La Plata, MD

Planning Commission

The La Plata Planning Commission meets October 6, 2026 to hold a public hearing on Zoning Text Amendment 03-2026, a town-wide water conservation ordinance proposed by the Town of La Plata. The amendment would change Section 191.48 (Landscaping) and add new Article XI (Water Conservation), Section 191.98, setting water-conservation rules and guidelines, including water-saving measures for installing and maintaining landscaping. After the hearing, the Commission will decide whether to close or keep the record open and then vote. The rest of the agenda is routine: minutes approval, public comment, and staff and member reports.

• Public hearing on ZTA 03-2026, a town-wide water conservation ordinance amending Section 191.48 (Landscaping) and adding Article XI, Section 191.98
• Applicant is the Town of La Plata, Maryland; project location is town-wide
• Commission vote planned on whether to close or keep the record open, then vote on the amendment
• Approval of minutes from the September 1, 2026 meeting
• Public comment period plus old business, new business, staff reports, and member comments

Finance Committee

News Release

Town Council

Design Review Board

Board of Supervisors of Elections

Parks & Recreation Commission

Town Council

Planning Commission

News Release

Town Council

Finance Committee

Parks & Recreation Commission

Historic Preservation Commission

Board of Supervisors of Elections

Town Council

Planning Commission

News Release

Town Council

Town Council

Design Review Board

Finance Committee

Parks & Recreation Commission

Town Council

News Release

News Release

Board of Supervisors of Elections

The Board of Supervisors of Elections for La Plata, MD meets September 29, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. Under new business, the board is set to organize itself, review Maryland State Election Law updates (HB 357 and HB 1448), and discuss a potential referendum. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from March 9, 2025, public comment, staff reports, and member comments. No dollar amounts, contracts, or specific referendum wording appear in the agenda text.

• New business: organization of the Board of Supervisors of Elections
• New business: Maryland State Election Law updates (HB 357) and (HB 1448)
• New business: discussion of a potential referendum
• Approval of minutes from the meeting on March 9, 2025
• Public comment accepted in person or by email to [email protected]

News Release

News Release

Town Council

The La Plata Town Council is holding a special meeting that is largely procedural. The main substantive action is a motion to enter a closed session to interview candidates for boards, commissions, and committees, citing Maryland's Open Meetings Act exception for personnel matters. The public portion includes roll call, pledge, and agenda approval.

• Closed session authorized under § 3-305(b)(1)(i) for candidate interviews
• Public comments may be submitted via email or sign-up sheet
• Meeting held at Council Chambers, La Plata Town Hall, 305 Queen Anne St.

Town Council

The La Plata Town Council is holding a regular meeting with a consent agenda, public comment, proclamations, and a stormwater program presentation. Key discussion items include the removal of a playground at Hemlock Court, a policy on meeting decorum and a designated public demonstration area, and a vote on appointments. The council will also enter closed session to discuss candidate qualifications and personnel matters.

• Resolution 26-70: Policy on Meeting Decorum and Designated Public Demonstration Area (introduction and adoption)
• Discussion and appointment vote for boards, commissions, and committees
• Neighborhood Parks: Hemlock Court Playground Removal
• 2026 Stormwater Management Program and Phase II NPDES Permit Presentation
• Proclamations: Community Planning Month and National Code Compliance Month

Town Council

The La Plata Town Council is meeting in closed session to discuss interviews of candidates for boards, commissions, and committees. The session is closed under state law to protect candidates' personal information. No public decisions or votes are scheduled on this agenda.

• Closed session under § 3-305(b)(1)(i) to discuss candidate interviews
• Topic: appointments to boards, commissions, and committees

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to approve prior minutes, discuss a proposed Legacy Business Ordinance, and consider a request to install a Centennial Plaque at 309 Charles St. for Martin's Service Station. The agenda includes public comment and staff reports.

• Approval of minutes from May 15, 2026 and July 17, 2026
• Discussion of a Legacy Business Ordinance
• Request for Centennial Plaque at 309 Charles St. for Martin's Service Station

Town Council

The La Plata Town Council is holding a special meeting that is a facilitated strategic planning retreat run by Zelos. The session will review the town's current strategic framework, discuss community survey results, and work on updating goals, objectives, and strategic initiatives. The agenda is entirely workshop activities with no formal votes or public hearings.

