Frequently Asked Questions

Fast Track enables an industrial user to establish a time schedule for the issuance of permits and licenses to meet the project's completion schedules. For more information, contact the Office of Economic Development at 410-638-3059 or visit Fast Track.

Single stream recycling allows for the recycling of everything acceptable (glass, plastic, metal, aluminum and paper) to be set out all together in the same container and on the same day. It also increases the items that can be recycled at curbside, including all numbers of plastic containers (i.e. beverage and food, laundry soap, dish soap, peanut butter jars, margarine tubs, yogurt containers), rigid plastic items (lawn furniture, plastic coolers, drinking cups, 5-gallon buckets, flower pots, nursery pots, garbage cans, plastic toys), glass food and beverage bottles and jars and metal and aluminum cans, aluminum foil, aluminum disposable bakeware, empty aerosol cans, and milk and orange juice cartons.

Yes, the trash collectors pick up the recycling as well as trash from their customers. Alternatively, county residents who do not subscribe to a curbside trash collection service can bring their recyclables, free of charge, to the Harford Waste Disposal Center located at 3241 Scarboro Road, in Street.

Please contact your trash collector for the pickup day of your address. The residential trash collectors in Harford County are: 

Bartenfelder Sanitation Services, 410-420-9220 
GFL Environmental, 410-457-0404
Harford County Trash Services, 443-841-6253
Republic Services, 800-284-7056  

Note: Harford County licenses, but does not endorse, trash collectors. If you encounter a firm not on the list above, please contact Harford County’s Solid Waste Management at 410-638-3637.

Providing recycling containers is not economically feasible because of the expense involved, however, to make recycling convenient for residents, there is considerable flexibility in how recycling can be set out for collection. Recyclables may be placed together and set out in a variety of containers such as spare trash cans, new trash cans, corrugated cardboard boxes, even laundry baskets. They could also be placed together in paper bags for collection. Plastic bags, however, may not be used or disposed with the recyclables. Plastic bags foul up the single stream recycling processing equipment.

Plastic bags create problems for the machinery used in the separation process so we are requiring residents not to place plastic bags in with curbside recyclables. Most grocery stores in Harford County accept plastic bags for recycling. Look for the bag container at the front of the store. Please be sure there is nothing left in the plastic bags and that it is dry. We encourage everyone to begin using the re-usable grocery sacks also available from many sources.

You may put out all plastic containers with the number designations (1 through 7) on the bottom of the container, including narrow-necked and wide-mouthed, as well as rigid plastic such as toys, coolers, lawn furniture, drinking cups, garbage cans, laundry baskets, buckets, nursery pots, and flower pots.

Recycling is picked up at curbside by your trash collector and brought to the Harford County Recycling Transfer Station at the Harford Waste Disposal Center, where they are loaded onto tractor trailers and transported to a processing facility in Baltimore County. The segregated material is then sent to secondary market vendors who process the material into re-usable products. Plastic is used to manufacture new containers, carpeting, and fleece clothing. Paper is used to make newsprint. Cardboard is used to make new cardboard and other packaging material. Glass is used to make new glass containers and fiberglass insulation. Aluminum cans are used to make new aluminum cans. Tin cans are used to make new steel products.

Maryland law requires that all apartment and condominium communities with 10 or more units provide a recycling program for residents. For more information, please contact the Office of Recycling at 410-638-3417 or harfordrecycles@menv.com.

Your trash collector also picks up your recycling. Residential trash collectors in Harford County are: 

Bartenfelder Sanitation Services, 410-420-9220 
GFL Environmental, 410-457-0404 
Harford County Trash Services, Inc., 443-841-6253 
Republic Services, 800-284-7056 

Note: Harford County licenses, but does not endorse, trash collectors. If you encounter a firm not on the list above, please contact Harford County's Solid Waste Management at 410-638-3637.

Landfill space is filling up. Why landfill when there are markets for the recyclable items? Recycling saves natural resources and energy and creates less pollution when items are remanufactured using recycled material rather than virgin material.

Recyclable materials can be dropped off at Harford Waste Disposal Center at Scarboro Landfill, 3241 Scarboro Road Street, MD 21154. They accept all recyclable materials free of charge, Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also accepted for recycling at HWDC are clothing and textiles, computers, scrap metal, motor oil and antifreeze, ink cartridges, used propane cylinders, and wet cell batteries.

Recycling is accepted free of charge for county residents who bring their recyclables to the Harford Waste Disposal Center at Scarboro Landfill. Charges do apply if the resident also has household trash in the same trip.

Clean newspapers, magazines, and catalogs, junk mail, envelopes (plastic windows okay), phone books, hardback and paperback books, office paper (writing, copy, computer, letterhead, NCR), cardstock/greeting cards, paper bags, paperboard boxes (cereal, frozen food, shoe, etc.), corrugated cardboard, milk, juice, and ice cream cartons and boxes; bottles and jugs (milk, water, detergent, salad dressing, cooking oil, shampoo, spray products, etc.), wide-mouth containers (margarine, yogurt, peanut butter, etc.), disposable plastic cups, plastic toys, plastic lawn furniture, plastic coolers, plastic buckets, trash cans, laundry baskets, flower and nursery pots, aluminum and steel/tin cans (drink, food, and pet food), EMPTY aerosol cans (except pesticide and spray paint), aluminum foil, aluminum foil bakeware, glass, food, and beverage bottles and jars (any color)

No. Yard trimmings (grass clippings, limbs, branches, bushes, leaves) can be brought free to either the Harford Mulch and Compost Facility, Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., or the Tollgate Yard Trim Drop Off Facility, 703 North Tollgate Road Bel Air, MD 21014, is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from April through November and Saturdays only from December through March.

If you seem to receive every catalog ever printed and want to help the environment and save a few trees, go to the Catalog Choice website to cancel those unwanted catalogs. It’s actually fun and very user-friendly.

Coroplast (corrugated polypropylene) signs are not accepted for single stream recycling and should be disposed with the trash.

Please call 410-638-3018 for questions about solid waste services. Please direct inquiries about recycling to 410-638-3417. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Harford County directs the private businesses that collect trash to dispose of it at a solid waste transfer station located at the Baltimore County Eastern Sanitary Landfill in White Marsh, just southwest of the Harford County line. This facility will not be open to county residents. It is only be open to the private trash companies. Harford County residents can drop-off their trash and recyclables at the Harford Waste Disposal Center on Scarboro Road in Street. Read more about Harford County's Solid Waste Management Plan.

The Harford Waste Disposal Center accepts many materials for disposal from county residents including: putrescible household trash and garbage; bulky items such as furniture, bookshelves, used carpeting, etc.; mattresses and cushions; recyclable materials including paper and cardboard, rigid plastics labeled #1 to #7, aluminum cans, tin cans, and glass bottles; used motor oil and antifreeze; old gasoline and gas/oil mixtures (limited to no more than 10 gallons); used tires off the rim (tires exceeding 32-inches wide must first be quartered); wet cell batteries; empty refillable propane cylinders not greater than 20 pound capacity; used clothing; scrap metal, metal objects, and appliances including copper wire and tubing; computer monitors, hard drives, keyboards, and mice; construction and demolition debris (plywood, lumber, doors and door casings, windows and window casings, garage doors, sheds, posts, timber ties, wood associated with swing sets, fencing, drywall, cinder block, brick, asphalt, shingles, tiles, and concrete) not exceeding 25% of the volume of the vehicle’s load; latex paint; yard trim including grass clippings, leaves, and brush/tree limbs; and non-friable asbestos (please call 410-638-3638 for specific instructions). 

The Tollgate yard trim drop-off facility only accepts residential yard trim including grass clippings, leaves, and brush/tree limbs. Open December through March, Saturdays only; and April through November, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Harford Waste Disposal Center does not accept the following items, which can also be found on our website: liquid waste; friable asbestos; chemicals and chemical constituents in containers with volumes which are greater than that typically found in retail stores catering to the homeowner (including solvents and degreasers, oil-based paint, thinners, herbicides, pesticides); poisons, acids or caustic liquids; explosives or ordinance; hot ashes; radioactive substances; vehicles (including automobiles, RVs, trucks, motorcycles; drums, unless emptied and flattened; compressed gas cylinders (other than refillable 20-pound propane cylinders); septage; logs and stumps; soil or stone. Limitations are placed on on certain materials, including but not limited to construction and demolition debris.

The Harford Waste Disposal Center and Harford Mulch & Compost Facility are open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It is closed Sundays and county holidays. 

The Tollgate Yard Trim drop-off operating hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April through November, and Saturday only, December through March.

Please note the fees for pick-ups and trailers are based on a bed size of no more than 3 feet high and 8 feet long. Beds exceeding these dimensions shall be weighed on the scales and pay the current tipping fee of $117/ton. Cost will be based on the actual weight of the waste, which could be less than $117. The minimum charge of $11 is required at the time of weighing. Any subsequent charge, based on the actual weight, will be collected upon exiting the Harford Waste Disposal Center. Find more information on our fee schedule.

Credit cards can be used on residential transactions for disposal of solid waste only. We cannot accept debit cards or checks. Cash transactions will continue to be required for bulk sales of mulch and compost.

Harford Waste Disposal Center (HWDC)

From South - North on Route 1 to Route 543. Left on 543 five miles, right on Route 440 two miles to Scarboro Road. Right on Scarboro Road and left into HWDC entrance. 

From East - Route 22 West to Route 136. Right on Route 136 to Route 440. Left on Route 440 to Scarboro Road. Left on Scarboro Road and left into HWDC entrance. 

From West - Route 165 to Route 543 to Route 440. Route 440 to Scarboro Road. Left into HWDC entrance. 

From North - Route 1 South to Route 136. Right on Route 136 to Route 440. Left on Route 440 to Scarboro Road. Left on Scarboro Road to HWDC. 

Tollgate Yard Trim Drop-off Facility, 701 N. Tollgate Road, across from the entrance to the Harford County Equestrian Center. From Bel Air, proceed to Tollgate Road from either business Route 1 or Boulton Street; after the Route 1 Bypass overpass, drive past the Equestrian Center. The entrance to the drop-off facility is on the right which is shared with the entrance for the Ma & Pa Trail parking access. Proceed up the hill past the chain link gate.

You should contact your private trash collector about any problems with service. Harford County does not perform nor manage the trash collection services.

Licensed companies providing residential curbside trash pick-up and recycling pick-up in Harford County include: 

Bartenfelder Sanitation Services: 410-420-9220 
GFL: 410-457-0404 
Harford County Trash Services: 443-841-6253
Republic Services: 800-284-7056 

Note: Harford County licenses, but does not endorse, trash collectors. If you encounter a firm not on the list above, please contact Harford County’s Solid Waste Management at 410-638-3637. Harford County does not endorse the use of any particular company.

Yes, wide mouth plastic containers are accepted for recycling, this includes peanut butter jars, margarine tubs and yogurt containers. All recyclables should be emptied and lightly rinsed. Caps, labels and lids can remain on bottles, cans and jars. Find our complete list of what can and can't be recycled.

Most electronic devices are accepted at the Harford Waste Disposal Center, 3241 Scarboro Road Street, MD 21154. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Read our electronics recycling brochure.

Latex paint can be disposed of in the regular trash if it is first solidified. Open the paint can lid in an open safe area; accelerate drying by adding kitty litter, wood chips, sawdust, or paint hardener (found in most paint stores/paint departments). Once the paint has dried and solidified it can be added to the household trash. Latex paint can be brought to the Harford Waste Disposal Center in liquid form and poured into a metal bin specifically designated for latex paint (charges apply).

