27, 2025). Subsequent survey revealed the existing dwelling also encroached into required setbacks. The applicant sought to ratify the conditions and obtain legal compliance. - Variances Requested: - Principal dwelling: Front yard setback reduction from 30 ft to 29 ft (1-ft reduction); Rear yard setback reduction from 30 ft to 29 ft (1-ft reduction). - Accessory shed: Side yard setback reduction from 7.5 ft to 1.2 ft (6.3-ft reduction); Rear yard setback reduction from 10 ft to 5.1 ft (4.9-ft reduction). - Testimony of Nicholas Bennett (Applicant): - Acquired property in 2009; shed built in late 2024 for storage. Neighbors were notified and expressed no objection; the closest neighbor (1.2 ft side) offered to write a letter of support. The lot is among the smallest on Mission Road, with mature landscaping and fences limiting visibility of the shed from the street and most neighbors. - Testimony of Paul Sill (Professional Engineer): - Licensed PE in Maryland, owner of SIL Engineering Group. He prepared the site plan and described the lot's topography: the property rises approximately 5–7 ft from the front retaining wall to the rear, with drainage ditch and retaining wall at front. The lot is irregular and narrow compared to neighbors (two adjacent lots are twice the size; the rear lot is five times larger). - Sill testified that the existing house’s location (1958) and the lot’s shape create practical difficulties for strict compliance; relocating the house would require reconstruction. For the shed, requiring full setbacks would force an awkward, elongated structure near the house. He confirmed the variances are the minimum necessary to legalize existing conditions, that they would not alter neighborhood character, impair adjacent property use, or harm public welfare. The shed is not visible from the road and only visible from one neighbor’s property. - Sill further noted that no variances are sought for conditional use criteria, and the property is not in a historic district. - Closing Argument: Attorney Baker emphasized that the hardships were not created by Mr. Bennett (house pre-dated his ownership; lot subdivision from 1947). The applicant has cooperated with county staff and kept neighbors informed. No objections were presented at the hearing. Key Outcomes - The Hearing Examiner accepted Petitioners’ Exhibits 1 through 7 into evidence. - No decision was rendered at the hearing; the case was concluded subject to a forthcoming written decision and order. - The Hearing Examiner noted that the shed is not abnormally large and is comparable to sheds on neighboring properties.