Image of a construction plan
Department of

Planning

The Department formulates policies, plans and regulations to guide the County’s growth and development for future generations.

Most Popular Services

2024 Comprehensive Zoning Map Process

Maps and Publications

Community Planning

Land Preservation

Development and Land Use

Historic Preservation

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

The Department of Planning implements programs and projects that strengthen existing communities, revitalize older commercial centers and preserve rural resources.

NEWS

  • Reimagine Security Square Mall: Next Steps—The County has recently engaged Redgate Real Estate Advisors, an experienced advisory firm, to assist in guiding the next steps of the Reimagine Security Square Mall Project. Redgate’s plan is to move the project forward by recommending to the county a plan to achieve the goals of the Reimagine Security Square Mall plan by developing and managing a solicitation process to identify and engage development partners in the redevelopment of the Mall. Additionally, Redgate is working with Baltimore County to develop and carry out a process and plan for activating the site prior to any redevelopment. This will be done through a four phases process and it is important to note that Redgate was not hired to do any design work.

  • Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP)—The 2024 CZMP began on September 1, 2023 and concluded on August 27, 2024. County Council final decisions are now available on the Log of Issues.

  • Maryland Sustainable Communities Renewal—The Sustainable Communities designation must be renewed every five years. These renewal applications provide an opportunity for local governments to involve the community in developing a five-year vision for their area, to outline new strategies and set new priorities. The following designations are currently being pursued:

  • Small Area Plans—The Small Area Plans will build on the work of previously adopted community plans, Sustainable Community Area Plans,  as well as build on the themes and goals of Master Plan 2030. The Master Plan establishes policies for guiding decisions relating to future development, resource management and protection, and provision of public services in the County. As part of the Master Plan, a Future Land Use Map (Place Type map) is adopted that shows land use in broad terms, as a basis for guiding future land use and zoning. The Master Plan and the Place Type Map serve as the overall policy guide for developing the Small Area Plans. The Small Area Plans are intended to provide area-specific recommendations for achieving and refining the goals of the Master Plan.  

  • Formulation has begun of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for fiscal year (FY) 2026 through FY 2031. The Citizen Input Meeting (CIM) is an in-person Planning Board meeting scheduled for citizens to comment on priorities for the upcoming years. The CIM will be held on Thursday, October 17 at 5 p.m.

REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS OR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

View a list of existing associations within the County, or complete the online form to receive notifications regarding community issues, development proposals and upcoming studies, events and input meetings.