HB633 - Montgomery County Planning Commission

• Creates a seven-member Planning Commission for Montgomery County with jurisdiction over all unincorporated areas, with majority of members from unincorporated areas and one member with agriculture expertise.

• Authorizes the Planning Commission to adopt a master plan and zoning regulations for unincorporated Montgomery County areas, including control of building height, area, location, and land use.

• Requires a special election in each precinct where at least 25 percent of qualified voters petition for one, with majority voter approval needed before zoning regulations apply to that precinct.

• Prohibits zoning regulations from being retroactive and establishes procedures for amending zoning regulations, requiring three weeks newspaper notice and public hearing before county commission approval.

• Provides for appeals of Planning Commission decisions to the county commission within 15 days, and further appeals to Circuit Court of Montgomery County within 30 days, with county commission authorized to grant variances and special exceptions.