• Facilitated strategic planning retreat with Zelos
• Review of community survey results
• Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager to share operational priorities
• Group visioning activity and strategic goal updates

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting virtually to approve the minutes from its August 19, 2026 meeting, hear public comment, and receive staff reports. Under old business, they will get an update on Wills Park improvements. Under new business, they will discuss the removal of the playground at Hemlock Ct neighborhood park.

• Approval of minutes from August 19, 2026 meeting
• Wills Park improvements update
• Hemlock Ct playground removal discussion

Finance Committee

Design Review Board

Town Council

The La Plata Town Council will hold a public hearing on a charter amendment and consider several ordinances. Key legislative items include updates to accessory dwelling unit zoning, the FY2027 fee schedule, and Council Chair procedures.

• Public hearing regarding a Charter Amendment
• Ordinance 26-20: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) zoning updates
• Ordinance 26-21: Amendment to Town of La Plata Fiscal Year 2027 Fee Schedule
• Resolution 26-68 and 26-69: MD Route 6 Streetscape property rights and easement contracts
• Consent Agenda: Multiple stormwater permit, landscaping, and resurfacing contracts

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to address old business and staff reports. The primary item for discussion is a zoning text amendment regarding a water conservation ordinance.

• Zoning Text Amendment 03-2026 (ZTA 03-2026) Water Conservation Ordinance

Town Council

The La Plata Town Council will hold a public hearing on a zoning text amendment for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to comply with recent Maryland law. The council will also consider several ordinances and resolutions, including a second reading of an ordinance on off-road vehicle enforcement, budget amendments for fiscal closeout, and first readings on council governance and fee schedule changes. The agenda includes a closed session disclosure and routine consent items.

• Public hearing on Zoning Text Amendment for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• Ordinance 26-17: Chapter 181 Vehicles and Traffic - off-road vehicle enforcement (second reading)
• Ordinance 26-18: FY2026 Budget Amendments and Reassignments - Fiscal Closeout (second reading)
• Ordinance 26-19: Chapter 13 Council - Council Chair duties and temporary presiding officer (first reading)
• Resolution 26-52: Town Manager Salary Adjustment

The La Plata Town Council adopted Ordinance 26-17, creating enforcement rules for unregistered off-road vehicles, on a 4-1 vote with Mayor Jeannine James opposed. The council also adopted Ordinance 26-18 for FY26 budget closeout amendments and Resolution 26-56 setting a Town Hall use policy, both unanimously. A public hearing on a zoning text amendment for accessory dwelling units was closed, and first readings were held for ordinances on the Council Chair role, accessory dwelling units, and the FY27 fee schedule. No adoption votes were taken on those first-reading items.

• Adopted Ordinance 26-17 on off-road vehicle enforcement (4-1, Mayor James opposed)
• Adopted Ordinance 26-18 FY26 budget amendments and closeout (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 26-56 Town Hall Use Policy (5-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda, including July 28, 2026 minutes, Resolution 26-52 Town Manager salary adjustment, and Resolution 26-55 FY27 pickup truck purchase (5-0)
• Closed public hearing record on ADU zoning text amendment; Mayor James voted in opposition
• Held first reading of Ordinance 26-19 on Council Chair qualifications and duties
• Held first reading of Ordinance 26-20 on accessory dwelling units; first reading of Ordinance 26-21 on FY27 fee schedule

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission is holding a regular virtual meeting. The agenda includes approving minutes from prior meetings, hearing public comment, and discussing the Wills Park Playground opening under old business. No new business items are listed.

• Approval of minutes from May 14, 2025 and July 15, 2026 meetings
• Discussion of Wills Park Playground opening

General

The La Plata Town Council is holding a special meeting that includes a closed session to discuss the conduct of a council member, followed by a public vote on a resolution to censure that member for alleged violations of the Town Charter, Council Rules of Procedure, and Code of Civility. The council will also discuss revisions to its rules of procedure and governance issues related to administrative interference.

