Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Planning Zoning.reform topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council introduces bill to split county and city planning commissions; debate centers on meeting time and public access
Summary
The Wicomico County Council introduced a bill on May 20 to dissolve the joint county‑city Planning & Zoning Commission and create a county‑only commission effective Sept. 1, 2025; council debate focused on meeting time and accessibility.
The Wicomico County Council introduced legislative bill 2025‑07 on May 20, a code amendment to dissolve the existing joint planning and zoning commission shared with the City of Salisbury and to reestablish a county‑only Planning & Zoning Commission effective Sept. 1, 2025.
Why it matters: The change follows administrative decisions to separate city and county planning functions so each jurisdiction can pursue its own comprehensive plans and code updates. County staff and the county attorney’s office said the separation clarifies which body handles county‑level site plans and code amendments and reduces confusion about staff time spent preparing materials for meetings that addressed city items.
Main points and debate: County attorney staff explained the bill’s edits to Chapter 62 of the Wicomico County Code and the proposed Sept. 1 effective date. Council members discussed whether the new county commission should continue meeting at 1:30 p.m. on the third Thursday (the traditional time) or move to an evening time such as 5:00 p.m. to enhance transparency and allow working residents to attend. Some council members argued for flexibility and suggested the council adopt a separate resolution to set or change meeting time rather than including a fixed time in the legislative code.
Next steps: The bill was introduced and will proceed to a public hearing and possible amendment at the next legislative meeting in June. Council members agreed staff and the county attorney’s office would pursue options — including a separate resolution to set meeting times — and report back before the public hearing so the council could consider a precise and enforceable schedule if it wishes.
Ending: Council emphasized public access and committed to working with the city, planning commission chair and staff to finalize the transition timeline and meeting logistics ahead of the effective separation date of Sept. 1, 2025.
