Frequently Asked Questions

Plans for proposed subdivisions are submitted to the Department of Planning and Zoning for review by all involved agencies. Subdivision includes any division of land except for agricultural purposes. Subdivision of more than 5 residential lots and development of institutional and commercial sites are reviewed by the Development Advisory Committee (DAC). When all written comments have been received and issues resolved, a Preliminary Plan Approval (the creation of new lots) and/or Site Plan Approval (for new/change/expansion in use) is granted by the Department of Planning and Zoning. A final plat (surveyed description of the new lots) is circulated for signatures and recorded in the Harford County Court House. Detailed construction plans for water, sewer, roads, stormwater management, and sediment and erosion control are submitted to the County for final design review. Building Permit applications may be made after the final plat is recorded and a Public Works Agreement is executed and a bond posted to ensure that the public roads are constructed and accepted by the County.

The purpose of the community input meeting is for the developer to provide information to the community regarding the proposed development and to allow citizens to ask questions and make comments and suggestions. At the meeting, the developer shall present draft plans for the site layout.

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The Harford County Zoning Code requires a preliminary subdivision plan, prepared by a licensed land surveyor, to be reviewed and approved by the Harford County Department of Planning and Zoning. Once approved, a final plat is prepared for review, approval and recordation. Application for a building permit can not be made until final plats have been recorded. If a lot is created for a member of the immediate family, the lot must be deeded to the family member prior to application for a building permit.

Development in the agricultural district is based on the size of parcels as they existed on February 8, 1977. A minimum size parcel which may be divided is 11 acres. The density factor is 1 lot for each 10 acres. If you have more than 11 acres and less than 30, you may divide a parcel into 2 lots. In addition, lots may be created for members of the immediate family for owners as of February 8, 1977. Any new lot created shall be a minimum of 2 net acres unless the lot is located in a Agricultural Preservation District or developed under Conservation Development Standards. Lots existing in the Agricultural District which were created prior to February 8, 1977 may be as small as 1/2 acre. Any undeveloped parcel legally created prior to February 8, 1977 which can meet required standards for well and septic are recognized as buildable lots.

This type of development is allowed in the Agricultural and Rural Residential Districts. Lots are created in a concentrated area on lots of .75 acres to 2 acres with a minimum parcel size of 35 acres. The density remains the same - in Agricultural - 1 lot for every 10 acres; in Rural Residential - 1 lot for every 2 acres.

These are environmentally sensitive areas which contain valuable wildlife and plant habitat and also help to protect the water quality of local streams and ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay. The Natural Resource District (NRD) includes non-tidal wetlands and the associated 75 foot buffer and slopes in excess of 25% for an area exceeding 40,000 square feet as well as streams. The NRD area is delineated on all record plats approved by the County. The Zoning Ordinance (Section 267-41 on page 179) does not allow this area to be disturbed. This means that construction, grading, clearing and filling activities or intensive cultivation of the area for landscaping or garden use is not permitted. No sheds, garages, patios, decks, gazebos or swimming pools will be allowed within any area designated as a NRD. Over the long term, these activities may damage the non-tidal wetlands. However, necessary utilities of water and sewer lines or roads may be permitted. Subject to the requirements of your Homeowners' Association covenants, fencing is the only structure which will be permitted within this area. You may also mow existing grass areas and perform normal yard maintenance. The planting of additional native trees, shrubs and plant materials is also permitted and encouraged, but it is recommended that the use of fertilizers and pesticides be limited due to the environmental sensitivity of these areas.