• Closed session to discuss discipline and conduct of a council member
• Resolution 26-51: Censure of a Member of the Council
• Resolution 26-21: Revision of Town Council Rules of Procedure
• Discussion of Charter § C5-6 'Interference in administration'
• Resolution 26-25: Code of Civility

The La Plata Town Council held a special meeting where they convened a closed session to discuss the conduct of a Council member. Following the closed session, the Council discussed administrative boundaries and rules of procedure, overturning a point of order denial by Mayor James. Finally, the Council adopted Resolution 26-51, formally censuring Mayor James for unauthorized communication regarding a state agency appointment.

• Approved agenda as presented (4-1)
• Passed motion to enter closed session to discuss council member conduct and discipline (4-1)
• Overturned Mayor James's point of order denial (4-1)
• Adopted Resolution 26-51, censuring Mayor Jeannine E. James (4-1)

Finance Committee

Design Review Board

Town Council

The La Plata Town Council is meeting on August 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Town Hall. The agenda is largely procedural, with the main substantive item being a motion to enter a closed session to discuss the Town Manager's performance appraisal follow-up, citing statutory authority for personnel matters. The public portion includes roll call, pledge, and agenda approval.

• Closed session under § 3-305(b)(1) for Town Manager performance appraisal follow-up
• Public meeting at 305 Queen Anne St., La Plata, MD
• Virtual participation available with meeting ID and passcode

Town Council

The La Plata Town Council is meeting in closed session to discuss a follow-up to the Town Manager's performance appraisal. The session is closed under state law to discuss personnel matters. No other business is on the agenda.

• Closed session under § 3-305(b)(1) for Town Manager performance appraisal follow-up

Town Council

The La Plata Town Council will hold its regular meeting on August 11, 2026, with a closed session, consent agenda, and several legislative items. Key actions include introducing an ordinance to regulate unregistered off-road vehicles (Ordinance 26-17) and adopting a resolution for a curb and sidewalk maintenance program (Resolution 26-48). The council will also consider budget amendments for fiscal closeout and discuss topics for an upcoming goal-setting retreat.

• Ordinance 26-17: Creates off-road vehicle nuisance enforcement, parental responsibility, fuel restrictions, impoundment, and penalties (first reading)
• Resolution 26-48: Endorses Curb and Sidewalk Maintenance and Replacement Program (introduction and adoption)
• Ordinance 26-18: FY2026 budget amendments and reassignments for fiscal closeout (first reading)
• Resolution 26-49: Ratification of contract with Citylogix for town road survey (consent agenda)
• Ordinance 26-16: Reclassification of a Public Works position in FY2027 budget (second reading)

The Town Council adopted Ordinance 26-16, amending the Fiscal Year 2027 budget to reclassify a Public Works Department position, on a 5-0 vote. It also adopted Resolution 26-47 authorizing the Mayor to send a comment letter to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development about the Oriole Lane Apartments development, 5-0. Resolution 26-48 on the Curb and Sidewalk Maintenance and Replacement Program died for lack of a motion. Two ordinances — 26-17 on unregistered off-road vehicle enforcement and 26-18 on FY26 budget closeout amendments — had first readings and were introduced, not adopted.

• Adopted Ordinance 26-16, FY27 budget amendment reclassifying a Public Works position (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 26-47 authorizing a DHCD comment letter on Oriole Lane Apartments (5-0)
• Resolution 26-48 on the Curb and Sidewalk Maintenance and Replacement Program died for lack of a motion
• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved the consent agenda, including Resolution 26-49 ratifying the Citylogix town road survey contract (5-0)
• Directed staff to continue current sidewalk hazard repairs within the existing FY26 budget and defer lower-severity repairs pending a condition survey (4-1, Johnson opposed)
• Consensus to move Ordinance 26-17 on unregistered off-road vehicle enforcement forward for formal introduction
• Consensus to forward the FY26 budget amendment package for legislative introduction

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a town-wide zoning text amendment. The proposal seeks to update the La Plata Municipal Code to align local Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) rules with recent changes to Maryland law.

• Public hearing for Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 04-2026 regarding Accessory Dwelling Units

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 04-2026, which would amend Section 191-53(B)(1) of the Zoning Code to align Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations with recent Maryland law. No public speakers were present. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend the amendment to the Town Council, with a correction to numbering on Page 2 of 9.

