Harford Comprehensive Zoning Review Public Input Meetings Scheduled

The Harford County Department of Planning and Zoning along with the Planning Advisory Board (PAB) will host two public input meetings in November to gather citizens’ feedback on comprehensive zoning review applications received by the department. The PAB, a five-member appointed citizen group, is responsible for reviewing each zoning application and providing a recommendation to the County Council, in addition to the department’s recommendation.

The meetings will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the following locations:
Monday, November 4 – Aberdeen High School
Monday, November 18 – Bel Air High School

Representatives from the Department of Planning and Zoning will be available before each meeting, starting at 6 p.m., to answer questions about the comprehensive zoning review process and assist attendees with locating zoning issues on a county map.

Zoning determines permitted property uses including agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial classifications. As required by the Harford County Code, a comprehensive zoning review occurs every eight years, allowing property owners to request changes to their property’s existing zoning designation. The Department of Planning and Zoning received 66 applications for zoning changes during the 60-day application period which started in June. Each application is
reviewed by the department to ensure the owner’s request is consistent with the county’s land use plan. Recommendations will then be forwarded to the county executive for review before final submission to the County Council, anticipated in March 2025. The County Council will then hold public hearings before voting on each property under consideration.

Attendees who wish to speak during the events must sign up prior to the start of the meeting. Each meeting will begin promptly at 7 p.m. with an introduction from Shane Grimm, Director of Planning and Zoning. Citizens will have three minutes to address the PAB, those representing groups will be given five minutes to speak. Members of the PAB are present to listen to citizen feedback and will not respond to questions during the meetings. Written comments may also be submitted at each meeting.

Complete information about Harford County’s 2024/2025 Comprehensive Zoning Review, including FAQs outlining the process can be found at https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/2001/2025-Comprehensive-Zoning-Review. Citizens with questions may also call 410-638-3136, or email comprehensivezoning@harfordcountymd.gov.