Committee approves amendment and advances bill transferring Zoning Administrator to Planning Department

The Baltimore City Housing & Economic Development Committee voted to approve an amendment to City Council Bill 25063 and moved the bill to the full council meeting on Oct. 20.

The bill would transfer the office of the Zoning Administrator and “all attendant authorities and duties” from the Department of Housing and Community Development to the Department of Planning, according to committee remarks. The amendment approved by the committee requires the council to receive notice when the Zoning Administrator position is converted from a civil‑service post to an at‑will appointment.

Councilman James Sorens, chair of the committee and representative of the Seventh District, said the amendment responds to public concerns about the independence of the office. “This amendment will provide a reasonable notice to the council when the zoning administrator position is switched from a civil service position to an at will position,” Sorens said. He added the change would attach to the role, not to the individual currently holding the post.

Agency reports entered into the record indicated no objections to the amendment. A representative of the Department of Law said the office could approve the bill and the amendment for legal sufficiency. A Department of Finance representative said the amendment did not change the department’s position on the legislation. Nina Themlas, director of government relations for the mayor’s office, speaking on behalf of the Department of Housing and Community Development, said the amendment did not change that department’s bill report. Nina Demos, speaking for the Department of Planning, also said the amendment did not change that department’s position.

The committee approved the amendment on a recorded vote. Chair James Sorens voted yes; Vice Chair Odette Ramos voted yes; Councilman Glover voted yes; Councilman Jones voted yes. Councilman Zach Blanchard was absent and marked excused. The committee then moved the bill—motion made by Vice Chair Odette Ramos and seconded by Councilman Glover—by voice vote and directed it to the full Baltimore City Council meeting on Oct. 20.

Committee members noted the amendment is intended to ensure council awareness when the position’s employment status changes, while Sorens clarified it does not alter protections for the current officeholder. No public testimony was recorded during the committee session on this bill.

The bill was introduced May 12, 2025, and sworn in by Vice President Middleton, according to committee remarks. The next formal action on the measure will be at the full council meeting on Oct. 20.