No, although this plastic type can be recycled, it is very difficult to completely clean the oil, which causes problems with the processor. Please put the cap on the container and throw it in with your regular household trash.

Please visit the Used Motor Oil & Anti-freeze Recycling Site page for the most current list of drop-off locations. For additional information, please call Office of Recycling, 410-638-3417.

Up to five tires a year are accepted at the Harford Waste Disposal Center. Maximum diameter of whole tires is 32 inches. Tires in excess of 32-inch diameter must first be quartered.

Mulch and compost are available throughout the year; however, at times the inventory gets low due to seasonal demand and the amount of yard trim received. Both products are available at the Mulch and Compost Facility at the Harford Waste Disposal Center Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. County residents may self-load the equivalent of three 30-gallon trash cans of material at no charge per trip. Alternatively, residents may purchase bulk quantities at $10 per cubic yard. 

CLICK HERE to find your Federal, State or County Representative. You can also contact the Harford County Board of Elections at 410-638-3565. 

Citizens who wish to testify in-person during the Legislative Session Agenda item, Comments from Attending Citizens, can preregister by emailing council@harfordcountycouncil.comto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource eventsto learn about our upcoming business resource events or calling 410-638-3343 by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday of the scheduled meeting. Citizens may also register in person at the meeting until the close of agenda item 14. New Business. Citizens may also go to the Council website for further information.

The Council's agenda is finalized at 2 p.m. on the Friday before each meeting. The agenda is made available from this website, you may call the Council office at 410-638-3343, or stop by during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) in order to obtain the agenda. You may also obtain the agenda from the HarfordTV, which shows the agenda regularly on cable television. HarfordTV appears on Channel 3 for Comcast subscribers and on Channel 7 for Armstrong subscribers.

Yes. The Council has several boards and commissions that carry out various functions. They include the HarfordTV Advisory Board, the Budget Advisory Board, and the People's Counsel Citizen's Advisory Board.

The board consists of 7 citizens named by the Council to advise the Council during its deliberations on the annual county budget. Generally the Council names members who have knowledge and expertise in finance and accounting. Almost all of the board's work takes place in April when the Council holds budget work sessions during the day in the Council Chambers. 

The board consists of 15 members appointed by the Council, including 7 citizen members. The board is the policy-making body for HarfordTV, which is the local government and public access cable television channel. The board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month, usually at 8:45 a.m. at the County Council conference room.

The Board consists of 7 citizens appointed by the Council. The main purpose of the Board is to review applications for rezoning, special exceptions, variances and other types of zoning requests to determine whether it is in the interest of the public for the People's Counsel to oppose the applications. The People's Counsel Citizens Advisory Board meets the 4th Tuesday of each month (except December), at 6:30 p.m. in the County Council Chamber, 212 South Bond Street, Bel Air, MD.

The County Council functions in many roles. One role is as the legislative branch of government and when sitting as the legislative branch the Council members may discuss legislative issues with constituents. However, when the Council sits as the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Council members are functioning as a quasi-judicial board whose duty is to interpret the zoning law. In interpreting the zoning law, the Board may only consider the law and facts which are included in the record of the case. If a Council member has outside knowledge of a zoning case, the member may be obligated to refuse to participate in that zoning case. Also, the Harford County Charter, 706(b), prohibits an individual from influencing or attempting to influence, directly or indirectly, a member of the Board of Appeals in arriving at a decision in any pending zoning case.

You do not have an absolute right to receive cable service. The County Council has awarded franchises to 3 cable companies to operate in the county. Under these agreements the companies are required to provide cable service to a citizen if both of the following conditions are met: the citizen must reside in an area where there are at least 30 homes per linear mile; and the citizen's home must be located within 300 feet of an existing trunk line maintained by the cable company.

Contact Charles Kearney, Council Attorney, at 410-638-3343 or ckearney@harfordcountycouncil.com.

The franchise agreement requires that the cable companies restore all privately-owned premises to a condition comparable to the condition immediately prior to the disturbance if damaged by the Company's employees or agents in connection with the installation, repair, or disconnection of cable service. 

No. The federal government (The Federal Communications Commission) establishes the guidelines by which cable companies may set their prices.

Not necessarily. Aberdeen, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Bel Air, and Havre de Grace all have separate franchise agreements with Comcast. If you live in one of these places, you should check with officials there. The telephone numbers are: City of Aberdeen 410-272-2222 Town of Bel Air 410-638-4550 City of Havre de Grace 410-939-1800 Aberdeen Proving Ground 410-278-5201

Yes. The ordinance is only applicable between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. The ordinance applies to noise that is produced vocally with any radio receiving set, phonograph, musical instrument, household tool or equipment or any device intended for the production or reproduction of sound. If noise emanating from one of the previous mentioned devices is audible between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on property used for residential purposes and located more than 50 feet from the source of the sound, there is a violation of the law. There are several exemptions to this ordinance -- emergency equipment, agricultural operations and the operation of a business to name a few.

Yes. While the county does not have such a law, the state does. The state law can be found in the Real Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. There is also a law governing condominium owners' associations and it is also in the Real Property Article.

The County imposes a 1% transfer tax on an instrument of writing which conveys title to or a leasehold interest in real property. The tax is not imposed on the transfer of a mortgage or any other instrument that places an encumbrance on real property. Under the law, the first $30,000 of consideration are exempt from the 1% tax as long as the real property is residential improved property that is to be owner-occupied.

For more information, call the Department of Treasury at 410-638-3315.  

Harford County Parks and Recreation offers numerous programs including nature/environmental, PreK, homeschool, sports, arts and crafts, Therapeutic Recreation programs and boating to name a few.  For more information about the programs offered by Parks and Recreation, please visit the Parks and Recreation web page Parks & Recreation | Harford County, MD (harfordcountymd.gov) and select the County Programs tab.

In addition, Harford County Parks and Recreation partners with 20 recreation councils throughout the county who offer a wide variety of recreation programs and activities. To find an activity or program that’s right for you, go to the Parks and Recreation web page Parks & Recreation | Harford County, MD (harfordcountymd.gov) and select the Recreation Council tab. From there, select the recreation council representing your geographic area (Bel Air, Edgewood, Fallston, Havre de Grace, etc.) and click on their Programs tab to display the activities and programs offered in that area.

Yes. There are many facilities throughout the county that can be reserved for any type of family function. Those facilities include the Edgewood Recreation & Community Center, McFaul Activity Center in Bel Air, Havre de Grace Activity Center, Norrisville Library and Activity Center, Emmorton Recreation & Tennis Center, Forest Hill Activity Center, Chenowith Center in Fallston, Anita C. Leight Estuary Center and Eden Mill Nature Center.

No. All tobacco products are prohibited at all county parks and facilities.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at Flying Point Park or Mariner Point Park, but they are allowed at Churchville Recreation Center, Forest Hill Recreation Complex, Francis Silver Park, Hickory Park, Norrisville Recreation Complex, and Reckord Road Park with a permit.

No, swimming is not allowed at Flying Point Park or Mariner Point Park. There are no lifeguards and the water quality varies.

No. Each council is an independent entity with a separate treasury, therefore, the funds are non-transferable.

Contact your local recreation office at Parks and Recreation representative.

On Parks and Recreation page, select the Parks tab and click on Filter. Next, select the features or amenities you are searching for (boat launch, pavilions, trails, playgrounds, etc.). The parks with your selections will be displayed at 

Anita C. Leight Estuary Center and Eden Mill Nature Center have native live animal displays in their centers. Both feature turtles, snakes and many other creatures.

Please call 410-638-4899 at least two weeks prior to the program start date to request an ADA accommodation or modification.

No, individuals are prohibited from metal detecting on Parks & Recreation property. If an individual is caught engaging in this practice, they will be informed that it is prohibited and asked to stop immediately. If the individual continues, then they will be asked to leave the property.

Most definitely. The majority of our brides choose to have both here. The ceremony/reception time is the event time.

For small functions of 100 (mingling) or 70 (seated) or when dancing is not part of the activities, the house and grounds only may be rented. The house, however, only has moderate size rooms which cannot accommodate everyone together. The house is not conducive to having wedding ceremonies inside for this reason.

The house only is often used for corporate meetings, cocktail, birthday and anniversary parties. The many rooms inside make excellent break-out rooms for meetings or retreats. The back patio is often used for meetings in pleasant weather.

No, the house is used for restrooms, changing area for the wedding party, gifts, cocktails, and has a large commercial kitchen the caterers use.

No, but we have literature from many vendors available in the Swan Harbor Farm office.

No fee is required, however, we ask that you follow these guidelines:

• Please call the office to confirm that no event is taking place during the time you wish to come.
• Please park in the visitors parking area near the MAEF building upon arrival.

No, the tent is an open frame tent. We do, however, allow outside rental equipment to be used, provided they are delivered and picked up during the contracted time.

Call the office, 410-939-6767, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., to make an appointment with the event coordinator.

Appointments are made Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You can visit the farm anytime dawn until dusk as a park visitor and see the grounds only.

Live music and DJs are allowed for the ceremony and reception. Music, but no dancing, is allowed in the house.

Our outdoor season starts in mid-April and extends through the end of October. Smaller inside events can be booked year-round.

The ceremonies usually take place on the lawn in the front of the house facing the Chesapeake Bay. They can also take place along the walkway leading from the formal garden to the Bay.

The Local Emergency Planning Committee is a group of individuals from specific agencies and interested community members who assure the county has the planning and resource capabilities for chemical emergencies. Please call 410-638-4900 for more information.

After a chemical incident in India that killed and injured thousands of people in 1985, there was concern whether the same kind of incident could happen in the United States. In answer to rising attention, President Ronald Reagan signed the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act into law on October 16, 1986. Title III of that act is known and the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Law (EPCRA).

One of the first actions of the act was for each governor to appoint a State Emergency Response Commission (SERC). This commission divided the state into Local Emergency Planning Districts (LEPD’s) and appointed members of that community to the Local Emergency Planning Committee. Please call 410-638-4900 for more information.

Members are selected from certain agencies and businesses who would have an interest or play an active role in response to a chemical emergency. They assist in formation and annual review of an emergency plan that is required by the law. EPCRA specifies certain roles that must be included in the membership of the LEPC, they include:

-Elected officials

-Emergency medical services

-Federal facilities (military, parks and prisons)

-Fire departments

-Hospitals

-Local emergency planners

-Local industrial facilities

-Media

-Police

-Public/community members

-Transportation representatives

Individuals from each of these groups are appointed to the LEPC through the State Emergency Response Commission. The appointments are reviewed yearly and changed as needed. Please call 410-638-4900 for more information.

Each Local Emergency Planning District must have a written plan that covers response to incidents involving hazardous materials. These plans cover who will respond and what roles they have in public safety, containment, cleanup and recovery from a incident.

Harford County maintains this plan and along with specialized planning for natural occurrences such as earthquakes, hurricanes and other severe weather. There are also special annexes for incidents occurring at Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station and Aberdeen Proving Ground with the chemical weapons stockpile.

This plan is available for public review at:

Emergency Operations Center

2220 Ady Road

Forest Hill MD 21050

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Harford County Emergency Operations Plan, HAZMAT Annex is submitted yearly to the State Emergency Response Commission for review. Please call 410-638-4900 for more information.

