The County Board of Appeals shall have and may exercise the following functions and powers:
(a) In General. The County Board of Appeals shall perform its functions as a board that is independent of both the legislative and executive branches of the County government. However, the budget of the Board shall be submitted and processed as part of the budget request of the Legislative Branch. The board shall have the powers and duties set forth in this section unless modified in accordance with Section 605 of this Article.
(b) Appeals From Orders Relating to Zoning. The County Board of Appeals shall have and exercise all the functions and powers of the Board of Appeals of Anne Arundel County and of the County Board of Appeals described in Local Government Article, §§ 1-702 through 1-706, 9-102, 9-201 through 9-207, 10-102, 10-202 through 10-206, 10-302 through 10-330 and 18-301 of the Annotated Code of Maryland as supplemented by other public general laws. All references in law to the Board of Appeals or the Board of Zoning Appeals shall be construed to refer to the County Board of Appeals created by this Article where such construction is reasonable. In all cases heard by the County Board of Appeals, its decision shall be final unless further appeal be taken therefrom in the manner provided in Section 604 of this Article.
(c) Appeals From Orders Relating to Licenses and Permits. The County Board of Appeals shall have the function and power to hear appeals from decisions involving licenses or permits to install plumbing or electrical facilities, operate a licensable amusement device, operate a taxi service, or such other licensed or permitted activity of the County as may be provided from time to time by law except those licensed or permitted by agencies of the State of Maryland.
(d) Appeals From Orders Relating to Building. The County Board of Appeals shall hear and decide all appeals from orders relating to building.
(e) Appeals From Executive, Administrative and Adjudicatory Orders. The County Board of Appeals shall hear and decide appeals from all other administrative and adjudicatory orders other than those affecting the internal operation of the executive branch as may from time to time be provided by § 10-305 of the Local Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland or by ordinance of the County Council not inconsistent therewith.
(f) Appeals From Decisions on Utility Extensions. The County Board of Appeals shall hear appeals from decisions involving the extension of sewer and water services as provided in Section 539A of this Charter.
(g) Retaining of Legal Counsel. The County Board of Appeals may retain private legal counsel, consistent with the budget, to advise the Board with respect to any of its duties, responsibilities or functions, including any matter pending before it.
(Bill No. 93-80; Bill No. 76-82; Bill No. 85-82; Res. No. 39-92; Res. No. 56-96)
Editor’s note – Sec. 602(f) is obsolete as a result of Sec. 539A being repealed by Res. No. 20-06.