Liberty Road Design Review Panel Designation and Design Guidelines

Commercial land serves the shopping and service needs of residents along the Liberty Road corridor and has the potential to contribute to a strong sense of neighborhood identity. Thoughtful design components reinforce the positive identity of a community’s commercial core and contribute to neighborhood character. As recommended in both the Liberty Road Study (2019), as well as the Northwest Gateways Sustainable Community Action Plan (PDF), the Department of Planning along with an advisory committee of community stakeholders are beginning the process of designating Liberty Road as a Design Review Panel (DRP) area. This process will also include the creation of design review guidelines, which will be used to address some of the common challenges related to design along commercial corridors.

Focus Area

Select the image above to view a detailed map of the
Liberty Road focus area (PDF).

The project will begin with a focus on specific land use, such as shopping centers. The focus area is the Liberty Road central node, which runs from Interstate 695 approximately to Greens Lane (see map below). The project will require additional phases for addressing other types of land uses and other areas of Liberty Road. The design elements will focus on architecture, signage, landscaping and streetscape.

Goals

The goal of this effort is to address some of the most common challenges related to design along commercial corridors. The areas that provide opportunities for attaining high-quality design include:

1. New commercial developments
2. Rehabilitation of vacant or dilapidated commercial properties
3. Alterations and renovations of existing commercial buildings
4. Additions to existing commercial buildings
5. Commercial properties requesting a zoning petition

Survey

Baltimore County conducted a survey to gather input about perceptions, aspirations and vision for the Liberty Road study area. The survey was open to the community between October 18 and October 30, 2020. A record number of 531 participants completed the survey. Learn more about the survey results (PDF).

Timeline

See a complete timeline and the list of partners for the Liberty Road DRP designation and design guidelines.

Meetings

Staff Contact

If you have any questions or concerns, contact:

Ngone Seye Diop
Western Sector Lead Planner
Phone: 410-887-3480
Email: nseyediop@baltimorecountymd.gov