Industrial and Mixed Office Zoning

Light Industrial (LI)

The “Light Industrial District” (LI) permits a mix of light manufacturing, warehousing and service uses as well as retail sales associated with these uses.  Retail sales space is limited to 2,000 square feet. High density residential uses may be included on part of the property.  LI allows 85% of the land to be covered with impervious surfaces. § 267-60 in the Harford County Zoning Code.

LI is used mainly for warehouses in the Perryman peninsula. Joppa and Edgewood also have some LI, with existing single family homes being the majority of the use with some businesses present.

Commercial Industrial (CI)

The “Commercial Industrial District” (CI) is intended for industrial, office and business uses of a moderate scale and intensity.  High density residential uses may be included on part of the property.  CI allows 85% of the land to be covered with impervious surfaces.  § 267-60 in the Harford County Zoning Code.

Large tracts of CI zoned land are found along Route 40, near the I-95 and Route 24 interchange, and  clustered in/near the Forest Hill Industrial park.

General Industrial (GI)

The “General Industrial District” (GI) is intended for industrial uses of a larger scale or more intensive processing with large areas of unenclosed storage, which may generate substantially more impact on surrounding properties. Retail sales for a manufacturing operation are allowed where the product is produced or warehoused on site. Other retail sales or service uses are permitted provided that they are integrated into the overall project and don’t exceed 2,000 square feet. High density residential uses may be included on part of the property.  GI allows 90% of the land to be covered with impervious surface.  § 267-60 in the Harford County Zoning Code.

Mixed Office (MO)

The “Mixed Office District” (MO) was originally planned over 20 years ago in response to a perceived increase at APG triggering a need for office space. There is only one property currently zoned MO. It is located at the I-95 and Route 543 interchange, but has not been developed yet. The uses allowed on MO have since changed significantly to allow multiple residential and retail uses.   

§ 267-61 in the Harford County Zoning Code:  “The MO district is designed to promote major economic development opportunities, including corporate offices, research and development facilities and high-tech services which create significant job opportunities and investment benefits. Due to the excellent access and high visibility of the MO district, the intention of the MO district legislation is to promote high quality uses with high quality amenities. This area may also include retail uses to service the employment center. Designated at strategic I-95 interchanges, development will be subject to specific performance, architectural and site design standards. Enactment of this legislation shall not serve to open the Development Envelope beyond those areas designated ‘MO’ on the 2004 Harford County Master Land Use Plan.”

However, the MO district was changed in 2015 (Bill 15-036) from a transient, professional work environment with services relating to offices and labs, to a residential area plus a retail area. No offices are required. Retail and service other than professional services and corporate offices are allowed up to 40% of the parcel. Residential uses shall not exceed 45% of the overall project floor area.  A minimum of 25% Open Space is is required and impervious surfaces of all types may not exceed 75%.