County moves to implement administrative hearings for common ownership communities; council adopts interim rules framework

Prince George's County staff told the Planning, Housing and Development Committee on Oct. 16 that the Office of Community Relations is preparing to implement an administrative hearing program for common ownership communities (COCs), and the committee approved a resolution initiating rulemaking with amendments and a three-month education period before enforcement.

"This initiative reflects the county executive's steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of COC unit is dedicated to ensuring that our communities thrive by providing essential education, training, and alternative dispute resolution services," Chanel Dickerson, Acting Director, Office of Community Relations, told the committee.

Michonne Hall, unit chief for the Common Ownership Communities unit, described the office's 5–6 program pillars: the Advantage online training program; a retooled community association registration; alternative dispute resolution; an expanded Commission on Common Ownership Communities (CCOC); and the new administrative hearings process. She said the commission will expand from nine to 15 voting members under recent state legislation, increasing residential seats to eight and professional seats to seven.

Hall summarized a phased implementation roadmap. "Phase 1... 0 to 3 months: planning and design," she said, listing stakeholder engagement with…