2008/2009
Comprehensive Zoning Review

• What is the Comprehensive Zoning Review?
• What are the steps involved?
• Who is the Planning Advisory Board?
• Can the Department of Planning and Zoning change my zoning if I did not request it, and how will I be notified?
• Will there be any opportunities for public input prior to the Council’s hearing?
• How will public input/inquiry be handled during this process?
• When will the Department of Planning and Zoning makes it’s recommendation?
• What if I disagree with the Department’s recommendation?
• How will I know what properties are being considered for rezoning?
• What size is the sign, and where on the property will it be posted?
• What is my responsibility as a property owner for maintaining the posted signs?

What is the Comprehensive Zoning Review?

A minimum of every eight years, the Harford County Code requires a comprehensive zoning review. This review is initiated by either the County Executive, or legislatively by the County Council. The Department of Planning and Zoning prepares comprehensive revisions to the zoning maps in accordance with the adopted Master Plan, for consideration and adoption by the Council. More information will be available in the near future.

What are the steps involved?

Property owners may request a zoning change for their property at a time, and in a form, designated by the Director of Planning. The application period for the 2008/2009 Comprehensive Zoning Review will be open from October 15, 2008 thru December 15, 2008. Applications and property owner authorization forms will be available at the Department of Planning and Zoning on October 15, 2008. Applications will not be available on line. Application for rezoning must be made by Property owners or their agents in person. A separate application must be submitted for each parcel. A fee of $800 is due and payable at the time of application for each parcel AND for each requested change in zoning classification. Click here to view a sample of the application form or owner authorization form.

Each application will be reviewed, and a technical assessment prepared for consideration by the Department.

Public informational meetings will be conducted with the Planning Advisory Board (PAB) prior to final recommendations. Prior to those meetings, properties with requested zoning changes will be posted with a sign specifying the zoning request, date, time and location of the public meeting.

The Director’s Report will be prepared, containing recommendations of the Department of Planning and Zoning and the PAB. This report, along with the comprehensive revisions and amendments to the Zoning Maps, will be submitted to the County Executive for review and submittal to the County Council. The County Council will then conduct a public hearing(s). Each applicant will be notified of the County’s recommendation prior to the County Council’s public hearing. In addition, each property with a requested zoning change will be posted with a sign specifying the zoning request, date, time, and location of the public hearing.

Who is the Planning Advisory Board?

The Planning Advisory Board is a five member citizen group appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. Their responsibility during this process includes reviewing each zoning application and providing a recommendation to the County Council (in addition to the Department’s recommendation).

Can the Department of Planning and Zoning change my zoning if I did not request it, and how will I be notified?

The Department of Planning and Zoning can recommend a change in zoning for any property. If the Department recommends a change in the zoning for a property when the property owner has not requested a change, written notice of the recommendation will be given to the owner and to each owner of property which abuts the property for which the change has been requested.

Will there be any opportunities for public input prior to the Council’s hearing?

The Department of Planning and Zoning and the Planning Advisory Board will conduct public informational meetings throughout the County for individuals to provide input during this process. Applicants will be notified of these meetings.

How will public input/inquiry be handled during this process?

All comments, questions and concerns will be considered. Public input and response to inquiries will be incorporated into the Director's Report.

When will the Department of Planning and Zoning makes it’s recommendation?

The Department will make it's recommendation after public meetings have been held and all technical assessments are complete.

What if I disagree with the Department’s recommendation?

The County Council is ultimately responsible for adopting any zoning changes. The Council will conduct public hearings on the Comprehensive Zoning Review. If you disagree with the Department’s recommendation, there will be other opportunities to discuss any issue with the County Council through the legislative process.

How will I know what properties are being considered for rezoning?

The Department of Planning and Zoning will assign each application for rezoning an "issue number". A "Comprehensive Zoning Log" will be created listing each issue number, property address, acreage, current zoning and requested zoning and will be available on this site and in the Planning and Zoning Department. Comprehensive Zoning Issue Maps will also be prepared by the Department of Planning and Zoning. These maps will show the location of each issue number on the tax map.

In addition, each property with a zoning change request will be posted with a sign twice during this process.

What size is the sign, and where on the property will it be posted?

The sign will measure at least 22 inches by 28 inches, with black lettering, and will be placed conspicuously on the property, near the right-of-way line of each public road on which the property fronts.

What is my responsibility as a property owner for maintaining the posted signs?

The property owner should use reasonable efforts to maintain the sign in a condition visible to the public until the hearing date. After the public meeting/hearing the property owner will be responsible to remove and dispose of any signs on his/her property. Problems with signs should be reported to the Department of Planning and Zoning at 410-638-3103.

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6 pm – 7 pm – POSTER SESSIONS
Workstations will be set up and staff will be available to answer questions regarding requests for rezoning.

7 pm – 9 pm – PUBLIC COMMENT
All speakers must sign up by 7 pm Speakers will be heard in the order in which they sign up.

Public Hearings will be held at 6:30pm and are subject to introduction of the legislation on June 16, 2009