Chairman Watson and members of the County Council:

The League of Women Voter of Howard County appreciates the sponsorship of the chair of the County Council, Courtney Watson and co-sponsorship by all other council members for Council Bill 26-2008. County Council Bill 26 would require individuals wishing to amend the Howard County Zoning Regulations to submit their petitions only in -March or September. The County Council and the Department of Planning and Zoning could file a zoning regulation amendment at any time if deemed to be in the public interest.

The League has had a long standing Land Use position in support of cycle zoning which was not altered in the League's recent two year study (2007-2008) of it's Land Use positions. The limitations proposed are similar to cycle zoning. The League supports Council Bill 26 with proposed amendments.

The time period to file regulation amendments should be change to November and July. The League suggests these months so that citizens can participate with the Planning Board and County Council during times that are not major holidays or vacations. We assume the Department of Planning and Zoning could provide a Technical staff report within 30 to 40 days. The Planning Board has to provide seven days notice so the amendment could be on the Planning Board's schedule in January or February. The County Council would hear the zoning regulation amendment in the Council's March or April public hearings. The July time frame would mean a Planning Board public meeting in September or October and the County Council hearing testimony on the proposed zoning regulation amendments in November or mid December.

The League's other amendment is to set specific months for the County Council to hear Zoning Regulation amendments. The months we suggest are March and April and November and December. By setting specific time frames, citizens would be able to focus their attention on the ramifications and benefits of zoning regulation amendments.

Grace Kubofcik
Co-president