Publications and Maps

Maps

Listed below are different methods in which the maps and Geographic Information System (GIS) data can be accessed.

PDF Map Library

View and download important planning-related maps in the PDF Map Library.

Online Interactive Map

• The My Neighborhood interactive mapping tool depicts zoning, historic districts, bikeways, commercial revitalization areas and land development for Baltimore County.
• Explore the Baltimore County Historic Preservation Map to locate historic structures, County historic districts and more.
• Take A Tour of Baltimore County Historic Districts and learn about the cultural and historic resources of each district.
• Learn about the Baltimore County Historic District of Relay and how the town developed along the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad beginning in the 1830s.
• The Turner Station Community Exploration Trail highlights the rich history of Turner Station. This map can be used as a self-guided walking tour to discover historic sites in the community, as well as recreational amenities.
• Baltimore County is a national leader in land preservation. The County now has over 64,000 acres of protected farmland, waterfront, stream valleys and natural lands. Learn more about these preserved easements from the Baltimore County Land Preservation interactive map.
• The Bicycle Facilities Map allows bicyclists to find more information about existing, planned and future bicycle improvements.
• The Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP) 2020 Issue Review Map shows the location of issues filed for CZMP 2020. Each Issue has an existing zone and a requested zone. As the issue moves through the CZMP timeline, more information will be available.
• The 2020 CZMP dashboard monitors, tracks, and assesses the zoning issue request data for the 2020 CZMP. This tool can be used to view zoning statistics of all areas in the County that are impacted by a zoning issue request. The statistics can be shown at the Countywide level, Councilmanic District level or by Issue.

Get GIS Data

Baltimore County provides access to GIS data and maps through the GIS Open Data Portal.

Publications and Research

Find publications and research reports for:

• Zoning
• Plans
• Historic Preservation
• Development Regulations and Guidelines
• Demographic Trends and Characteristics

Zoning

• A Citizen's Guide to Planning and Zoning—A guide created to assist in developing a basic understanding of the various processes and documents related to zoning.
• CZMP Countywide Log of Issues—A log of zoning requests and actions taken during the Comprehensive Zoning Map Processes.

Plans

• Master Plan 2020—The master plan provides policies and guidelines for sustaining livable communities and achieving balanced development in Baltimore County. It is updated every ten years.
• Adopted Community Plans—A community plan is a public document which contains specific proposals for future land uses and public improvements in a given community.
• Baltimore County Pedestrian and Bicycle Access Plan—An action plan for improving pedestrian and bicycling facilities in Baltimore County

Historic Preservation

The Historic Preservation Design Guidelines were developed to be a resource for citizens who are interested in rehabilitating historic homes. Design guidelines (PDF) for historic preservation were adopted by the Landmarks Preservation Commission and approved by the Director of Planning on November 25, 2011 in accordance with Article 3, Title 7 of the Baltimore County Code for inclusion in the Code of Baltimore County Regulations.

Other publications have been created on various historic topics for Baltimore County.

Development Regulations and Guidelines

• Baltimore County Landscape Manual (PDF)—This manual provides guidelines for landscape elements in development.
• Complete Streets Guidelines (PDF)—These guidelines apply to development inside the Urban-Rural Demarcation Line, and promote accessibility by all users of the County's transportation system.
• Comprehensive Manual of Development Policies—This manual provides guidelines to encourage developmental design excellence.
• Design Review Panel Commercial Review Handbook with Application (PDF)—This handbook describes the Commercial DRP review process and includes an application for requesting a DRP review.
• Design Review Panel Residential Review Handbook with Application (PDF)—This handbook describes the Residential DRP review process and includes an application for requesting a DRP review.
• Downtown Towson District 2016 (PDF)—These guidelines apply to development within Downtown Towson.
• Manual of Regulations, Section 260 (PDF)—This manual provides guidelines for buildings proposed in major development.
• Pikesville Commercial Revitalization Guidelines (PDF)—These guidelines provide a higher level of detail than the existing Comprehensive Manual of Development Policies for the Pikesville area.

Demographic Trends and Characteristics

• Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance, Schools (APFO)—The annual APFO report indicates overcrowded school districts per the County Code. The Department of Planning performs a school impact analysis for each proposed development project to determine whether there is a school construction or adjacent spare capacity to accommodate the overcrowded school. 
• Baltimore County 2019 Annual Growth Report (PDF)—A report that tracks development-related changes having occurred in Baltimore County in the 2019 calendar year. It proves that the changes are consistent with the County’s growth policies and land use goals.
• Quarterly Subdivision Reports—These reports summarize approved plans and building permits for residential and non-residential development in Baltimore County. To receive notification when each new edition of the report is available, subscribe to the Quarterly Subdivision Report email list.
  • Quarterly Subdivision Report, January 1 through March 31, 2021 (PDF)
  • Quarterly Subdivision Report, October 1 through December 31, 2020 (PDF)
  • Quarterly Subdivision Report, July 1 through September 30, 2020 (PDF)
  • Quarterly Subdivision Report, April 1 through June 30, 2020 (PDF)
• Residential Development Capacity Study—A report that calculated the potential number of residential units that could be constructed under the existing zoning regulations in the urban area of the County.

More Information

For more information on Demographic Trends and Characteristics, contact Jen Meacham, Chief of Research, Analysis and Design at 410-887-3521 or jmeacham@baltimorecountymd.gov.