Zoning administrator reports Big Spring permit progress, AT&T permit approval and planning items

Zoning Administrator Tim Lung briefed the council on permitting and planning work during the April–June 2025 period.

Lung said he completed and submitted a Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Waterway Construction Permit application for the Big Spring wall restoration project, forwarded MDE’s acknowledgment letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their review, and has followed up on Corps comments while awaiting a timetable for final approvals. He said the likely permit date for the Big Spring project looks to be in late August.

Lung also reported he reviewed and signed off on a building/zoning permit application from AT&T for an antenna and equipment cabinet swap at the county water tank site and finalized a sidewalk-occupation permit for scaffolding at 107 E. Main Street that had previously been approved by the council following a public hearing.

He said he completed the Maryland Department of Planning 2024 annual report form and forwarded it to the Planning Commission for review, participated in discussions with the County Historic District Commission about a draft memorandum of understanding regarding tax credits for historic property restoration, and noted the council will monitor bills passed by the Maryland General Assembly this session including HB1466 on accessory dwelling units.

The council did not take formal votes on these administrative items during the meeting; the updates were provided for information and to guide next steps on permit coordination and historic-preservation planning.