Each facility that maintains more than specified amounts of a hazardous substance in inventory that is classified as a hazardous substance by federal standards is required to report it to certain agencies. The reports are called Tier II reports and they are due prior to March 1 of each year. These reports list the chemical name, amounts stored, storage information and the hazards associated with the specific substance.

This information is sent to the local fire department serving the facility, the Local Emergency Planning Committee and to the State Emergency Response Commission. The information on the report is then reviewed by the agencies to assure the plan covers any threats that may arise from these hazards and that proper resources are maintained to respond to an emergency situation involving these substances.

Certain chemicals that can do excessive harm to public safety and the environment are listed as Extremely Hazardous Substances or EHSs. EHSs are given lower reporting amounts called Threshold Planning Quantities or TPQs, which require reporting for amounts as low as 10 pounds up to 500 pounds or more of these chemicals. Please call 410-638-4900 for more information.

All Tier Two Reports are maintained for public information and are available from the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). To obtain this information contact the LEPC at the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations 410-638-4900. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can also write the LEPC at the following address and request the documents to be mailed to you:

Harford County Local Emergency Planning Committee

2220 Ady Road

Forest Hill, MD 21050

Please be sure to include your return address and what facility or geographical area you are requesting reports for.

Through the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), a citizen can request a copy of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for specific chemicals on-site at the facility. A MSDS will provide you with specific information on the chemical to include its hazards, safety precautions, medical treatment for exposure and characteristics.

You may contact the LEPC at 410-638-4900 or email your request through a form provided on our website. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please visit our

Millions of pounds of chemical products are transported through Harford County every day on our highways, railways, pipelines and airlines.

The Local Emergency Planning Committee conducts routine studies of what is being transported through Harford County with the TRANSCAER System, an organized method of gathering data from carriers and making sure the proper resources are available for an emergency involving those substances. This includes placard counts of the tractor trailers on our highways, cargo reports from railroads and updates on the pipeline operations. Please call 410-638-4900 for more information.

If you operate a business in Harford County, free assistance is available from the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) on all your compliance needs under SARA Title III. Members will come out to your facility and assist you in determining your reporting requirements. They will also help you fill out the forms correctly and mail them to the proper authorities. The entire process normally only takes a few hours. To obtain this assistance call the LEPC at 410-638-4900.

Harford County Code requires that all releases of a hazardous material be reported at once to the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations. You may call 911 to make the report, even if a full response from the hazmat team and fire department are not needed. The dispatchers at 911 are trained to take the information and make the proper notifications based on the type of material and the environment into which it was released.

For a small spill that has been contained and presents no public or environmental hazard, you may just have a visit from a hazmat representative. If the spill is large or a threat to the public and/or the environment, a full response will be sent to assist you in cleanup.

Facility operators are required by local, state and federal law to make other notifications to proper authorities. On the local level they should call 9-1-1 and make the report. Maryland law requires notification to the Maryland Department of the Environment and in certain cases federal notification will have to be made through the National Response Center. Non-reporting can result in criminal charges and/or huge fines, some as high as $25,000 per day. If you are in doubt, report it.

The Right-to-Know, a guide for environmental compliance is available free from the Local Emergency Planning Committee. This publication covers all reporting requirements, phone numbers and report forms to assist you in making proper notification in the event of an accident. Contact the LEPC at 410-638-4900.

Each facility that maintains, produces or transports hazardous materials should have a written emergency plan known to all employees. They should know who has to be contacted and to do so even if they cannot reach management personnel. Failure to make notifications in a timely manner can result in large fines to the owner\operator of a facility/vehicle.

The Local Emergency Planning Committee will assist you in preparing this plan, free of charge. Call 410-638-4900 to make an appointment.

Under Harford County Code, a written report can be required for any release of a hazardous material. Under SARA Title III certain releases require written reports to the Maryland Department of the Environment and to the Environmental Protection Agency. Failure to file these reports can result in fines up to $25,000 per day of non -compliance. Please call 410-638-4900 for more information.

The Harford County Local Emergency Planning Committee meets monthly except in August. The meetings are:

-3 p.m.

-Third Wednesday of each month

-Emergency Operations Center

2220 Ady Road

Forest Hill, MD 21050

You may call 410-638-4900 for meeting information and directions to the college. The public is always welcome.

The county's budget documents will contain organizational charts, budgets, and other important information. Find out more on our Budget and Efficiency page.

In the county and state programs, a landowner needs at least 50 acres.

A landowner will receive payment for selling their development rights and/or a tax credit.

A district is a commitment by the landowner not to develop their land for a minimum of five years and allows for a property owner to be qualified for $50 per acre, up to 50%, whichever is less, off of county real property taxes. Following purchase of development rights from the landowner by the state or the county, the farm is subject to an easement which prohibits development in the future.

For plan submittal requirements download the

For plan submittal requirements download the

For plan submittal requirements download the following:

Department of Public Works Transmittal - Stormwater Management: Part 1 (PDF)

Department of Public Works Transmittal - Stormwater Management: Part 2 (PDF)

Department of Public Works Transmittal - Stormwater Management: Part 3 (PDF)

If the Circuit Court for Harford County is closed (due to weather), jurors are cancelled.  Your jury obligation is complete for this calendar year.

If the Circuit Court for Harford County has a delayed opening (due to weather), the same applies for jury duty. For example: If the Harford County Circuit Court opens at 10:30 am jurors are to report at 10:30 am.

Please click this link for more information on Harford County Circuit Court Delays/Closings

If you are already seated as a grand juror or a trial juror, you must report as instructed by the State's Attorney's Office (call them at 410-638-3500) or by the judge presiding over the case.

You report to the Harford County Circuit Court building on the corner of Main and Courtland Streets. The address is:

20 W Courtland Street
Bel Air, MD 21014

The Jury Assembly Room is on Level B. Please report promptly at the time indicated on your summons. Final reporting instructions will be detailed for you on the recording/website after 5 p.m. on the evening before your report date. The recording line is 410-838-3172. Reporting instructions can be found on the website. Please call or email for more information.

No weapons, knives or sharp objects of any kind are permitted. No provisions are available for childcare.

You may bring food/drinks, which are allowed in the Jury Assembly Room; however they are not permitted in the courtroom. You will receive a lunch break and other breaks throughout the day. There are many restaurants/delis within walking distance of the courthouse and vending machines are available on Level B right outside of the Jury Assembly Room.

You may bring reading material. Please call or email for more information.

Yes, meetings are open to the public and are held at 6:45 p.m. on the 4th Monday of each month, except July and August or if changed to accommodate a holiday. Meetings take place at the McFaul Senior Activity Center, 525 MacPhail Road, Bel Air, Maryland 21014. To verify meeting times and dates, call 410-638-3045.

The County Executive appoints commissioners and they are approved by the County Council.  Commission membership is representative of all Harford County Districts.  Membership term is 3 years with the opportunity of serving 2 terms. For more information or to attend a monthly meeting, call 410-638-3045.

There are numerous support groups addressing various problems and they are listed in the Harford County Resource Guide.  A copy of the guide is available through the Department of Housing & Community Services, 15 S. Main Street, Bel Air, Maryland 21014, or from this website.

Support groups for domestic situations are the Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center (SARC) 410-836-8430, and Anna’s House 410-803-2130.  For a complete listing, view the Harford County Resource Guide.  A copy of the Resource Guide is available through the Department of Housing & Community Services at  15 S. Main Street, Bel Air, Maryland 21014 or from this website.

If family violence is involved call SARC 410-836-8430. If not, call the Lawyer Referral Service 410-836-0123 or the Legal Aid Bureau in Bel Air, Maryland 410-836-8202. For more information, visit the Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center

If family violence is involved, call SARC 410-836-8430; if not, call the Lawyer Referral Service 410-836-0123 or the Legal Aid Bureau in Bel Air, Maryland 410-836-8202.  For more information visit the Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center SARC Website.

You may contact the Harford County Commission for Women at 410-638-3045.  You may also email the League of Women Voters, call them at 410-272-1815, or visit their website.

If the matter involves unlawful discrimination in public accommodations, the individual can contact the Office of Human Relations, the MD Commission on Human Relations.

If the matter involves a person with a disability, he or she may wish to email Rachel Trovato, or call 410-638-3373 (Voice/TTY).

The Harford County Department of Housing & Community Services offers several grant programs. Funds are available on a competitive basis, and organizations must meet certain eligibility criteria and submit requests by a predetermined date, using an application form provided by Harford County. For more information on the types of grants offered by Harford County Housing and Community Services,  please visit https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/3888/Grant-Awards or call 410-638-3045.

The Harford County Department of Housing & Community Services provides occasional grant training.  Please visit https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/3905/Grant-Writing-Training for future trainings and to view online videos of past trainings.

When you consider the large number of driveways in the county, it would be costly and time-consuming to use additional people and equipment to perform this service. Our primary duty is to open and maintain the roadway system. We provide guidance in our snow removal guide to minimize impacts to your driveway.

Plows need to go a minimum speed to throw the snow off the road onto storage areas in the public right of way. We ask our operators not to throw the snow any farther than necessary. In some cases, however, the sidewalks may be too close to the curb to avoid getting snow on them.

Routes are prioritized based on the roadway type. Trucks are scheduled to do emergency routes first, then minor roads and then courts. Any damage should be reported to the Highway Administrative Office, 410-638-3279, or on our You Click We Fix web page or app.

During snow clearing operations, avoid parking on streets and in courts. Cars should remain in driveways, if possible. Listen to audible alarms and watch for flashing lights warning of backing equipment. Maintain at least two car lengths behind large equipment, including dump trucks. Avoid being caught in the blind spot. For more information, see our Snow Removal Guide.

During large, countywide storms of 6" or more, follow our plows on our Snow Plow Tracker.

Contact Water & Sewer Maintenance at (410) 612-1612. Service is provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The County provides several ways for you to make payment.

By Mail:
Bureau of Revenue Collections
P.O. Box 609,
Bel Air, Maryland 21014

In Person:
220 South Main Street
Bel Air, Maryland 21014

Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Except on County holidays 

A "drop-box" for payment is also located at this address. 

By Telephone:
To make a payment by phone, call 1-888-288-5609 

Visa®, MasterCard®, and Discover® credit cards and electronic checks are accepted. A convenience fee may apply.

We have detailed information provided on one page for your convenience. Please visit our Water & Sewer Rate page here.

In general Harford County's treated water contains chlorine to disinfect the water (1.0 to 1.5 parts per million), and fluoride (0.7 parts per million). The pH of the treated water is maintained at 7.2 - 7.3 and phosphate is added to protect piping. Carbon is used to remove odor and taste, but the carbon is filtered out before the finished water leaves the plant. A Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is prepared annually and is provided to all customers in accordance with federal and state requirements. 

Harford County DPW has implemented this program to replace water meters that are currently greater than 15 years old at no charge to our customers.

If your old meter is located outside your home our mechanics will swap out the meter without contacting you.  If your meter is inside your home it will require our mechanics have access inside your home to exchange the meter requiring you to schedule an appointment.  You will be notified of the need to contact us for scheduling.  Someone at least 18 years old must be home during your installation appointment.  In addition, consider the following:

• Appointments are typically scheduled at an exact time between 7:30 am and 2:00 pm Monday through Friday.  Evening or Saturday appointments are possible on a limited basis and subject to availability.
• The meter mechanic will need space around the meter to perform the work, and access to the shut-off valves.  
• The valves must be in good working order prior to the meter replacement appointment.
• Normal meter installation time is approximately 15-30 minutes, during which time the water will be shut off for approximately 5-10 minutes.

