In 2008, the Cumberland Planning Commission undertook a comprehensive training program to review the basic planning functions of the Commission.
Primer Series
The series was broken down into a series of planning "primers" that were reviewed at the end of each Planning Commission meeting. Each primer discussed a different subject relating to the Planning Commission's duties and roles, beginning with basic issues, such as the creation and role of the Planning Commission under Maryland law and the structure and purpose of bylaws, then moved into more substantive planning functions, including the Planning Commission's role and function relative to the city's Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Subdivision Regulations.
Reference Tools
Special aspects of Maryland Planning law were also covered. This training series serves as a general introduction to planning in Maryland and is a good reference tool for citizens who desire a deeper understanding of the Planning Commission's functions or who may wish to serve on the Planning Commission. The individual primer documents in the series can be accessed individually through the menu on the left side of this page.
If you would like to discuss the issues covered in these primers, please contact the City Planner.