In July 2006 the Lower Back River Neck Community began the process to update the current community plan. This waterfront community, like many others in the region, is experiencing growth and development pressure, which threatens to alter the rural character of the area. As part of the community plan update, this September, residents and business owners were encouraged to participate in a project to review the peninsula's current zoning regulations. The focus of this project is to explore the issues of architectural compatibility, rural character, and environmental impact on the Lower Back River Neck peninsula. The desired outcome is a new coastal zoning code that is tailored to the community’s unique character. A planning process, called a charrette, was used to bring all property owners together to develop a new or alternate zoning code. The charrette was held over five consecutive days, including one weekend.
In response to the community’s desire to study the zoning regulations, Baltimore County applied for and was awarded a grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for this project. The grant funding was used to hire a consultant team, specialized in the development of zoning regulations that are tailored to the unique character of the community. They lead the community through the process to revise zoning regulations in the study area. The funding for the grant was provided to the Department of Natural Resources by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Additional resources, including helpful maps, presentations and reports will be posted as they become available.
If you would like to become involved in this project or you would like additional information please e-mail Laurie Hay at lhay@baltimorecountymd.gov or contact Laurie Hay, 6th District Community Planner or Amy Mantay, Community Design Team Coordinator at 410-887-3480. Revised June 19, 2009 | 
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