A. 
Hearing required. Before making a decision on an appeal or an application for a variance, special exception, or a petition to revoke a special exception, the Board of Appeals shall hold a hearing.
B. 
Format of hearing.
(1) 
The hearing shall be open to the public and all interested persons shall be given an opportunity to present evidence and arguments and ask questions of persons who testify.
(2) 
The Board of Appeals may place reasonable and equitable limitations on the presentation of evidence and arguments and the cross-examination of witnesses so that the matter at issue may be heard and decided without undue delay.
(3) 
The Board may continue the hearing until a subsequent meeting and may keep the hearing open to take additional information up to the point a final decision is made. The Board shall announce the date and hour of continuance of such hearing while in session.
A. 
Public notice to be given. Public notice shall be given at least 15 days in advance of the hearing in the following ways:
(1) 
Notice shall be posted on the subject property and at the Town Office;
(2) 
Notice shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town; and
(3) 
Written notice shall be provided to the adjoining property owners.
B. 
Notice to interested parties. Verifiable notice shall be given to the appellant or applicant and any other person who makes a written request for such notice at least 15 day in advance of the hearing.
C. 
Contents of notice. The notice required by this section shall state the date, time, and place of the hearing, reasonably identify the lot that is the subject of the application or appeal, and give a brief description of the action requested or proposed.
A. 
Sworn testimony. All persons who intend to present evidence to the Board, rather than arguments only, shall be sworn.
B. 
Evidence. All findings and conclusions necessary to the issuance or denial of the requested permit or appeal (crucial findings) shall be based upon reliable evidence. Competent evidence (evidence admissible in a court of law) shall be preferred whenever reasonably available, but in no case may crucial findings be based solely upon incompetent evidence unless competent evidence is not reasonably available, the evidence in question appears to be particularly reliable, and the matter at issue is not seriously disputed.
C. 
Record of hearing.
(1) 
An audio recording and recording by legal stenographer shall be made of all hearings and such recordings shall be kept for at least two years. Accurate minutes shall also be kept.
(2) 
Whenever practicable, all documentary evidence presented at a hearing as well as all other types of physical evidence shall be made a part of the record of the proceedings and shall be kept by the Town for at least two years.
A. 
Applicant may modify application. In response to questions or comments by persons appearing at the hearing or to suggestions or recommendations by the Board of Appeals, the applicant may agree to modify his/her application, including the plans and specifications submitted.
B. 
Board approval of modified application. Unless such modifications are so substantial or extensive that the Board cannot reasonably be expected to perceive the nature and impact of the proposed changes without revised plans before it, the Board may approve the application with the stipulation that a permit will not be issued until plans reflecting the agreed upon changes are submitted to the Zoning Administrator for review.
A. 
Interested parties to be provided written decision. Any decision made by the Board of Appeals regarding an appeal or variance or issuance or revocation of a special exception shall be reduced to writing and served upon the applicant or appellant and all other persons who make a written request for a copy.
B. 
Findings and conclusions. In addition to a statement of the Board's ultimate disposition of the case and any other information deemed appropriate, the written decision shall state the Board's findings and conclusions, as well as supporting reasons or facts.
C. 
Appeal of Board decision. Recourse from the decisions of the Board of Appeals shall be to the courts as provided by Maryland law.