Background
From the 2004 Master Plan introduction:
"The Harford County Master Plan, combined with the Land Use Element Plan, provides direction for
addressing future growth, revitalization, the provision of adequate public facilities, economic
development and the preservation and protection of natural resources, agricultural lands and historic
resources. It also incorporates the Visions of the 1992 Maryland Planning Act and Smart Growth
initiatives as part of its policy to maintain the high quality of life enjoyed by County residents."
Maryland Smart Growth land use planning requirements and guidance are now stronger, as is local interest in maintaining and enhancing our quality of life and preserving the environment. Every six years the county must review the plan for currency and adequacy against guidance and reality.
Work on the actual Master Plan will likely be delayed to avoid election cycle impacts this year. However, the process is underway:
- Release of the Natural Resources Element Plan, approved by the County Council in October 2009. See the P&Z briefing on the Natural Resources Element Plan given to the Council on September 8.
- Now we have the Transportation Element Plan -2010, developed by Planning and Zoning, amended and approved by the County Council.
Friends of Harford Perspective
Friends of Harford believes all community areas in Harford County (12 in the current plan) need to have broad participation in the Master Plan development. Only two or three participated last cycle. The other community plans were written by government staff. It is time for you to get involved to help determine what the county and your community will strive to be in the future. See the 2004 Master Plan and the Community Area plans in the references below.
Published Plans, Reports and Links
- 2004 Master Plan and Land Use Element Plan Our current approved document. For your convenience the individual Community Area plans included within it are provided below:
- Community Council Area Map This map defines each of the 12 community areas which follow.
- Greater Aberdeen - Greater Havre de Grace Community Area
- Abingdon - Riverside - Emmorton Community Area
- Greater Bel Air Community Area
- Churchville - Creswell Community Area
- Dublin - Darlington Community Area
- Edgewood Community Area
- Fallston Community Area
- Forest Hill Community Area
- Jarrettsville Community Area
- Joppa - Joppatowne Community Area
- Norrisville Community Area
- Whiteford - Cardiff - Pylesville - Street Community Area
- Priority Preservation Area Plan, Jan 2009. This is an element of our Master Plan by 2006 state legislation.
- The Water Resources Element: Planning for Water Supply and Wastewater and Stormwater Management, Guidline from MDP. By 2006 state legislation this element is a required part of our Master Plan by 1 Oct 09.
- Maryland Department of Planning Smart Growth Reports, Models and Guidelines.
- Harford County 2004 Land Use Map
- Harford Priority Funding Areas Map