Bruce Seeley, Coordinator
410-887-3480
masterplan@baltimorecountymd.gov
The Office of Planning is amending the county’s Master Plan 2010. The plan was adopted on February 22, 2000, and is slated for its decennial review and amendment. The plan will be amended in sections, beginning with the Rural Areas portion. Other sections will be revised over the next year and a half. Notices will be published regarding all future amendments. The Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed amendment to the “Rural County” chapter in Master Plan 2010. The Hearing is scheduled as follows: Thursday, November 5, 2009, 5 p.m.
The Jefferson Building, Room 104
105 West Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, Maryland 21204 Written comments may be sent to Arnold F. ‘Pat’ Keller, III, Secretary to the Board, Office of Planning, 105 W. Chesapeake Ave., Suite 101, Towson, MD 21204. Copies of the proposed amendment (PDF) are available at the Office of Planning. Persons needing special accommodations for disabilities should call 410-887-3495, or 711, at least two days before the hearing. The document, entitled “Master Plan Amendment: "Rural Areas” is the culmination of many months of work by the Office of Planning and the Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management, with input from the Departments of Public Works, Recreation and Parks and Fire. Most importantly, comments (PDF) from community members were received at four Public Input Meetings held in the spring 2009. Many suggested revisions and issues raised by citizens were incorporated into the document. After the Public Hearing at the Planning Board, all comments will be considered, revisions made, and the document will proceed to the County Council for further proceedings and adoption. For additional information, contact the Office of Planning.  | Matt D'Amico, of the Design Collective, offers one vision as to where Baltimore County will grow in the next few decades. The presentation, "Commercial Corridor Redevelopment," (PDF) was the subject of a seminar held on May 18, 2009, at the Sheppard Pratt Conference Center. |
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Download Rural
Areas Amendment (PDF)
 Download Master
Plan 2010
| | | What Is The Master Plan?The Master Plan is a composite of maps and written proposals setting forth comprehensive objectives, policies, and actions to serve as a guide for the development of the county. The following is Baltimore County’s “vision” for the future. Vision statement of Master Plan 2020: Create and maintain safe and sustainable communities to achieve a sensible balance
of economy, equity, and environment for people to reside, work, pursue careers,
raise families, and enjoy the amenities in Baltimore County, Maryland.
How Does The Master Plan Affect Me?Implementation of the plan’s objectives will influence the way the county is developed over the next ten years and beyond. Baltimore County has adopted five plans since 1972, with each plan building on the successes of the previous plans. The broad goals of protecting the environment, preserving agriculture, and ensuring a safe place in which to live with good civic design, will continue with each new plan. Furthermore, the county will continue working very hard to preserve and protect existing communities. What Changes Are Proposed?In the first phase, the Rural Areas plan will be updated, to comply with a new regulation adopted by the State of Maryland. This legislation, entitled The Agricultural Stewardship Act of 2006, essentially requires an evaluation of the land preservation programs at any time the plan is amended, and monitoring of new developments in the rural areas. Since Baltimore County continues to be a leader in preserving farms, there are no major changes. For more information on House Bill 2, visit the Maryland Department of Planning web site. In the next phase, a “water resources element” (WRE) will be added, also in compliance with State regulation, known as House Bill 1141. To protect the quality and quantity of all water resources in our area (public drinking water supplies, well water, stormwater, sewer outfalls and septic discharges), we must analyze the existing and future impacts of development. Strategies to reduce pollutant levels are being examined, and a plan selected which will reduce pollutant levels. These analyses will be completed in early summer 2009. For more information on the WRE, visit the Maryland Department of Planning web site. The Office of Planning, in partnership with the Departments of Environmental Protection and Resource Management and Public Works, are working on a proposal for redevelopment of existing commercial properties in need of rehabilitation, with an emphasis on mixed use (commercial and residential), walkable, and transit-oriented sustainable development. This type of development will be able to accommodate our growing population, protect our existing neighborhoods, and preserve and enhance the natural environment. The proposed amendment will be scheduled for public input meetings in fall 2009. How Can I Get Involved?The Office of Planning wants citizens to participate in the public process. The success of this project depends on comments and suggestions from all “stakeholders,” especially the residents of our community. You may attend the Public Input Meetings to present your issues and ask questions, send written comments by regular mail or by e-mail to the addresses below. Also, please visit our web site for more information. Your participation in this process is encouraged and appreciated. On the Web: http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/planning/masterplanning/index.html Comments may be sent to masterplan@baltimorecountymd.gov or by mail to Baltimore County Office of Planning
The Jefferson Building
105 W. Chesapeake Ave., Suite 101
Towson, Maryland 21204
Attention: Bruce Seeley  (Need PDF help?)
Revised November 3, 2009
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