ZONING HEARING EXAMINER – VIRTUAL HEARINGS

Due to the recent coronavirus, known as COVID-19, the District Council has authorized the Zoning Hearing Examiner to hold all, or a portion, of its hearings virtually. (See, CB- 033-2020 and CR-057-2020) Virtual hearings must comply with the same provisions of the Prince George’s County Code, federal and state law that are applicable to all hearings held by the Zoning Hearing Examiner.  The following is a brief synopsis of additional procedures applicable to virtual hearings.

All Persons of Record (“POR”) will be mailed a Notice of hearing that explains when any documents must be submitted; preference that all submittals be electronic or by County drop box if the County facilities are not open to the public; and the last date to become a POR (if you learn of the application after signs have been posted on or near the subject property).  The Zoning Hearing Examiner may grant permission for a party to submit supplemental documents for the record.

All POR will be provided information on how to join the virtual hearing.  All are asked not to share the link to the hearing since it is an evidentiary hearing that must be transcribed and subject to further review. The proceedings may also be viewed via live streaming or recorded video at      http://pgccouncil.us/LIVE.  

Any interested party may contact the Office of the Zoning Hearing Examiner to receive a paper copy of a document in the record.  As soon as possible prior to the hearing all interested persons or POR may view the documents that have been received prior to the hearing on the application by accessing https://pgccouncil.us/LZIS .  Once there select “Guide”, then “ZHE”, then the application name and date of hearing, then “meeting details”, and finally, “attachments”.

On the day of the hearing all POR will sign in and be advised of the procedures that will be followed, including how to let the Examiner know that one wishes to speak and/or cross examine witnesses after their testimony. If the hearing must be continued for any reason the link will expire and all POR will be provided a new link.

If you have any questions please contact the Office of the Zoning Hearing Examiner at (301) 952-3644 or ZHE@co.pg.md.us