UPDATE- Harford County Council Passes Zoning Amendments That Go Beyond Planning Recommendations

Council Members Reilly (8 amendments) and Boyle-Tsottles (1 amendment) introduced changes that allow high-intensity zoning- see how each member voted.

The chart below summarizes how each Harford County Council member voted on Amendments 1 through 9 to Bill 25-002, the Comprehensive Zoning legislation currently under consideration. The council members introduced, seconded, and acted on all amendments. 

As shown, all of the amendments were approved, which increased zoning intensity beyond what was recommended by Planning & Zoning and the Planning Advisory Board (PAB).

Notably, Councilman Bennett consistently voted “No” on amendments that sought higher-intensity zoning without public justification. He shared the following during the meeting:

Councilman Bennett stated:
“As we go through each of these amendments, I wanted to make sure I shared that… all involve going higher than the recommended placement from Planning and Zoning and the PAB. I think it’s really important for public clarity and consumption that thorough rationale is provided for each one. Without that, I wouldn’t feel comfortable supporting these.”

We appreciate the importance of transparency and accountability in the zoning process, and we will continue to keep you informed on the County Council’s final vote on Bill 25-002, expected during the special legislative session on April 22nd.

Thank you for continuing to be part of the voice for responsible land use in Harford County.

Sincerely,
Friends of Harford

 

Bill 25-002 Amendments Vote Tracker (4_15_25) CorrectedDownload

UPDATE: 2025 Comprehensive Zoning Review

As part of the 2025 Comprehensive Zoning Review, Friends of Harford has compiled the following charts, organized by District, as a resource for the community.

Each chart includes: the application number, map link, property address, total acres, acres proposed for rezoning, current zoning, requested zoning, Planning Advisory Board (PAB) recommendation, County Executive recommendations (Bill 25-002), and Friends of Harford’s (FoH) assessment.

At the conclusion of the review process, Friends of Harford will update the charts to reflect each County Council member’s vote on each application. Any changes to Bill 25-002 will be voted on by the County Council as individual issues.

Now is the time for public input—please take a moment to review the information. Once a property is up-zoned, it is rarely reversed. 

Comprehensive Zoning Review Page and Charts 

 

 

FoH Comprehensive Zoning Review Workshop

What’s next for the 2025 Comprehensive Zoning Review—and what does your community need to do?

Join us to review the properties in your area that are being considered for changes. Discuss what these changes could mean for your community. Outline the steps your community will need to take moving forward.

This is your opportunity to connect with Friends of Harford, gain insight into the zoning process, learn how to advocate effectively for your community, and ask questions.

Your voice matters—stay informed, get involved, and take action!

Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Abingdon Library
2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon, MD 21009

Legislative Updates
Bill 24-037: Zoning Code Chapter 267 – Liquor Stores B1 Special Exceptions FAILED

On January 21, 2025, the Harford County Council voted 5-2 to reject Bill 24-037, which sought to permit liquor stores within B1 neighborhood business districts. This decision aligns with community concerns about the proximity of liquor stores to residential areas.

Bill 24-041: Setbacks for Extraction and Blasting Activities WITHDRAWN

Bill 24-041, which proposed amending Chapter 267 of the Harford County Code to align the county’s quarry extraction and blasting regulations with the less protective standards outlined in COMAR Title 26, was withdrawn during the February 4, 2025, legislative session. Friends of Harford had opposed this bill, as it would have weakened safeguards for residents and overlooked the unique needs and circumstances of Harford County.

Scorecard Update February 4, 2025. See how your County Council voted!

Scorecard 2-4-2025.docxDownload

2025 Harford County Comprehensive Zoning Review

Comprehensive Zoning

All land in Harford County is zoned. There are 16 existing zoning categories. The Harford County Code requires that a Comprehensive Zoning Review occur every 8 years to determine if changes should be made to the existing zoning. § 267-13

During the Comprehensive Zoning Review, developers, residents, and other interested parties may apply to alter their zoning classification. The Department of Planning and Zoning reviews these applications and prepares revisions to the zoning maps. These changes are then submitted for consideration and approval by the County Council and, ultimately, the County Executive.

The first round of public meetings are held by the Planning Advisory Board in November. The next opportunity for public input will be in Spring, 2025 when the changes go before the County Council. 

The Department of Planning and Zoning has scheduled two community input meetings with the Planning Advisory Board (PAB) to allow citizens to provide feedback on the 66 Comprehensive Zoning applications received by the Department.  

The meetings will be held from 7pm to 9pm at Aberdeen High School on Monday, November 4th and Bel Air High School on Monday, November 18th.  Citizens must sign up to speak prior to the start of the meeting.  

Department of Planning and Zoning staff will be available starting at 6pm to answer questions about the Comprehensive Zoning process or assist citizens with locating Zoning Issues on a map of the County.  

The meeting will start promptly at 7pm with an introduction from Shane Grimm, Director of Planning and Zoning.  

Citizens will have 3 minutes to address the PAB.  Citizen representing groups will be given 5 minutes to speak.  The members of PAB are present to listen to citizen comment and will not be answering questions.  Citizens will also have the ability to leave written comments at each meeting.

Scorecard Update June, 2024

Friends of Harford (FoH) thanks the Council for withdrawing Bill 24-018, which proposed allowing liquor stores to operate in B1 areas. FoH had several concerns about this bill:

  • A zoning change for one business, described as the reason for this legislation, would affect all of Harford County.
  • Evolving state laws could allow cannabis dispensaries next to liquor stores.
  • Passage of this bill could have created serious problems throughout the B1 districts in the County. 

The Council’s decision to withdraw this legislation is a crucial step in preserving our zoning process, ensuring community input, and maintaining the character of our neighborhoods. 

Friends of Harford Land Use Legislative SCORECARD.

corrected Scorecard6-2-2024 (1)Download

See how your County Council voted!

Scorecard6-2-2024-2-Version-2Download

Friends of Harford Statement on Bill 24-001 Accessory Dwelling Units

Stephanie Flasch wrote to Harford County Council sponsors of Bill 24-001: Councilman Penman, Councilwoman Tsottles and Councilman Guthrie on behalf of Friends of Harford. The letter outlines concerns regarding Bill 24-001, particularly its implications for impacts to our communities. 

Friends of Harford Letter to Harford County Council Re: Bill 24-001
Position-Statement-Bill-24-001-1Download

Harford County Proposed Bill 24-001

Bill-No.-24-001-As-Introduced-1Download