Annapolis committee backs ordinance adjusting appeals process, pauses amendment allowing broader new evidence

Alderman Brooks, chair of the Economic Matters Committee, said the committee met virtually on May 21 and moved O-3324, an ordinance described in the meeting as governing the appeals process for property development in Annapolis, out of committee with a favorable recommendation as amended.

The committee’s action followed extended discussion about whether on-the-record appeals should allow any new evidence, and, if so, how broadly. Alderman Solomon Savage, who introduced a simplified version of an amendment he had proposed earlier, described it as a limited exception that “just basically says things are still gonna be conducted as, on the record, but it does allow the chair to, allow new evidence at their discretion.”

The issue mattered to committee members because on-the-record appeals typically focus on whether a prior decision was made using the information available at the time. Director Jakubiak explained that a de novo…