The new meter will typically operate the same as the old meter.  All water meters in Harford County have a wireless device that transmits the meter readings on a licensed radio frequency over a short distance to a handheld.  

You may detect a slight increase in your water bill.  As meters age, they tend to run slower and lose accuracy over time.  The new meters record consumption more accurately.

Please call the Harford County Division of Water and Sewer Maintenance Department at 410-612-1612.

For construction projects only, the county requires companies be prequalified in order to ensure that a company has the experience and skill necessary to perform each construction project valued at $100,000 or more. A Prequalification Application can be downloaded from the county’s website. The application is completed detailing a company’s qualifications and examples of the type of work performed as it relates to the various type of prequalification categories. The application is submitted to the Procurement Office where it is reviewed and evaluated.

A Certificate of Prequalification is issued based on the company’s qualifications and work history. If approved, a Certificate is issued for a two-year period only. All prequalified companies must resubmit their application prior to the expiration of their current Prequalification Certificate in order to continue to be prequalified to do business with Harford County.

The county can remove or trim a tree if it is affecting the roadway or the traveling public. Please report emergencies during the day to our Administrative Office, 410-638-3279, and after business hours to the Harford County Sheriff's Office, 410-838-6600. Non-emergency tree removal requests are prioritized for removal and may be submitted to us using You Click We Fix on our website or app.

Each spring, our highway maintenance district shops schedule their roads for sweeping to remove debris from the highway. Contact the Administrative Office, 410-638-3279, to obtain schedule information.

During business hours, contact the Highway Administrative Office, 410-638-3279, to report potholes. After business hours, potholes may be submitted to us using You Click We Fix on our website or app. Repairs are normally scheduled to be completed within 24 hours of reporting.

All drainage problems should be reported during business hours to our Administrative Office, 410-638-3279, which will contact the appropriate crew to inspect and respond to service requests. After business hours, requests may be submitted using You Click We Fix on our website or app. 

If your street sign is green and you do not live on a numbered route (all numbered routes, i.e. 543, 22, 40 are state roads) your road should be a Harford County public road. Call our Administrative Office, 410-638-3279, to verify if necessary.

Routes are prioritized based on the roadway type. Trucks are scheduled to do emergency routes first, then minor roads and then courts. Any damage should be reported to the Highway Administrative Office, 410-638-3279, or on our You Click We Fix web page or app.

During snow clearing operations, avoid parking on streets and in courts. Cars should remain in driveways, if possible. Listen to audible alarms and watch for flashing lights warning of backing equipment. Maintain at least two car lengths behind large equipment, including dump trucks. Avoid being caught in the blind spot. For more information, see our Snow Removal Guide.

During large, countywide storms of 6" or more, follow our plows on our Snow Plow Tracker.

These usually mean that some type of construction is  about to take place. These marks have been painted by Miss Utility and show the location of utilities in the road. For example, gas lines are yellow, water is blue, sewer is green, electric is red, and telephone is orange.

Many factors determine whether a road should be widened. The first step would be to perform a traffic study. Most of the time these are initiated by citizens’ complaints or the need to correct a problem due to growth in the area. Other factors include the amount of traffic, safety concerns, and the number of accidents on the road. You may call Highway Engineering, 410-638-3509, for information on county road widening projects.

The first thing the county would do is determine exactly where the water is coming from and whether it is a county problem or one that needs to be addressed by the developer or adjacent property owners.

Sometimes a neighbor can change the grade of his property, creating water problems for his neighbors. If the county decides it is a county problem, we will send an inspector to the area to make sure it is not being caused by routine maintenance, such as a clogged pipe or culvert, a curb that needs to be replaced, or a drainage ditch that needs to be cleaned out. 

Both the county and the state are responsible for installing traffic signals on county and state roads. If the intersection involves a state and a county road, the state is responsible for installing the signal. A traffic count is performed and the accident history of the intersection is researched. Then, if the intersection meets federally established criteria, the light is programmed for funding and construction into the capital account and installed.

Please refer to our Road Reports for a listing of roads closed due to weather, construction, or special events.

Maryland vehicle law sets basic speed limits for various classes of streets and highways. The law provides that these limits can be raised or lowered, based on the results of traffic engineering studies.

The following conditions may influence speed limits:

- Atypical traffic characteristics because of particular land use or other conditions
- Road design elements substantially above or below what are atypical
- Prevailing speeds consistently higher or lowers than the statutory speed limit
- Transition between rural and urban areas on major highways
- Schools or other significant pedestrian traffic areas
- Road construction activity
- Frequent collisions in which speed is a contributing factor
- Unusual or unanticipated conditions

A traffic engineering study is the observation and analysis of road and traffic characteristics to guide the application of traffic engineering principles. The study of traffic limits includes the following:

- Review of the road's environment, features, and conditions and traffic characteristics
- Observation and measurement of vehicle speeds at one or more representative spots along the road in ideal weather and under free-flowing traffic conditions
- Analysis of the vehicle speeds to determine average and 85th percentile speeds and other characteristics
- Review of the road's crash history
- Review of any unusual conditions not readily apparent to the driver

The 85th percentile speed is the speed at or below which 85 percent of the motorists drive on a given road when unaffected by slower traffic or poor weather. This speed indicates the speed that most motorists on that road consider safe and reasonable under ideal conditions.

In contrast to real property, which is valued once every three years, personal property is valued every year for tax purposes. At the beginning of each calendar year, the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation mails a personal property return to all businesses on record.

Even if the business does not receive this return, it is still responsible for obtaining and filing one on time. All corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and limited partnerships must file personal property returns with the Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Sole proprietorships and general partnerships must file. Not filing a return results in an estimated assessment and a possible delay in the issuance of a business license. If you are unsure whether you are required to file, please call the appropriate number listed below:

Corporations: 410-767-1170 
LLCs and LLPs: 410-767-1170 
Limited Partnerships: 410-767-1170 
Sole proprietors, general partnerships: SDAT.persprop@maryland.gov

You can request an abatement three years from the time the assessment was certified by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. The county collects the taxes based on the assessment provided by them. Any adjustments or abatements would have to be requested through them.

Yes. It is the business's responsibility to notify the State Department of Assessments and Taxation that they are no longer in business. The State Department of Assessments and Taxation will continue to assess the business with estimated assessments until they are made aware of the business closing in writing (they need the date of finality of when the business closed). It is the responsibility of the county to collect the taxes based on the assessment. Therefore, it is in the business's best interest to contact the State Department of Assessments and Taxation and let them know of the closure of the business. If they have estimated assessments, they should attempt to get them abated by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.

In Maryland there is a tax on business owned personal property that is imposed and collected by the local governments.To foster the uniform and consistent administration of this tax, responsibility for the assessment of all personal property throughout Maryland rests with a single state agency, the Department of Assessments and Taxation. Personal property generally includes furniture, fixtures, office and industrial equipment, machinery, tools, supplies, inventory, and any other property not classified as real property.

The Department of the Treasury is responsible for stamping every deed before it can be recorded at the Harford County Courthouse, regardless if it is necessary for taxes to be paid. If the property has been flagged by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation for Agricultural Transfer Tax, then the deed will need to be presented to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation first for clearance, then presented to the Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Revenue Collections.

When recording a deed for a property in the municipalities of the county, it must be stamped by the appropriate municipality before presenting it to the Bureau of Revenue Collections. Municipalities can be contacted at:

City of Aberdeen: 410-272-2222 City of Havre de Grace: 410-939-1800 Town of Bel Air: 410-638-4555

Please contact the Bureau of Revenue Collections at 410-638-3269, Option 5. A lien certificate is required for the processing of any type of transfer of property in the county. There is a $50 fee for this document. Lien sheets applications can be found on the Certificate of Tax Lien page.

Other fees include:

Payment of outstanding taxes (real, personal, and/or water and sewer assessments)

Water and sewer usage billings

Invoices

Repayment of circuit breaker credits

Agricultural transfer Tax

County transfer tax

Please contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Harford County at 410-638-3474 to determine recording fees that they will require be paid at time of recording.

Please contact the State Department of Assessments and Taxation at 410-836-4800 to determine if the property is used for agricultural purposes and could possibly require the repayment of agricultural taxes.

Please contact the department to whom the goods or services were delivered to ensure they have approved payment. If payment has been approved, then contact the Bureau of Accounting, Accounts Payable section at 410-638-3448.

The accounts payable supervisor can be reached at 410-638-3448.

Yes. If you wish to make a one-time payment in advance of the tax year, the county will calculate your taxes using the current tax rate in effect applied to the prior year assessment. No interest will be credited to your payment. If the taxes due on the property for the year of payment made exceeds the amount paid, a balance due letter will be sent to the taxpayer.

Eligible homeowners may reduce their property taxes by applying for a real property tax credit.  A list of available credits can be found on the Real Property Tax Credit Information page.

Yes. As part of our commitment to provide citizens with efficient, convenient services, Harford County has partnered with Official Payment Corporation, a third-party provider to offer electronic payments over the Internet or by telephone. The third-party provider will assess a convenience fee each time you use their service to make tax and assessment payments by credit/debit card. Harford County accepts Visa® , MasterCard® and Discover® credit cards and electronic checks. If paying by credit/debit card, there will be a 2.25% convenience fee.  If paying by electronic check, there is no fee. 

Yes. State law provides that all real property is subject to a property tax. You will receive a property tax bill each year. The property owner is responsible for payment of property taxes.

The county mails the property tax bill to the owner of record on the tax roll. The tax roll is prepared from the assessment roll that is maintained by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. About June 1 each year, the State Department of Assessments and Taxation prepares the information on the assessment roll to be used by the county to create the tax roll.

The assessment roll contains the name and address of the owner of record; brief description of the property, and the value and assessment of the property.

Under the law it is assumed that delivery of the bill is made unless it is returned to the county by the Postal Service. If you did not receive a property tax bill, you may review the amount due online at Property Bill Search or contact the Bureau of Revenue Collections at 410-638-3269 for a copy of your bill.

Under current state law all residential property that is owner occupied can make payment of property taxes on a semiannual basis. As an individual, however, you may elect to pay the total amount due. If you have a mortgage company or other escrow account holder for your property taxes, you can request that they make payment on an annual basis.

If you are paying your taxes directly, all you need to do is to make payment of the full annual amount as provided on your tax bill by September 30. If your mortgage holder pays your taxes from an escrow account, you must notify them of your choice.

State law requires mortgage holders to pay on a semiannual basis unless otherwise directed by the property owner.

Customers of the county’s water and sewer system may have two types of bills. One is a quarterly bill for usage, generally based on the amount of water used by the property. Usage bills pay the cost of the daily operation and maintenance of the water and sewer system in the county and are increased annually by the CPI. The other type of bill is for capital charges, which vary from property to property depending on the time period of connection and location in the county. These charges are used to pay for the cost of construction transmission facilities, pumping stations, water booster stations, storage facilities, treatment facilities, etc.

Usage bills: The county bills each customer for water and sewage use on a quarterly basis. Each customer has 30 days for payment. After 30 days a 5% late fee is added to the bill as required by the County Code Section 256-19(A)(4). Service may be terminated if the bill remains unpaid. If service is terminated an additional fee of $50 will be added to the bill for turn-off/turn-on.

