Administrative Review Board

Mission


The mission of the Administrative Review Board is to ensure the equitable application of the Bowie City Code and to create a review process for persons aggrieved by specific actions or decisions by the city.

Description


The Administrative Review Board was established on April 16, 1990, to replace the Housing Hearing Committee. The Board was created as a process for the right of appeal for person(s) aggrieved by an action of the City Manager or a City Code Enforcement official under Chapter 5 of the Bowie City Code.

The City of Bowie Board of Appeals was established on October 3, 1994, to review and render decisions on applications for variances of the Bowie City Code. The members of the Administrative Review Board act in this capacity as the Board of Appeals.

The power and functions of the ARB include:
  • Hear, review and decide appeals from the issuance of municipal infraction citations by the City prior to the transmittal of the matter to the District Court of Maryland.
  • Review decisions of the City Manager made pursuant to Chapter 5 of the Bowie City Code.
  • Hear and decide appeals from decisions of the City Manager concerning non-conforming uses.
  • Review and make recommendations on matters referred to it by the City Council.
  • Perform such other administrative review functions as the City Council may provide by law.
The authority, procedures and standards of the ARB are located in Chapter 1A of the City Code.

The power and functions of the ARB functioning as the Board of Appeals include:
  • The Board of Appeals may grant a variance from the strict application of a section within Chapter 26 of the Bowie City Code only where specifically so provided in that section and only pursuant to the standards and procedures set forth in Section 26-15.
  • The Board of Appeals may exercise all powers under the laws of evidence applicable to administrative proceedings under the laws of the State of Maryland to discover any information relevant to the variance request, including, but not limited to, subpoena, interrogatories, production of documents and depositions.
  • The Board of Appeals shall have authority to administer oaths and affirmations, examine witnesses, rule upon questions of evidence and issue notices and orders, take actions and make decisions or recommendations in conformity with Chapter 26.
The authority, procedures and standards of the Board of Appeals are located in Chapter 26, Sections 26-14 and 26-15 of the City Code.