CZMP 2012 Timeline
Comprehensive Zoning Map
Process 2012
Every four years, as required by the Baltimore County Code, the County Council Reviews and revises the County's zoning maps.
Filing Periods (September 1, 2011 – November 30, 2011)
The Baltimore County Code provides that, during the Open Filing Period (September 1-October 14), any person, association, corporation, county agency or other entity may, upon payment of the specified fee, file a petition for a zoning reclassification on any property in the county. Certain information must be filed with the petition, all of, which becomes a matter of public record identified by an Issue Number.
Between October 3 and October 31, additional Issues can be raised, but only by members of the Baltimore County Planning Board or the Planning Director. Between November 1 and November 30, Issues can be raised only by members of the Baltimore County Council.
Log of Issues - Preliminary Recommendations (December 1, 2011 – February 29, 2012)
The Planning Staff analyzes each of the Issues raised during the filing periods. Summary data about each Issue, along with the preliminary staff recommendations, are published in the "Log of Issues." The Log of Issues and accompanying maps comprise a report to the Planning Board for the purpose of conducting public hearings in March 2012. Also during this period, notices are mailed to the owners of those properties, which are listed in the Log of Issues and to adjacent property owners. Signs are posted to announce the Issue Number and Planning Board public hearing.
Planning Board Public Hearings (March 1, 2012 – March 30, 2012)
The Baltimore County Planning Board schedules a public hearing in each Councilmanic District during the month of March. Testimony is limited to those Issues within the district for which the hearing is held.
Planning Board Review and Recommendations (April 3, 2012 – May 3, 2012)
At a series of work sessions, open to the public, the Planning Board reviews and discusses the various Issues. The Planning Board must formally adopt a recommendation on each Issue before May 4, 2012.
Transmittal Period (May 4, 2012 – May 31, 2012)
The Planning Board recommendations on each Issue must be transmitted to the Baltimore County Council within 20 days after the Board’s vote. A revised edition of the Log of Issues is published to reflect the Board's recommendations and to serve as the basis for the Council’s public hearings in June.
County Council Public Hearings (June 1, 2012 – June 29, 2012)
The County Council schedules a public hearing in each councilmanic district during the month of June. Testimony is limited to those Issues within the district for which the hearing is held.
County Council Review (July 2, 2012 – September 14, 2012)
The County Council has the sole authority to determine the final zoning on each property. The Council may accept, reject, or modify the recommendations of the Planning Board. These options include retaining the existing zoning or applying to a property any zoning or combination of zones.
County Council Decisions (September 2012)
The County Council vote on each Issue must occur before September 16, 2012.
Final Log and Maps (November 2012)
After the Council’s vote, the Department prepares the final official amended Zoning Maps and publishes the final edition of the Log of Issues containing all of the decisions of the County Council.
Contact Information
105 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 101
Towson, MD 21204
Phone: 410-887-3480
Revised June 6, 2011