Water and sewer capital charges: Depending on where the property is in the county, a property served by the county’s water and sewer system can have one or more annual assessments due on the property. Most annual assessments are mailed July 1 to the latest property owner of record. An additional 1.5% is added to the base bill for each month or portion of a month the assessment is past due. Should the assessment remain unpaid as of the third Monday in June, the property will be sold at the annual tax sale of the county. To determine the amount of any assessments on a property, you may view the amount due online at Property Bill Search or call the Water and Sewer Accounting Section at 410-638-3311. They will provide you with an explanation of the charges against your property and the length of time remaining for the assessment.

Property tax bills are mailed to taxpayers on July 1. As discussed in a previous question, the owner of the property has until September 30 to pay the bill without incurring additional costs. As of October 1, interest is added to the bill for any portion of that month at a current rate of 1.5% on the county portion and 1% on the state portion for each month that payment is not made. Also, on October 1 a one-time 6% penalty is assessed on the county property tax portion. At the end of February of each year, a delinquent notice is mailed to the owner of the property if any amount of taxes are still unpaid. Beginning April 1, additional charges are added to the property tax bill for the cost of preparing the property for tax sale.

If the taxes are not paid by April 1, the property will be advertised for tax sale in the local newspaper twice during the month of April. If they remain unpaid as of May 1, additional charges are added to the bill for the costs of the tax sale.

The property is advertised a total of four more times during the months of May and June in preparation for the tax sale that occurs online the third Monday in June each year.

For more information, please view our tax sale page.

The current rate is 12% on the amount paid the day of tax sale by the purchaser.

Bills are mailed out July 1 with the base amount due by September 30.  Beginning October 1 interest and penalties are added to the base bill amount.

The county provides several ways for you to make payment.

Electronic payments: As part of our commitment to provide citizens with efficient, convenient services, Harford County has partnered with Official Payment Corporation, a third-party payment provider to offer electronic payments over the Internet or by telephone. The third-party provider will assess a convenience fee each time you use its service to make tax and assessment payments by credit/debit card. Harford County accepts Visa®, MasterCard®, and Discover® credit cards and electronic checks. 

By mail: Enclosed with each tax bill is a return envelope for mailing your payment. The address on the envelope is our mail payment processing address located in Baltimore.

In person: You may wish to make payment in person by visiting our office at 220 S. Main Street in Bel Air on the first floor. The entrance is on the Main Street side of the building. Convenient parking is available on the side and back of the building. Office hours are Monday through Friday, except county holidays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After office hours: A "drop-box" for payment deposits is also located at 220 S. Main Street in Bel Air, at the rear of the building, if our office hours are not convenient. Payments will be processed the next business day.

No property tax money goes to support the water and sewer system. In accordance with the county charter, the water and sewer fund is self-supporting and is paid for by the users of the system.

The purpose of assessing interest and penalty is to encourage timely payment of taxes.

As established by the Annotated Code of Maryland and local County law, recordation taxes are assessed at the rate of $6.60 per $1,000 value of recorded instruments filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Of this assessed amount, $4.40 is dedicated for school debt service first, then new construction, major and capital improvements to existing school facilities and portable classrooms; $1.10 is dedicated to an open space land and recreational fund for the purchase of park lands and development of parks and recreation facilities; and $1.10 is dedicated for implementation of local watershed protection and restoration projects.

The voters of the county on a 1992 ballot question approved a transfer tax. County Council Bill No. 93-3 adopted the local transfer tax effective July 1, 1993. The transfer tax is imposed at the rate of 1% of the consideration payable for instruments of writing recorded with the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Harford County or filed with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. The proceeds of the tax are distributed 50 percent to agricultural land preservation and 50 percent to school site acquisitions, school construction, or school debt.

Call or visit the Department of Public Works New Accounts Section, 3334 Abingdon Road, Abingdon, MD 21009, 410-638-3300.

They will tell you if your property is in an area where public water and/or sewer is available. If service is available they can provide you with a cost to connect to the county’s system. The charges for this are paid at the Water and Sewer Accounting Section, first floor of 220 S. Main Street in Bel Air.

Meters are read and billed on a quarterly basis. Water and sewer bills are due 30 days from the date of issue. A penalty is applied to payments received after the due date. Rate schedules are available by calling the Water and Sewer Accounting office at 410-638-3311.

Water and sewer bills are pro-rated the same as real estate property tax bills by the settlement officer at time of settlement. Check your settlement sheet you received at that time. You should have been given money from the seller to pay for the water and sewer usage during the period the seller owned the property.

Water and sewer bills not paid on time are subject to penalty charges, possible termination of service and possible sale of the property at property tax sale. Unpaid water and sewer charges are a lien against the property.

The charge is levied on all properties that connect to the county’s water and/or sewer system. It lasts for 25 years. The money is used to pay for modification of the water and sewer system and for any debt service that may arise as a result of these modifications.

No property tax money goes to support the water and sewer system. In accordance with the county charter, the water and sewer fund is self-supporting and is paid for by the users of the system.

The county provides several ways for you to make payment. 

Electronic payments: As part of our commitment to provide citizens with efficient, convenient services, Harford County has partnered with a third-party payment provider to offer electronic payments over the Internet or by telephone. Harford County accepts Visa®, MasterCard®, and Discover® credit cards and electronic checks. To make a payment by phone, call 1-888-288-5609.

By mail: Enclosed with each tax bill is a return envelope for mailing your payment. The address on the envelope is our mail payment processing address in Baltimore. 

In person: You may wish to make payment in person by visiting our office at 220 S. Main Street in Bel Air on the first floor. Convenient parking is available. Office hours are Monday through Friday, except county holidays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The end of the month during July, August, September and December are our busiest times. During these time periods, if you visit our office you may experience a short wait for counter service and difficulty in parking. 

After office hours: A "drop-box" for payment deposits is also located at 220 S. Main Street in Bel Air if our office hours are not convenient. 

The "piggyback tax" existed in Maryland for many years, when the county tax was expressed as a percentage of the state tax liability. With the income tax changes passed by the state legislature in 1998, the rates for all counties and the City of Baltimore were "decoupled" from the state rate. Each county and the City of Baltimore has its own tax rate as determined by the state legislature unless changed by the local legislative body.

The local income tax rate can be found at the state website. It is a flat rate against your entire taxable income that can change every year.

1. The prestige of formal recognition that your property is significant in American/Harford County history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and/or culture.

2. Eligibility for county, state and federal historic preservation tax credits and other funding opportunities such as grants.

3. Historic designation improves property values and protects the value of your investment. Real estate experts have found that historic designation of a property, especially in districts, increases the salability of a property. Buyers will pay more for historic properties that are well-maintained and have intact historic character.

4. In designated districts, it prevents your neighbors from completing any incompatible home improvements that can potentially diminish property values.

5. Designation of a historic landmark, especially in designated historic districts, can protect your property, neighborhood, village, or town from inappropriate development. It will preserve its character and maintain its identity.

6. Historic designation and historic preservation, in general, can help prevent sprawl and unwanted developed.

7. If you restored or rehabilitated your property, landmark designation will provide a level of protection on all your hard work.  It can provide assurance that future owners will preserve what you have accomplished.

8. As the owner of a historic landmark, you will be able to receive free technical assistance from the county historic preservation planner and members of the Historic Preservation Commission.

9. Owning a home that was constructed with old growth wood and other good quality building materials that are more durable than materials used today.

To be eligible for a Harford County Historic Landmark designation, a site, structure, building, district, or object must be surveyed in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties, at least 50 years old or older, have sufficient integrity of location, design, materials, workmanship and meet one or more of the following:

1.   Historical and cultural significance:

• is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to national, state, or local history;
• is associated with the lives of persons significant in national, state, or local history;
• has character, interest or value as part of the heritage or culture of Harford County, the State of Maryland or the United States; or
• has the potential to provide important information about history or prehistory (archaeology)

2.   Architectural and design significance:

• embodies the distinctive characteristics of a particular architectural style or period, or method of construction;
• represents the work of a notable architect or master builder;
• possesses high artistic value; or
• represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction (historic districts).

The designation process has three primary stages:

1.   Nomination to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC);

2.   Review and vote by the HPC; and

3.   Review and vote by the Harford County Council.

The process begins with submittal of a completed Historic Landmark Nomination Form [MC1]. Nominations may be submitted by a member of the HPC, owner of record of the nominated property or any other person or organization. A nomination for an individual site, structure, or property, however, must have written consent of the legal property owner(s) before it goes to county council. 

At a public meeting, the HPC will review the nomination and staff recommendations. The HPC will determine if the nomination adheres to the Criteria for Designation, and vote to recommend the nominated resource to the county council. The authority for designation of Harford County Historic Landmarks rests with the elected county council.

The nomination is then sent by the Department of Planning and Zoning, in conjunction with the HPC, to the county council. After written notice to the owner, and another public hearing, the council will vote to place the nominated resource on the Harford County Historic Landmarks list.

For more information OR if you are interested in nominating a resource for designation as a Harford County Historic Landmark, please contact Joel Gallihue, 410-638-3136 or jagallihue@harfordcountymd.gov

[MC1]Link to Nomination form pdf

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) consists of seven volunteer members who are appointed by the county executive. Each HPC member possesses a demonstrated interest, specific knowledge, or professional or academic training in the fields of history, architectural history, architecture, planning, archaeology, historic preservation, landscape architecture, urban design, or related disciplines. The HPC is staffed by the county’s historic preservation planner, who provides technical assistance and serves as a liaison between county departments and the HPC. The HPC recommends Harford County properties for inclusion on Harford County Historic Landmark list, considers petitions for Harford County Historic District, reviews proposals for exterior alterations to designated Harford County Historic Landmarks, and advises the county executive on the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of historic resources that are significant in Harford County’s historic and cultural heritage.

Yes, Harford County Historic Landmarks can be changed. The HPC has no authority over the use or interior of any Harford County Historic Landmark. The HPC does approve changes, including additions, provided they are in keeping with the major character-defining exterior features that make the structure historically significant. Changes to the exterior or any undertaking that requires a building or demolition permit from the Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits requires prior approval from the HPC through a Certificate of Appropriateness, or COA. General, routine maintenance, that does not change the appearance of the historic landmark, does not need approval.

The basic principle is to retain and rehabilitate – rather than replace – the building’s historic materials (especially windows, doors and siding) so the building retains its physical integrity as a representative of itself and its time in history.

The details of COA applications vary from landmark to landmark, but the HPC tries diligently to balance its responsibility for adhering to proper standards with accommodating the owners’ preferences. 

As in most jurisdictions throughout the United States and Maryland with local historic preservation programs, Harford County uses the publication issued by the National Park Service entitled The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Projects submitted for approval by the Historic Preservation Commission typically fall within the chapter of the publication dealing with "Standards for Rehabilitation." These are broadly worded guidelines that focus on rehabilitation and repair. All proposed work must follow these standards.

The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties are common sense historic preservation principles in non-technical language. They promote historic preservation best practices that will help to protect our nation’s irreplaceable cultural resources. They are a series of concepts about maintaining, repairing, and replacing historic materials, as well as designing new additions or making alterations. The Standards offer four distinct approaches to the treatment of historic properties - preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction with guidelines for each.

