Brian Shepter helps clients turn complex land use challenges into buildable projects across Maryland. A trusted advisor to developers, investors, and property owners, Brian guides high‑profile mixed‑use, housing, commercial, industrial and energy developments through land use, zoning, and regulatory frameworks at the state and local level. Brian brings significant knowledge of the review process and a deep understanding of policy initiatives from nearly two decades of work in and around county and city governments as well as engagement in the state legislative process. He leverages this experience to help clients:
- Develop an entitlement strategy.
- Manage community input.
- Build consensus for legislative action.
- Navigate site plan review and permitting.
- Advocate for economic development incentives.
- Seek land development project approvals before planning boards and county councils.
Brian’s insight into how land use decisions are made and how to align project goals with policy priorities stems from his prior work as deputy chief of staff to Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. This role included overseeing the Departments of Planning & Zoning, Public Works, Inspections, Licenses & Permits, General Services and Office of Agriculture. During his tenure, the county adopted a comprehensive vision for the mixed-use redevelopment of Columbia Gateway business park, established a regulatory framework for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and expanded agritourism to allow farmers additional commercial uses of their land. He also worked closely with the Office of Community Sustainability on solar energy development and other energy initiatives, experience that helps him support clients who need assistance navigating environmental issues.
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Brian also previously served as deputy director of the Howard County Department of Planning & Zoning, where he contributed to the development of the county’s most recent General Plan – HoCo By Design – and gained hands‑on experience with zoning, growth management, and community engagement. Brian further honed his consensus building skills and knowledge of land development issues as general counsel and director of external relations for the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), the regional planning agency for greater Baltimore. His role there included managing legal and public affairs for the organization and working closely with the region’s elected executives on transportation, housing, water supply, environmental and other issues—insight that now informs his work on projects requiring coordination within and across multiple jurisdictions and agencies.
Brian also served as a special assistant for past Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, as a senior advisor to gubernatorial candidates Anthony Brown and Ken Ulman, and in private legal practice representing clients before state and local governments in Maryland. This combination of public‑sector leadership and private‑sector advocacy enables him to help clients navigate both the technical and political aspects of land use approvals and to chart a path to seeking approvals for complex, high‑stakes development projects.