2013 Maryland Code
LAND USE
§ 2-102 - Membership.

§2-102.

(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this division, a planning commission established under this subtitle shall consist of three, five, or seven members.

(2) One member of the planning commission may be a member of the legislative body, who serves as an ex officio member concurrent with the member’s legislative term.

(b) (1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the members of a planning commission shall be appointed by:

(i) the legislative body; or

(ii) the person designated as the appointing authority in the local law establishing the planning commission.

(2) If there is a single elected local executive, the members of a planning commission shall be appointed by the local executive and confirmed by the legislative body.

(c) (1) The term of a member of a planning commission other than an ex officio member is:

(i) 5 years; or

(ii) until the member’s successor takes office.

(2) The terms of the members of a planning commission shall be staggered.

(d) (1) After a public hearing, a legislative body may remove a member of a planning commission for:

(i) inefficiency;

(ii) neglect of duty; or

(iii) malfeasance in office.

(2) A legislative body that removes a member of a planning commission shall file a written statement of the reasons for the removal.

(e) If a vacancy occurs during the term of an appointed member, the vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term by the:

(1) legislative body; or

(2) person designated as the appointing authority in the ordinance establishing the commission.

(f) (1) In a municipal corporation, the legislative body may designate one alternate member to sit on the planning commission in the absence of any member of the commission.

(2) If an alternate member is absent, the legislative body may designate a temporary alternate member to sit on the planning commission.