Rehabilitation is defined as the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features that convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values. The Standards for Rehabilitation are common sense principles in non-technical language that focus on repair and rehabilitate – rather than replace – the building’s historic materials. The Standards are:

1. A property will be used as it was historically or be given a new use that requires minimal change to its distinctive materials, features, spaces and spatial relationships.

2. The historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. The removal of distinctive materials or alteration of features, spaces and spatial relationships that characterize a property will be avoided.

3. Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or elements from other historic properties, will not be undertaken.

4. Changes to a property that have acquired historic significance in their own right will be retained and preserved.

5. Distinctive materials, features, finishes and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property will be preserved.

6. Deteriorated historic features will be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature will match the old in design, color, texture and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features will be substantiated by documentary and physical evidence.

7. Chemical or physical treatments, if appropriate, will be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. Treatments that cause damage to historic materials will not be used.

8. Archeological resources will be protected and preserved in place. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures will be undertaken.

9. New additions, exterior alterations or related new construction will not destroy historic materials, features and spatial relationships that characterize the property. The new work will be differentiated from the old and will be compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing to protect the integrity of the property and its environment.

10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction will be undertaken in such a manner that, if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.

Examples of approved projects include, but are not limited to:

• In-kind roof repair and replacement;
• Window and exterior shutter restoration/ repair;
• Window replacements that match the original in design, scale, profile
• Masonry repair and repointing
• Repair or restoration of historic outbuildings
• Compatible and appropriate side and rear additions
• Front porch repairs
• Sensitive ADA access
• Siding repair
• In-kind siding replacement

Examples of projects that do not follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards include, but are not limited to:

• Replacing a slate roof with an asphalt shingle roof
• Replacing historic windows with windows that do not match the original window in design and other visual aspects
• Enclosing front porches
• Constructing a front porch on a house where one didn’t originally exist
• Solar panel insulation on historic roofing material and or on visible roof slopes
• Additions that are incompatible in scale, massing, rhythm, and size (i.e. a side addition that is larger than the historic building)
• Replacing existing wood siding with vinyl siding

Reasonable accommodations are available by asking the specific county department to arrange the accommodation. This includes, but is not limited to information provided in an alternative format, sign language interpreters, etc. If you need more information about disability-related accommodations available within county government, please contact the Disabilities Coordinator at 410-638-3373.

Harford County Government will provide disability-related accommodations (sign language interpreters, audio amplification systems, documents in Braille, large print, and other accommodations upon request). To request an accommodation, call the agency/department contact person or the Disabilities Coordinator at 410-638-3373.

Harford County Department of Public Works: Division of Highways and Stormwater Management – 410-638-3279

To see if you qualify, and for an application, visit https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/3466/Real-Property-Tax-Credit-Information.

Yes. It is the business’s responsibility to notify the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the fact that they are no longer in business. The State Department of Assessments and Taxation will continue to assess the business with estimated assessments until they are made aware of the business closing in writing (they need the date of finality of when the business closed). It is the responsibility of the county to collect the taxes based on the assessment. Therefore, it is in the business’s best interest to contact the State Department of Assessments and Taxation and let them know of the closure of the business. If they have estimated assessments, they should attempt to get them abated by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.

If the business does not file a return with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, the department will then estimate an assessment based on the type of business and the previous assessments. In some cases, the estimated assessment is double the previous year assessment.

In Maryland, there is a tax on business owned personal property that is imposed and collected by the local governments. To foster the uniform and consistent administration of this tax, responsibility for the assessment of all personal property throughout Maryland rests with a single state agency, the Department of Assessments and Taxation. Personal property generally includes furniture, fixtures, office and industrial equipment, machinery, tools, supplies, inventory, and any other property not classified as real property.

The 2019 estimated population for Harford County is 256,000.

Population forecasts for Harford County are expected to increase by 44,225 people between 2015 and 2045. The population projections are estimated for: 2020 - 257,680; 2025 - 264,870; 2030 - 271,865;2035 - 280,570; 2040 - 289,220; 2045 - 294,250.

The estimated 2019 number of households in Harford County is 96,396. The Projected number of households are estimated for: 2020 - 97,241; 2025 - 101,021; 2030 - 104,801; 2035 - 108,591; 2040 - 112,380; 2045 - 114,752.

The 2015 estimated median household income for Harford County based on the 2011 - 2015 American Community Survey data is $80,465.

A waiver from DAC may be granted for minor changes or additions to nonresidential uses. An application form must be completed and two copies of a site plan submitted with the proposal. Final approval will then be made with the building permit application. The application form can be filled in and printed from this site or you can obtain a copy in the Planning and Zoning Office.

Please contact the Liquor Control Board.

The Office of Economic Development offers many valuable resources including site location services, fast-track permitting assistance, Enterprise Zone Tax Credits and financial and workforce assistance including Workforce Technical Training Grants. For more information, contact 410-638-3059 or oed@harfordcountymd.gov.

The Revitalization Area Improvement Loan provides funds, through the Economic Development Opportunity Fund, for façade improvements by business owners and tenants for companies facing the Route 40 corridor. Visit the Financial Services page on our website for more information.

Harford County has two enterprise zones, one in the Aberdeen/Havre de Grace area and one in the Edgewood/Joppa area. Find maps of the zones as well as a list of incentives and requirements on our website.

The board consists of 15 members appointed by the Council, including 7 citizen members. The board is the policy-making body for HarfordTV, which is the local government and public access cable television channel. The board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month, usually at 8:45 a.m. at 399 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD 21015. 

Senior housing is available. Click here to see what is available in Harford County.

Residents within the municipal limits of Bel Air, Havre de Grace, or Aberdeen, please contact your local government:
Bel Air: 410-879-9500
Havre de Grace: 410-939-1800
Aberdeen: 410-272-1600

Residents outside of the town limits: Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits

220 S. Main Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: 410-638-3122

There are four steps to applying for a rental subsidy:
1. The head of household's name is placed on the Housing Agency's waiting list.
2. When selected from the waiting list, a formal application must be completed.
3. The applicant must attend a briefing on rules, regulations, and family obligations.
4. The Housing Choice Voucher is issued at the briefing.

Provided there is continued funding of the program, families can remain on it for as long as they are eligible for a rent subsidy and remain in compliance with their family obligations.

For emergency shelters/placements and eviction services, contact the Harford Community Action Agency, 1321-B Woodbridge Station Way, Edgewood, MD 21040

From 1 to 4 p.m., call 410-612-9909, ext. 2204 for an appointment. After hours and weekends, call United Way 211 for emergencies.

Contact one of our housing counselors for information:

15 S. Main Street,
Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: 410-638-3045
Email: housing@harfordcountymd.gov

For payment issues, please contact one of our housing counselors for information:

15 S Main Street,
Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: 410-638-3045
Email: housing@harfordcountymd.gov

For landlord issues, please contact the Housing Agency for assistance and referral:

15 S. Main Street,
Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: 410-638-3045
Email: housing@harfordcountymd.gov

You can also call the landlord/tenant hotline (Fair Housing Action Center) at 443-447-7336.

Yes, the Livability Code for Rental Housing sets the standard. All rental units in Harford County must meet the health and safety standards for basic equipment and facilities used for light, ventilation, heating, and sanitation.

If the matter involves unlawful discrimination in housing within Harford County, the individual can contact the Harford County Office of Human Relations; the MD Commission on Human Relations; the Fair Housing Action Center, 410-989-3811; and/or the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). If the individual is seeking assistance in obtaining housing, he or she may want to contact the Housing Agency and/or Department of Social Services.

There is one program available - Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher Program).

Single people, families, elderly people, and disabled people qualify for the program. Qualification is based on income and family composition.

Call 410-638-3103 and ask to speak to someone in the Zoning Enforcement Section.

A building permit/zoning certificate is generally needed to: construct or alter any principal or accessory structure, demolish or move a structure, make a change of use, install or alter any equipment which is regulated by the Harford County Code. Such structures include but are not limited to swimming pools, sheds, fences and finished basements.  A building permit/zoning certificate is also required for certain home occupations, and for the storage of untagged or inoperative vehicles. 

If a property owner is authorizing someone else to apply on his/her behalf, an Owner Authorization form must be presented at the time of application.

If you are unsure if a building permit/zoning certificate is needed, call the Permits Center at 410-638-3122.

Generally all applications will be reviewed within 10 working days. Some applications may be issued on the date of application.  Once issued, a permit is valid for 1 year from issuance. If construction is initiated and continues, the permit will remain valid. If work does not progress for 6 months after initial construction start up, a permit expires. Please call 410-638-3122 for more information.

All applicable fees for building permits are due at the time of application.

A site plan is a drawing of a parcel or lot, prepared to scale, showing accurate and complete dimensions of the property including all buildings, structures, driveways and uses (existing and proposed) and distances to property lines. For subdivision lots, a site plan should include recorded easements and/or environmental restrictions such as forest retention, Natural Resource District (NRD), floodplain, floodway or Critical Area. For commercial lots, a site plan may require more detailed information.

Site plans are required when applying for a Building Permit/Zoning Certificate to determine conformance with the Harford County Zoning Code and to document the location of existing and proposed improvements or uses. Improvements and uses associated with the approved Building Permit/Zoning Certificate should substantially conform to the Site Plan submitted.

Accurate and complete site plans provide Planning and Zoning staff the ability to assist you with questions regarding your property. When detailed and unique conditions of your site are documented, we can provide you with specific, rather than general, information regarding your inquiry and compliance with the Harford County Zoning Code.

Where no work has been done under a permit issued, the holder of the permit may submit a request to cancel at the Permits Center (220 South Main Street, Bel Air, Maryland (first floor), and upon cancellation thereof, shall be refunded 50% of the fee paid provided that application for the refund is made within 6 months of the issuance of the permit.

Private horse stables are permitted on Agricultural and Residential lots provided a setback of at least 50 feet is maintained from any property line or public road. Pastures, when fenced, may extend to the property lines.

Construction Plans 410-638-3366

Zoning 410-638-3122

Health Department 410-877-2300

County Highways 410-638-3507

Stormwater Management 410-638-3545

Sediment Control 410-638-3507

Water and Sewer 410-638-3300

State Highway 410-838-7788

Impact Fees are one-time payments used to fund school capital improvements needed to accommodate new development. Impact Fees relate only to capital facility expenses benefiting new development and are not to be used to address existing deficiencies and/or operating expenses. Public School Impact Fees, authorized under Bill 05-21, as amended, became effective on July 1, 2005. Impact Fees were amended under Bill 09-37 which became effective December 4, 2009.  

Who pays the Impact Fee?

Anyone applying for a new residential structure for which a building permit is required, but does not include renovations, additions or modifications to an existing residential structure.

What uses can be exempted from payment of an Impact Fee?

Bill 05-21, with amendments, exempts housing for the elderly, continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), transient housing, housing constructed by not for profit organizations and redevelopment, re-construction or replacement of an existing residential structure that results in no new housing units.

How much are the Public School Impact Fees?

The Single Family detached fee is $6,000. The Townhouse / Duplex fee is $4,200. The fee for all other residential (including mobile homes) is $1,200.

When will the Impact Fee be paid?

The Impact Fee is paid at the time of building permit application. Or the applicant for the building permit may execute a promissory note obligating the applicant to pay the required development impact fee upon the earlier of the following. 1) Within 12 months of the issuance of the building permit; or 2) Issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

A Zoning Certificate/Permit may be required for carnivals, circuses or other events open to the public, excluding religious activities. For additional information contact the Permit Center at 410-638-3122.

