1686 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 685

giving at least fifteen days notice in a newspaper of general
circulation throughout the County, of the place and time of
the beginning of such hearing or hearings. The County
Commissioners shall have power to amend, supplement or
repeal the regulations or restrictions adopted by them,
provided that before doing so they shall follow the same
procedure with respect to notice and public hearings as
is herein provided for the original regulations and re-
strictions.

220. The County Commissioners are hereby vested
with such duties and powers as may be necessary and
advisable for the proper administration of this sub-title
and of such zoning regulations as they may adopt under
the provisions of this sub-title, including the power to
make general exceptions to permit continuance of existing
uses and to permit limited trade or commercial uses of
designated streets or blocks within residence areas and
including the power to summon and compel the attendance
of witnesses. Prior to the commencement of construction
work on ony new buildings or structures of any kind
within the limit of St. Mary's County, the person, firm
or corporation so constructing shall apply to the County
Commissioners for a permit, and shall pay a fee of one
dollar ($1.00) therefor.

221. Any person, persons, taxpayer, officer, depart-
ment, board or bureau of the County, jointly or severally
aggrieved by any decision of the County Commissioners
of St. Mary's County, may, within thirty days after the
filing of such decision in the Office of the County Com-
missioners, appeal to the Circuit Court for St. Mary's
County.

The said Court shall hear all such appeals de novo and
shall have power to affirm the decision of the County Com-
missioners of St. Mary's County, or reverse the same,
in whole or in part, and may remand any case for the enter-
ing of a proper order or for further proceedings, as the
Court shall determine.

All issues in any proceeding under this sub-title shall
have preference over all other civil actions and proceedings.

222. The County Commissioners shall keep in a sep-
arate book all rules, regulations and restrictions adopted
by them from time to time under the authority of this
sub-title, and any amendments or supplements thereto,
and shall cause copies to be printed and made available
for general distribution. Any such printed copy, together