Anne Arundel County Board of Appeals – Annapolis, MD

Anne Arundel County Board of Appeals

The Anne Arundel County Board of Appeals is an independent, quasi-judicial body located in the Arundel Center on Calvert Street. It serves as the final administrative decision-maker for the county, hearing appeals from executive, administrative, and adjudicatory orders. The Board plays a critical role in land use and zoning governance, ensuring due process for citizens and businesses.

Functions and Jurisdiction

The Board acts independently of the County Council and the County Executive. Its primary responsibility is to hear appeals regarding:

• Zoning and Land Use: Decisions on variances, special exceptions, and reclassifications.
• Licenses and Permits: Appeals concerning building permits, liquor licenses, and other regulatory approvals denied or revoked by county agencies.
• Administrative Orders: Review of executive orders or decisions made by county department heads.

Hearings and Procedures

Public hearings are typically conducted on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings starting at 5:00 PM, although the administrative office is open during standard business hours for filing and inquiries. Citizens wishing to file an appeal must do so within specific statutory timeframes (usually 30 days). The Board is comprised of seven members appointed by the County Council.

Visiting the Office

The administrative office is located in Room 160 of the Arundel Center. Visitors should use the public entrance on Calvert Street. The location is central to downtown Annapolis and is well-served by the city’s circulator and transit buses. Filing fees apply for most appeals and can be paid at the office.