Maryland State Law requires organizers of special events that meet certain conditions to provide recycling services. Please call 410-634-3417 for more information.

The TDR program is intended to preserve the character and density of Agricultural (AG) zoned properties in the agricultural designation on the most recently adopted land use map.

Development rights may be transferred from any parcel with an AG zoning designation which is also in the agriculture designation on the most recently adopted land use map in accordance with §267-53 of the Harford County Zoning Code.

All development rights, including family conveyances, are transferable except one development right for each existing dwelling unit. In no event shall less than one development right be retained with the parcel.

Development rights shall be transferred only by agreement, deed, easement or other written document that shall be recorded in the land records of Harford County. The document shall identify, by metes and bounds, illustrated by map, the exact area from which the development rights are being transferred. The Department of Planning and Zoning shall approve the document prior to recordation. This document limits future development of, or transfer of, additional development rights.

Parcels eligible to receive development rights must have been rezoned from Agricultural (AG) to Village Residential (VR) or Rural Residential (RR) by the County Council after 12/22/08 and must be located in a Rural Village or Rural Residential designation on the most recently adopted Land Use Map. The number of development rights that may be transferred to the receiving property may be equal to the permitted density of VR or RR densities at a 1:2 ratio. In order to utilize density and design standards of the VR or RR zoning designation, development rights must be transferred.

As part of our commitment to provide citizens with efficient, convenient services, Harford County, Maryland has partnered with Paymentus to offer electronic payments over the Internet or by telephone only. Paymentus will assess a convenience fee each time you utilize their service. Visa®, MasterCard®, and Discover® credit cards and electronic checks are accepted. To make a payment by phone call 844-836-9732.

Eligible homeowners may reduce their property taxes by applying for a real property tax credit. A list of available credits can be found on the Real Property Tax Credit Information page.

The Solar Energy Tax Credit is a 1 time per property credit. However, you may have already received it. Most people receive the credit when they install the unit on their home. The Office of the Treasurer can send you an application form, and some additional information, please call 410-638-3191.

Bills are mailed out July 1 with the base amount due by September 30. Beginning October 1 interest and penalties are added to the base bill amount.

The purpose of assessing interest and penalty is to encourage timely payment of taxes.

The budget year runs July 1 to June 30.

The county executive drafts a proposed budget and submits it to the county council, which approves a final budget.

January – county executive holds a public hearing/town hall to solicit input on proposed budget.

April 15 – the county executive’s proposed budget is due to the county council, per the county charter.

May – county council holds work sessions with county department leaders and two public hearings.

By June 15, the county council must approve the budget.

After the public hearings, the Council may decrease or delete any items in the budget except those required by the laws of this State or of this County, and except any provisions for debt service on obligations then outstanding or for estimated cash deficits. The Council shall have no power to change the form of the budget as submitted by the County Executive, or to alter the revenue estimates except to correct mathematical errors, or to increase any expenditure.  Per State law, the only area of the budget where the Council may add funds is for the public schools.

Please read the following closely! 

Petit/Trial Jury Orientation: If the Circuit Court for Harford County is closed (due to weather), jurors do not report and your jury service obligation has been satisfied for the calendar year. (Please note that if you did not return your juror qualification form via mail or web, you must contact the Jury Commissioner's Office. Your jury service will be rescheduled.)

If the Circuit Court for Harford County has a delayed opening (due to weather), the same applies for jury duty. For example: If the Circuit Court opens 2 hours late, you are to report for jury duty 2 hours late.

Grand Jury Orientation: If the Circuit Court for Harford County is closed (due to weather), grand jurors are cancelled and your jury service obligation has been satisfied for this calendar year.(Please note that if you did not return your juror qualification form via mail or web, you must contact the Jury Commissioner's Office. Your jury service will be rescheduled.) If the Circuit Court for Harford County has a delayed opening (due to weather), the same applies for grand jury orientation. For example, if the Circuit Court for Harford County opens at 10:00 a.m., you are to report for grand jury orientation at 10:00 a.m.

Seated Jurors: If you are already seated as a grand juror or a trial juror, you must report as instructed by the State's Attorney's Office (410-638-3500) or by the Judge presiding over the case. 

Powered by Froala Editor

Maryland’s jury selection law provides that jurors are selected at random from a fair cross section of citizens residing in the county where the court convenes. Under this law, your name has been selected from a consolidated list of registered voters from the Board of Elections and licensed drivers or identification card holders from the Motor Vehicle Administration from Harford County. Please call or email for more information.

The term of service for trial/petit jurors is the length of one trial (one to multiple days). Plan to be available all day. Plan ahead regarding work commitments, medical appointments, and family events. If necessary, reschedule your service BEFORE your report date.  The average length of a jury trial is 2 to 3 days; however some trials last longer. With social distancing and seating limitations, it will take longer to seat a jury. You will be informed of the expected length of trial, including the time it will take to seat a jury, while you are in the courtroom during the selection process.  The term of service for grand jurors is 4 months; however the grand jury reports generally 2 days per month. Please call or email for more information.

Jury duty is a civic obligation. As stated by Maryland law, an employer may not deprive an employee of his/her employment solely because of job time lost by the employee as a result of responding to a jury summons or as a result of attending court for service or prospective service as a trial or grand juror. Employers are not obligated to pay employees their wage/salary while serving jury duty. Payment (from employers) for employees attending jury duty is at the discretion of the employer. As a juror, you are paid $30 cash from the court, as expense money, for each day of service. You will receive a work certificate as jury attendance verification for your employer. Please call or email for more information.

Failure to appear for jury duty or failure to return your completed juror qualification form is a serious matter and is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. You may be issued an Order (by certified mail) to appear before the Court and “Show Cause” as to why you did not respond to the summons/report for jury duty. Please call or email the Jury Commissioner’s Office for more information. SCAM ALERT: The Jury Commissioner’s Office (or a Law Enforcement agent acting on behalf of the Court/Jury Commissioner) WILL NOT call (or email) you about failing to appear for jury duty and request money (or credit card/bank/financial information or pre-paid debit cards, etc.) as a payment for a fine or bond. We WILL NOT ask you for your Social Security Number either. Protect yourself: Do NOT give the requested information. Instead, please notify the Harford County Jury Commissioner’s Office at 410-638-3251 about any suspicious phone calls/emails regarding failing to appear for jury duty AND report the scam to your local law enforcement agency (Harford County Sheriff’s Office 410-838-6600) immediately. Never give personal information when answering an unsolicited phone call or email message.

Please listen for instructions for your reporting number, which can be found on your juror badge. You do not report for jury duty unless the recording/website instructs you to do so. Please call or email for more information.

Juror parking is provided (free of charge) on the roof top level of the parking garage located on the corner of Courtland Street and Hickory Avenue. As a parking permit, you will need to place the parking permit, which is provided on the bottom portion of your summons, on your dashboard, visible through the windshield. If you require handicap or oversized vehicle parking, please contact the Jury Office by phone or email for additional information.

If you have lost your summons/parking permit, you may write a note stating "On Jury Duty" and your report date to display on your dashboard or visit the downloads section of our website to

You report to the Harford County Circuit Court building on the corner of Main and Courtland Streets. The address is:

20 W Courtland Street

Bel Air, MD 21014

The Jury Assembly Room is on Level B. Please report promptly at the time indicated on your summons. Final reporting instructions will be detailed for you on the recording/website after 5 p.m. on the evening before your report date. The recording line is 410-838-3172. Reporting instructions can be found on the website. Please call or email for more information.

Cell phones and other electronic devices (such as laptops, tablets, etc.) are allowed into the courthouse; however use of such devices will be limited to the Jury Assembly Room. Devices must be turned off while inside a courtroom and are not permitted inside the jury deliberation rooms. Devices are not permitted to take or record photographs, video or other audio/visual images in a court facility. Any persons found in violation of electronic device restrictions shall be subject to confiscation of the device, a fine, or incarceration at the discretion of the presiding Judge of this court. Please call or email for more information.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• No weapons of any type.
• No firearms, ammunition, and explosive devices.
• No cutting instruments of any type - including knives, scissors, box cutters, work tools, handcuff keys, knitting needles, or anything with a cutting edge, etc.
• No pepper spray, mace or any other chemical defense sprays.
• No alcohol or illegal substances, including illegal drugs.

No provisions are available for childcare.

You may bring food/drinks, which are allowed in the Jury Assembly Room; however they are not permitted in the courtroom. You will receive a lunch break and other breaks throughout the day. There are many restaurants/delis within walking distance of the courthouse and vending machines are available on Level B right outside of the Jury Assembly Room.

You may bring reading material. Please call or email for more information.

Please be advised that excusal requests are granted rarely and only for undue hardships or extreme circumstances, as determined by the court. Maryland law does not allow exemption based on occupation. There are many people with work and financial hardship situations; therefore not everyone can be granted an excusal. You may submit a written request to be considered a work or financial hardship/excuse if possible.

If your request can be granted, you will receive a call/email on the afternoon before your scheduled report date. If you do not receive a call/email notifying you of an excusal, you will be required to follow the call in procedure for final reporting instructions. If you are instructed to report, you will be given the opportunity to tell the Judge about your hardship of serving more than 1 day. Please call or email for more information.

You can complete your juror qualification form online and reschedule your jury service via web (1 time only) to a more convenient date.

If you are unable to access the online application, you must return your completed juror qualification form along with your written request for a postponement. Postponement requests must be in writing (by email, fax or mail) and will not be considered over the phone. Requests will only be considered if your completed juror qualification form has been submitted and received. The Jury Commissioner’s Office will send you a letter notifying you if your request was granted or denied. If your request was granted, the letter will also contain your new report date.

Note: If you already returned your form, please submit your postponement request in writing (email, fax or mail). If you require an emergency, last minute postponement you still need to submit your request in writing (by email or fax). Last minute requests will only be granted for extreme, unforeseen emergencies. Please submit your

In order to be excused for a medical reason or disability, you must return your completed juror qualification form and provide a written signed statement from your health care provider explaining that you are not able to satisfactorily perform jury duty and indicate the excusal length (temporary/permanent). The note can be written on a prescription pad or letterhead and it should contain your name, date of birth, and juror identification number or your jury service date.

We also have a Medical Excusal Form, for your doctor to complete, available in the downloads section of our website. Your doctor may email, fax or mail the excusal directly to the Jury Commissioner’s Office. An excusal will only be considered if you have returned both your completed juror qualification form and the required doctor’s letter before your report date. See Question 18/Code G on your juror qualification form. Complete the

Complete and return your juror qualification form with a copy of your new driver’s license/change of address card or MVA issued state ID as documentation of your new address. In lieu of the aforementioned, you may submit a copy of a bill, statement, lease agreement, USPS change of address document/yellow forward mail sticker, or paystub, etc. that shows your name and address outside of Harford County. Question 12/Code B of your juror qualification form addresses this issue. Complete the

Complete and return your juror qualification form with a copy of the charges or a letter of explanation listing the charges, dates, and the jurisdiction where the charges are pending. Question 15/Code D on your juror qualification form addresses this issue.

Complete and return your juror qualification form with a copy of the charges or a letter of explanation listing the charges, the sentence, the date and the jurisdiction where you were convicted. Please advise if the conviction was under a different name, such as an alias or maiden name. If you received a probation before judgement, a sentence of less than 1 year/12 months (including suspended time), or a pardon: you are still eligible for jury duty. Question 16/Code E on your juror qualification form addresses this issue. 

