All hearings are open to the public.  Either by link invitation or by viewing through the Prince George's County Live Video Stream.

Rules & Responsibilities

• The Board is required to maintain adequate records of all hearings and keep minutes of its proceedings.
• Before making its decision on any appeal, or a request to grant additional time to cease a violation, the Board must hold a public hearing on the matter.
• All actions of the Board must be taken by resolution, in which at least 3 members must concur.
  • Each resolution shall contain a statement of the grounds and findings forming the basis of the action.
  • The text of the resolution and record of members' votes shall be incorporated into the minutes or other records of the Board.

Notice of Public Hearings

All public hearings are advertised by mailing notices of hearing by certified mail, return receipt requested, to all persons of record at least 15 days prior to the hearing. In all zoning appeals, adjoining property owners and municipalities, where applicable, are automatically persons of record. In all zoning appeals except those involving zoning violation notices for properties in a residential zone, the property must be posted with a sign or signs advertising the public hearing at least 15 days prior to the hearing.

Closed Sessions

All Board of Appeals hearings are public hearings; however, if necessary, a part of the meeting may be conducted in closed session. Closed sessions may be called during the course of a meeting or public hearing in order to allow the members to obtain advice from counsel. Members are not permitted to deliberate among themselves unless in an open, public session.

Representation

A petitioner, or counsel representing petitioner, must be present at the hearing. A petitioner which is a corporation, limited liability company, or other business entity must be represented by counsel, licensed to practice in the State of Maryland, at any hearing before the Board. Any non-attorney representative present at the hearing on behalf of the petitioner (or any other person or entity) is not permitted to advocate.

Continuances

Hearings may be adjourned and continued. 

• If the date, time, and place of the continued hearing is publicly announced at the time of the adjournment, no further notice of the continuation is required.
• If the date, time, and place is not publicly announced at the time of the adjournment, notice must be given in the same manner as with the original hearing.