Board of Appeals

Board of Appeals Alternate Member Needed

Residents are encouraged to consider attending the public meetings held if interested in this Board. If you have expertise in this topic, please consider applying for a seat. Frederick County would appreciate your perspective and service.

Board's Purpose

The Frederick County Board of Appeals (BOA) was established in conjunction with the original Zoning Ordinance in 1959. The Board adopts its own administrative procedures and has the following powers:

  • To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance
  • To hear and decide special exceptions authorized in the Zoning Ordinance
  • To authorize, upon appeal in specific cases, a variance from the terms of the Zoning Ordinance

Meeting Times

Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at Winchester Hall unless otherwise noted on the filing deadlines or by the Chair. Please check the Board of Appeals website for possible updates to the schedule.

Members of the public wishing to provide public comment will have the option of attending in person or calling into the Public Input system.

Individuals requiring accommodations for a disability or language translation should MPaone@FrederickCountyMD.gov or dial 711 for Maryland Relay Services at least three (3) working days prior to the meeting.

2026 Board of Appeals Submission Dates, Site Visit Deadlines, Hearing Dates & Reserved Date

February 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

Location

Winchester Hall First Floor Hearing Room
12 E. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701

Current Members

Dan Lawton, Chair
Jack Felton, Vice-Chair
Shannon Bohrer, Member
Andrew Brown, Member
John Greenwell, Member

How to Get Involved

The Board has 5 members and 1 alternate seat. Appointments occur on a rolling basis and as positions open. Non-members are encouraged to attend and participate in activities.

Procedure for Appointment

The County Council appoints the Board Members. Members serve staggered three-year terms. If your qualifications match current openings, please apply by sending your letter of interest along with a current resume to FCGBoards@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

General Questions

For questions regarding membership, contact FCGBoards@FrederickCountyMD.gov. For questions regarding the Board, please email the Board of Appeals at MPaone@FrederickCountyMD.gov. 

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are subject to change prior to and during a Board of Appeals meeting date.
Contact the Planning and Permitting Division for more information.

Minutes are descriptions of results for cases heard at associated BOA meetings.

Agendas & Minutes

View Most Recent | View All

Historical Agendas & Minutes

Prior to January 2024
Agendas | Minutes

Staff Reports & Supporting Documents

View All

Bylaws

Bylaws for the Frederick County Board of Appeals


Board of Appeals - Sign Posting Affidavit

Board of Appeals - Public Notice / Hearing Sign Requirements

Frederick County Zoning Page