The Jury Assembly Room is equipped with a private room specifically designated for pumping. The Jury Commissioner's Office does not provide storage for milk. You are required to bring your own cooler & ice packs for storage. If you have other questions or concerns, please contact the Jury Commissioner's Office by phone or email, at your earliest convenience, for further instructions. Any questions or requests regarding this matter should be addressed before your report date.

Trial (Petit) juries are selected for both criminal and civil cases. A criminal trial jury contains 12 jurors, who are responsible for determining if an accused defendant is guilty or not guilty of a crime. A civil trial jury contains 6 jurors, who listen to a case generally involving a dispute between 2 or more parties. Both criminal and civil jury trials have 1 or more alternate jurors, who are selected to replace a juror that has been excused or dismissed during the course of the trial.

A Grand Jury consists of 23 jurors, who are called together to do 2 things: receive and hear evidence to determine whether probable cause exists to charge someone with a crime; and conduct certain investigations. Please call 410-638-3251 for more information.

Contact the Jury Commissioner’s Office by phone or email between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you call the Jury Office during the morning orientation (between 8 a.m. to approximately 9:30 a.m.) you will not be able to speak to a member of the office. You can wait to call until after 9:30 a.m. or send an email to harfordjuryservice@mdcourts.gov. Please be patient. Calls/messages are returned in the order they are received. Due to the high volume of calls, you may receive a quicker response by emailing your questions. For more information, contact the

The service line is a pipe that connects your home or business to the water main in the street. There are two sections.  In general, the County-owned portion extends from the water main in the street to a valve or meter at your property line.  The customer-owned portion attaches the County-owned line to the plumbing in your building.

The Environmental Protection Agency has required all utilities that provide drinking water to consumers to prepare an inventory of water service lines.  This has been required to identify properties that are served by lead service lines.

Visit this link for more information.

Permit applications may be submitted in person or via a drop box in the lobby of County Administration building located at 220 S. Main St. in Bel Air, MD, applicants can submit a completed application and all accompanying documents via email at building@harfordcountymd.gov or check the ePermit Center for the growing lists of permits being accepted in this application. You must have an account set up through the ePermit Center to process these applications. Online transactions through the ePermit Center are strongly encouraged: https://epermitcenter.harfordcountymd.gov/energov_prod/selfservice#/home.

The Department is accepting in-person meetings. We strongly encourage electronic submission during emergency events.

Applications and other necessary forms are available in person or from the Planning and Zoning main webpage ⇨ click on Zoning Administration Document Center.  If you have questions regarding forms and applications, please email us at Building@harfordcountymd.gov or call the office at 410-638-6442 any time for assistance.

The permit application is used for commercial permits, residential permits, and zoning certificates.  However, not all information is required for every application.  Please note, “occupancy classification” applies to commercial permits only. 

For most applications can be processed with the following information:

1.            Address of work site;
2.            Date;
3.            Public Water & Sewer or Private Well and Septic (check boxes);
4.            Height of structure;        
5.            Construction Cost;
6.            Applicant Information;
7.            Property Owner Information;
8.            Contractor; and/or
9.            Print, sign and date the bottom.

Building Permit/Zoning Certificate Applications may be submitted electronically to Building@harfordcountymd.gov

Building/Zoning Certificate Application

http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2315/Building-PermitZoning-CertificateApplication-PDF 

• Complete all applicable fields, including signature at the bottom of the page.
• If you would like to list a contractor on the application, you must provide a copy of the contract signed by both parties.

Site Plan

http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12388/Sample-Site-Plan 

• This is just a sample, please provide the site plan for the referenced property.
• Required for all new structures and additions (sheds, decks, additions, etc.).
• Indicate size and location of existing and proposed structures.

Owner Authorization Letter

http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2316/Letter-of-Owner-Authorization-PDF 

• The Property Owner must authorize who can apply for the permit.
• Complete the Signature blocks, along with witness and date.

Fences

 http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2494/Fences-in-Easements-PDF 

•  Fence in Easement form if fence will be encroaching easement

Decks

http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7358/Basic-Deck-Design 

• Fill in blanks front and back

Deck Guidelines

http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/318/Deck-Construction-Guidelines?bidId= 

Construction Plans

• Detailed plans for new construction, additions, and interior alterations must address entire scope of work with dimensions.

Please check the ePermit Center for the growing lists of permits being accepted in this application. You must have an account set up through the ePermit Center to process these applications. Online transactions through the ePermit Center are strongly encouraged: https://epermitcenter.harfordcountymd.gov/energov_prod/selfservice#/home.

Anyone seeking a zoning variance or Special Exception approval should contact Planning and Zoning to schedule a pre-application meeting by calling 410-638-3103.  This meeting can be held in person, by phone or video conference.  Once the application is completed, the applicant may use the drop box in the lobby or mail the application to the Planning Office.  Once the application is deemed complete, we will contact the applicant to arrange payment.  After all fees are paid, the application will be sent to the Hearing Examiners office for scheduling.

Zoning violations can be reported to the Zoning Enforcement section @ 410-638-3103 x1910 or via email at hcgzoning@harfordcountymd.gov or in person. Please visit our Residential Zoning Violation and Unregulated Conditions page for more information. The Department is accepting in-person visits, however, we strongly encourage calls or e-mail submissions.

A Site Plan Application Waiver (aka DAC Waiver) may be granted for minor changes or additions to nonresidential uses. A completed and signed waiver form must be submitted along with two copies of the proposed site plan. The application may be delivered, faxed, mailed or emailed to the Department or placed in the drop box in the lobby of the County Administration building at 220 South Main Street in Bel Air. The Department is accepting in-person visits, however, we strongly encourage the form and plans to be dropped off, faxed, mailed or e-mailed.

Most applications are being reviewed and issued within 10 business days.  

Once issued, a permit is valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance. If construction is initiated, the permit will remain valid as long as work continues.  If work does not progress for six (6) months after initial construction start up, the building permit will be considered ‘expired’. Please call 410-638-3122 for more information.

Starting Monday, May 6, 2024, current users will have to re-register once to create a user account. Click here for re-registration instructions. If you are still having trouble logging into your account, call the Harford County Permit Center at 410-638-3122

Make sure you are logged in to the ePermit Center. In the upper right-hand corner, it will say Good Morning or Afternoon, (name). 

If you are logged in, and still do not have access, the account user’s contact is not listed on the record. Call the Harford County Permit Center at 410-638-3122

Hold down the confirm button and select copy link.  Paste the link in a new web browser.  Continue following the registration steps.

If the user can see the invoice but cannot pay it, the user is not on the invoice as a billable contact. Please call the Harford County Permit Center at 410-638-3122 or if you have the invoice number, select "Pay Invoices" on the black menu bar, search the invoice number, and follow the payment steps.  

The new user account confirmation email is sent to the email address you registered with. The system will send a one-time, six-digit verification code to the provided email address. The email will originate from the Community Access Identity (noreply@identity.tylerportico.com). If you don't receive the email check your junk email folder or if needed, please whitelist the sender. Enter the authentication code and select Verify button.

Please call the Harford County Permit Center at 410-638-3122 to update your contact information on your ePermit Center Account.

After you set up an account with an email address, we cannot change the email address. You will have to create a new account.

If the email is not in your inbox, check your spam or junk folders. The email is sent from Community Access Identity (noreply@identity.tylerportico.com)

Did you re-register? Starting Monday, May 6, 2024, current users will have to re-register once to create a user account. Click here for re-registration instructions.

If you re-registered and you are still not receiving the email, you will need to whitelist Community Access Identity noreply@identity.tylerportico.com.

A whitelist is a list of approved or safe email addresses to help a spam filter determine whether it should allow delivery.

Click below to learn ho to whitelist an email address or domain
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/email-whitelist

Under “My Permits” or "My Plans", go to the IN drop down field, select the drop-down arrow and Specified Range. Select the specified range start and end date, select the magnify glass to re-filter the list of permits.

Log in to the ePermit Center. In the upper right hand corner, select your username and "Saved Work" from the drop down menu.  Select "My Drafts" and then the blue resume button to continue where you left off.

The status of a permit can be found be selecting "Search" on the black menu bar and entering the record number in the search bar. The search results will show the permit status. Or the user can log into their account, select "My Work" on the black menu bar, select the record category, search or select the blue record number. Once the record opens, the record status will be listed in the light blue box. 

If the address is not found, enter only the street number and the street name without the street type, unit number, or pre- post directional. ex. 220 Main instead of 220 South Main Street. If your address is still not found, skip the location step, and include the address in the description box. 

Log in to the ePermit Center.

In the upper right-hand corner, select your username and select "Saved Work" from the drop-down menu. Select "My Drafts" and then the blue resume button to continue where you left off. 

Applications can be found on the right-hand side of the webpage here: Licensing/Registrations | Harford County, MD (harfordcountymd.gov) Trade Renewal Applications can also be found on the ePermit Center on the black menu bar under “Documents,” under Renewal Forms. 

You may renew your registration/license online using the ePermit Center by clicking the link here:  https://epermitcenter.harfordcountymd.gov/energov_prod/selfservice#/home    

If you have not already done so, you will need to create an online user account through the ePermit Center to be able to renew online. You can do that by clicking on the same link provided above. 

• Registration application    
• Certificate of Insurance that lists the correct Board as the certificate holder 
• Copy of your Maryland State issued Master License 
• Copy of your Driver’s License 

If you are renewing your Limited Electrical License, in addition to the documentation above, you are also required to submit a certificate for five hours of continued education. Online classes are accepted for the five hours of continued education.  

New applications need to be submitted directly to the Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits at 220 S. Main St., Bel Air, MD 21014They may be mailed, overnighted, or dropped off to the office for processing. Once the application has been processed and payment received, the registration/license will be mailed via regular mail.

You will need to add the correct Harford County Board (Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing) with the address of 220 S. Main St., Bel Air, MD 21014. 

Log in to your ePermit center account, select "My Work", select "My Permits", select the blue permit number, select the "Inspections" tab. Under Request Inspections, check the "Action" box for the inspection type needed. Select the blue "Request Inspection" button. Select the requested date, add comments, or gate codes and select submit. 

Follow the instructions above and in the comments type, picture inspection with photos attached. Within the record, select the "Attachments" tab, drag, and drop your pictures over the blue add attachment box and select submit.  

If the inspection date is grayed out, the inspection max has been met for that day. Select another date or call the Harford County Permit Center at 410-638-3122

Inspections are conducted Monday-Friday 8 am to 3:30 pm.

On the ePermit Center, select "Today's Inspections" on the black menu bar. Search for your permit record number. The inspector's name and phone number will be listed. Two-hour time frames may be provided by the inspector on the MORNING of the inspection between 7:00 - 7:30 am.

A green check will appear on the screen after you request an inspection. Once the inspection has been scheduled by department staff, you will receive confirmation email. 

To cancel a requested inspection that has NOT been scheduled, select "My Work", select "My Permits", select the permit number. Once the permit record is open, select the "Inspections" tab and select the blue "Cancel Inspection" button on the right. A cancel inspection pop up box will appear and select yes or no. A confirmation pop up box will confirm your inspection has been canceled.

Once a requested inspection has been scheduled, a customer cannot cancel or change the requested inspection date in the ePermit Center. Please call the Harford County Permit Center at 410-638-3122.