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Development Review
When private property owners decide to develop their land, Harford County government is responsible for ensuring all applicable regulations are met. These regulations are publicly adopted to balance the rights of landowners with those of the surrounding community.
Zoning
Property must be zoned for the proposed development. Zoning is publicly reviewed at least once every eight years. Click on the image to the right for zoning classifications.
Development requirements for major projects
Developments and other projects expected to generate 250 or more traffic trips per day must take the following steps:
Community Input Meeting (CIM)
We require developers to present their plans to the public. Community input meetings are held by the developer and publicized on the property and the county website. Developers may, but are not required to, make changes based on public input. For information on the CIM process, please email or call the Department of Planning and Zoning Development Review section, 410-638-3103, and for information on planned meetings, please follow the Track-it app.
Preliminary plan/site plan
Shows proposed layout and is the official notification to Harford County Planning & Zoning that a project is planned.
Additional requirements include
Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA): Developers must identify and mitigate the impact of their proposal on area intersections identified by P&Z. Traffic counts must meet industry standards and the TIA must be approved by traffic professionals in local and state agencies.
Stormwater management and forestation plans: must be submitted for approval when applicable.
Development Advisory Committee (DAC) meeting
Harford County Planning & Zoning holds a DAC meeting for local and state agencies to review plans and inform the developer of technical requirements. Public comment is welcome and meeting notices are posted on the property and the county website. For information on the DAC process, please email or call the Department of Planning and Zoning Development Review section, 410-638-3103, and for information on planned meetings, please check the Track-it app.
Site plan or final plat approval
This happens when and if all requirements are met. Building permits must then be applied for and approved.