• Recommended ZTA 04-2026 (Accessory Dwelling Units) to Town Council with numbering correction (5-0)
• Closed the public hearing record for ZTA 04-2026
• Approved minutes from July 7, 2026 meeting (3-0, 2 abstentions)

News Release

Town Council

The Town Council is holding a special meeting to consult with legal counsel. The session will be closed to the public to discuss litigation involving the Maryland Department of the Environment.

• Closed session regarding Maryland Department of the Environment litigation

The La Plata Town Council held a special meeting on July 28, 2026, and approved the meeting agenda as presented in a 5-0 vote. The council then voted 5-0 to enter closed session under Maryland Open Meetings Act § 3-305(b)(7) to consult with counsel for legal advice regarding Maryland Department of the Environment litigation. The public portion of the meeting adjourned at 5:02 PM. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the open minutes.

• Approved meeting agenda as presented (5-0)
• Entered closed session under § 3-305(b)(7) to consult counsel on Maryland Department of the Environment litigation (5-0)
• Adjourned the open meeting at 5:02 PM

Town Council

The Town Council will consider the adoption of a zoning ordinance regarding the creation and maintenance of public road facilities. The body is also reviewing several resolutions for vehicle and engineering contracts and a budget amendment for a position reclassification.

• Ordinance 26-15: Zoning Ordinance for the Town of La Plata, Maryland - Roads (Second Reading)
• Resolution 26-45: Heritage Green Parkway Road and Drainage Improvements Project contract award
• Resolution 26-43: Wastewater Treatment Plant MOD 2 Emergency Repair
• Resolution 26-40 and 26-44: Public Works trash truck and pickup truck purchases
• Ordinance 26-16: FY 2027 Budget amendment for Public Works position reclassification

The La Plata Town Council adopted Ordinance 26-15, amending the zoning ordinance to include road facility processes, and Resolution 26-41, establishing unified bylaws for all advisory boards and commissions. The council also approved the consent agenda, including several resolutions for equipment purchases and engineering services, and reached consensus on legislation for board bylaws and a position reclassification. Councilman Guttenberg was nominated to represent the town in the 'Serious About Safety' cohort, with Mayor James voting against.

• Adopted Ordinance 26-15, Zoning Ordinance - Roads (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 26-41, Board, Commission, and Committee Bylaws (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including resolutions for trash truck, pickup truck, engineering services, and road improvements (unanimous)
• Reached consensus to proceed with legislation for board and commission bylaws
• Reached consensus to proceed with legislation for Public Works position reclassification
• Nominated Councilman Guttenberg for 'Serious About Safety' cohort (4-1, Mayor James opposed)

Town Council

The Town Council is meeting in a closed session to consult with legal counsel. The discussion is limited to litigation involving the Maryland Department of the Environment.

• Closed session regarding Maryland Department of the Environment litigation

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will discuss the development of a Legacy Business Program and programming for La Plata-Maryland 250. The body will also consider the adoption of a Preservation Professionals List.

• La Plata-Maryland 250 Programming
• Adoption of the Preservation Professionals List
• Development of a Legacy Business Program
• Subcommittee appointments for the Legacy Business Program
• Promotion of the Centennial Plaque Program

The Historic Preservation Commission voted 2-1 to approve a draft resolution adopting the Preservation Professionals List, with Chair Gilpin dissenting. The commission also voted to continue approval of its May 15, 2026 minutes to the next regular meeting to allow for requested changes, and named Chair Gilpin as the Legacy Business Program subcommittee representative. Director Dooley presented an introduction to a proposed Legacy Business Program; no decision was made on it.

• Approved draft Historic Preservation Commission Resolution adopting the Preservation Professionals List (2-1, Chair Gilpin dissenting)
• Continued approval of May 15, 2026 minutes to the next regular meeting (3-0)
• Nominated Chair Gilpin as Legacy Business Program subcommittee representative through the next regular meeting (3-0)
• Adjourned the meeting at 12:24 PM (3-0)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Commission will meet virtually to approve minutes from the April 8, 2026, meeting. The agenda includes an update regarding the Wills Park Playground.

• Wills Park Playground update

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the minutes from its April 8, 2026 meeting as presented. The commission also discussed a potential future agenda item on a parks review and maintenance plan, and received a brief update on the Wills Park Playground installation. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from April 8, 2026 (3-0)