History of Master Planning
Baltimore County began its master planning in the 1960s and since has adopted six master plans. The purpose of the master plan is to guide the development of the County.
The 1967 Urban-Rural Demarcation Line (URDL) Concept
In 1967, the county developed the concept of delineating two distinct land management areas — the urban area and the rural area – to maximize the efficiency of county revenues on infrastructure in urban areas and preserve important natural and agricultural resources in rural areas. An urban-rural demarcation line (URDL) was established reflecting development of this concept.
The 1972 Plan
Developed in 1972, the 1980 Guide Plan for Baltimore County, Maryland was the first formal master plan adopted by the County. Responding to the phenomenal growth in population between 1960 and 1970, it addressed the growth needs projected for 1980. The plan’s philosophy was to accommodate growth and development in an orderly, environmentally sensitive manner with adequate open space.
The 1975 and 1979 Plans
The Baltimore County Comprehensive Plan 1975 and the Baltimore County Master Plan 1979-1990 reorganized land use and development planning into a comprehensive growth management program. The 1975 Plan instituted urban and rural zoning. In the 1979 Plan, the County designated two growth areas, Owings Mills and Perry Hall-White Marsh, for future development.
The 1989 Plan
The Baltimore County Master Plan 1989-2000 created specific management areas and policies that included growth areas, urban centers, community conservation areas, employment centers, and various rural management areas. Balancing growth areas and community conservation areas, enhancing the quality of development, and preserving farmland and resources were emphasized in the 1989 plan.
Master Plan 2010
Master Plan 2010 carried on principles of previous plans and integrated land use issues with social and economic factors. The plan endorsed planning policies that are consistent with Maryland’s Smart Growth and Priority Places initiatives.
Current Plan
On November 15, 2010, the County Council officially adopted Master Plan 2020. This plan continues the growth management concepts of previous master plans. It also encourages redevelopment of under-utilized commercial properties in the County’s urban areas with mixed-use, walkable communities. This will accommodate population growth and help further protect our natural resources.
