Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Board Administration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
BMZA grants one-year building-extension request, dismisses long-stagnant appeals
Summary
Baltimore City’s zoning appeals board approved a one-year extension for an older building permit file and voted to dismiss a list of long-dormant appeals that staff say were effectively withdrawn but lacked written confirmation.
The Baltimore City Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals approved a one-year extension Friday for an older building permit file and voted to dismiss a group of stagnant appeals that staff said had not advanced in months or years.
Becky Witt, executive director of the BMZA, opened the general-meeting items by describing the extension request under tab 4. The applicant had already received one extension and now seeks a second year while a new general contractor completes permit submissions, Witt said.
Witt told the board the applicant has taken steps toward completion, including demolition to prep the work and permit applications submitted and pending in the city’s permit office. The board voted to grant a further one-year extension.
Witt also asked the board to dismiss a set of older appeals listed on the back of the docket. Staff said many of those matters were effectively withdrawn at prior hearings or by phone calls, but the code requires written confirmation for an official withdrawal. Witt said she would ask staff going forward to collect a signed brief withdrawal at the hearing so files are not left open indefinitely.
After discussion the board unanimously voted to dismiss the cases on the stagnant docket and to approve the one-year extension. Witt said appellants who wish to revive dismissed applications may reapply.
The board noted the procedural nature of both votes: the extension preserves an active project while dismissal clears the docket of matters that have not progressed.
Actions at a glance: The board approved (1) a one-year building/permitting extension under tab 4 and (2) dismissal of multiple inactive appeals listed on the docket. Both motions carried by unanimous recorded vote.
