Background
The Master Plan and Land Use Element Plan represent the vision and strategy for future county land use. A simple summary of the master plan is found in the current 2004 Master Plan introduction:
"The Harford County Master Plan, combined with the Land Use Element Plan, provides direction for addressing future growth, revitalization, the provision of adequate public facilities, economic development and the preservation and protection of natural resources, agricultural lands and historic resources. It also incorporates the Visions of the 1992 Maryland Planning Act and Smart Growth initiatives as part of its policy to maintain the high quality of life enjoyed by County residents."
The Master Plan falls under the Maryland state requirements for Comprehensive Plans. Every six years the county must review our master plan for currency and adequacy against guidance and reality. That would make 2010 the year. Work on the actual Master Plan will likely be delayed to avoid election cycle impacts this year. However, the process is underway:
- Release of the Natural Resources Element Plan, approved by the County Council in October 2009. See the P&Z briefing on the Natural Resources Element Plan given to the Council on September 8.
- Now we have the Transportation Element Plan -2010, developed by Planning and Zoning, amended and approved by the County Council.
- The most recent addition is the Historic Preservation Element Plan.
Maryland Smart Growth land use planning requirements and guidance are now stronger, as is local interest in maintaining and enhancing our quality of life and preserving the environment.
Baltimore County Master Plan. Here is how Baltimore County is approaching the plan, currently in draft.
Friends of Harford Perspective
Friends of Harford believes that the land use vision and strategy documented in the Master Plan should be legally binding on zoning decisions. (Look up Terrapin Run in Maryland on your search engine for further details.) We also believe that all community areas in Harford County (12 in the current plan) need to have broad participation in the Master Plan development. Only two or three participated last cycle. The other community plans were written by government staff. It is time for you to get involved to help determine what the county and your community will strive to be in the future. See the 2004 Master Plan and the Community Area plans in the references below.
Published Plans, Reports and Links
- 2004 Master Plan and Land Use Element Plan Our current approved document. For your convenience the individual Community Area plans included within it are provided below:
- Community Council Area Map This map defines each of the 12 community areas which follow.
- Greater Aberdeen - Greater Havre de Grace Community Area
- Abingdon - Riverside - Emmorton Community Area
- Greater Bel Air Community Area
- Churchville - Creswell Community Area
- Dublin - Darlington Community Area
- Edgewood Community Area
- Fallston Community Area
- Forest Hill Community Area
- Jarrettsville Community Area
- Joppa - Joppatowne Community Area
- Norrisville Community Area
- Whiteford - Cardiff - Pylesville - Street Community Area
- Maryland Comprehensive Plans Online This site contains the regulatory guidance for our Master Plan.
- Priority Preservation Area Plan, Jan 2009. This is an element of our Master Plan by 2006 state legislation.
- The Water Resources Element: Planning for Water Supply and Wastewater and Stormwater Management, Guidline from MDP. By 2006 state legislation this element is a required part of our Master Plan by 1 Oct 09.
- Maryland Department of Planning Smart Growth Reports, Models and Guidelines.
- Harford County 2004 Land Use Map
- Maryland Priority Funding Areas Map An interactive map that allows you to zoom in on Harford County and specific sub-areas.
- Baltimore County Master Plan. Here is how Baltimore County is approaching the plan, currently in draft.
Importantly there are two more plans:
These plans were separately developed by their communities under leadership of their community councils. They were enacted under separate legislation by the County Council before the Master Plan was developed. They are summarized in their much briefer community plans in the Master Plan. We believe each of the 12 community areas should develop and have approved equivalent plans this next cycle.