John B. Gontrum

Mr. Gontrum has over 35 years of experience representing industrial, commercial and residential developers, businesses, institutions and individuals on a wide variety of land use, zoning and development issues.  His practice concentrates on Baltimore County land use and development with particular attention to issues arising in eastern Baltimore County and waterfront development.

Recognitions

• Chambers USA, Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use, Maryland (2017–Present)
• The Best Lawyers in America^®, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning (2010–2027), Real Estate Law (2025-2027); Litigation - Real Estate Law (2026-2027)
  • Lawyer of the Year" Baltimore Litigation - Land Use and Zoning Law (2016, 2021, 2027)
• Maryland Super Lawyers^®, Land Use/Zoning (2008–2011)
• AV Preeminent^®: Martindale-Hubbell^® Peer Review Ratings™
• Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce, Hall of Fame Inductee

Memberships & Activities

• Past President: Baltimore County Bar Association, 2004-2005
• Board Member: Baltimore County Bar Foundation
• Board Member: Essex Community Development Corporation
• Past Member: Baltimore County Revenue Authority
• Fellow: Maryland State Bar Foundation
• Past Chairman: Franklin Square Hospital Board of Directors
• Treasurer: Friends for Grace C. Connolly, Baltimore County Register of Wills
• Member: MBIA Land Development Council
• Past-President and current co-Chair of the Economic Development and Tourism Committee: Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce
• Past-President and Board Member: Eastern Baltimore Area/ Dundalk Chamber of Commerce
• Past Board Member: Camp Opportunity, Inc.
• Past Member: Advisory Board Baltimore County Critical Area Commission
• Past District Chairman: Boy Scouts of America, Chesapeake District
• Past Chairman: Essex - Middle River Renaissance Steering Committee
• Past Member: Baltimore County Planning Office Advisory Committees: Executive Committee - Essex Community Conservation Committee; Chairman - Greater Kingsville Community Conservation Committee; Southeastern Economic Development Plan

Land Use, Zoning and Development Issues

• Community planning including participation on various economic and industrial planning committees for eastern Baltimore County
• Land use zoning including comprehensive and site rezoning, zoning special exceptions, variances and special hearings
• All phases of development plan proposals including subdivision, industrial and commercial development including Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) involving community input, development hearings and appeals and residential subdivision
• Environmental impacts including percolation testing, forest conservation and forest buffers, Chesapeake and Coastal Bay Critical Area Law, and waterfront development
• Adequate public facilities including water and sewer plan amendments, open space and county reservation
• Landmark preservation issues and Agricultural and Conservation Easements

Real Estate Transaction Issues

• Negotiating, drafting and reviewing contracts, leases, easements as well as researching and reviewing title documents
• Review and drafting of condominium and homeowners' association documents
• Property tax negotiation and appeal

Golf Industry

• Served as Vice-Chair of county revenue authority that owns and manages 5 public golf courses, restaurants and pro shops; assisted in obtaining liquor licenses for golf courses and advising on golf course development