Section 5-857 – Definitions

    (a)    In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.     (b)    “Agent” means a person that is:         (1)    hired or retained by a business entity that is an applicant with an application before the governing body to provide services, for compensation, relating to the application; and         (2)    (i)    an attorney;             (ii)    an architect or a landscape architect;             (iii)    a traffic consultant; […]

Section 5-858 – Prohibited Actions

    (a)    An applicant or agent may not make a contribution to a member of the governing body during the pendency of the application.     (b)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, after an application has been filed, a member of the governing body may not vote or participate in any way in the proceedings on […]

Section 5-859 – Ex Parte Communications

    (a)    This section does not apply to a communication between a member of the governing body and an employee of the Frederick County government whose duties involve giving aid or advice to a member of the governing body concerning a pending application.     (b)    A member of the governing body who communicates ex parte with an individual concerning […]

Section 5-860 – Affidavit

    At any time before final action on an application, a party of record may file with the Chief Administrative Officer an affidavit including competent evidence of:         (1)    a contribution by an applicant or agent covered under § 5–858 of this subtitle; or         (2)    an ex parte communication covered under § 5–859 of this subtitle.

Section 5-861 – Enforcement

    (a)    In the enforcement of this part, the Chief Administrative Officer shall be subject to the direction and control of the Frederick County Ethics Commission and, unless otherwise specifically directed by the County Ethics Commission, may only:         (1)    receive filings;         (2)    maintain records;         (3)    report violations; and         (4)    perform other ministerial duties necessary to administer this part.     (b)    (1)    The affidavits and […]

Section 5-862 – Violations; Penalties

    (a)    (1)    The Frederick County Ethics Commission or another aggrieved party of record may assert as procedural error a violation of this part in an action for judicial review of the application.         (2)    If the court finds that a violation of this part occurred, the court shall remand the case to the governing body for reconsideration.     (b)    (1)    A person […]