Residential (R) Zoning
Residential zoning plays a critical role in shaping the character, density, and long-term sustainability of communities across Harford County. These regulations determine how land can be used for housing, including what types of homes can be built, how densely areas can be developed, and how neighborhoods evolve over time.
Residential zoning refers to land use regulations that designate areas for housing. These zones often vary based on factors such as:
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Lot size and density (how many homes are allowed in a given area)
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Housing types (single-family homes, townhomes, multi-family units)
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Setbacks and building height (how structures are positioned on a property)
Together, these rules help guide growth while maintaining the character and livability of existing neighborhoods.
Zoning decisions directly impact:
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Neighborhood density and traffic
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School capacity and infrastructure needs
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Environmental resources and open space
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Property values and community character
Thoughtful residential zoning helps balance growth with preservation—ensuring that development aligns with the needs and values of the community.
R1
R1 is the lowest density urban residential zoning category. It normally allows 1.8 to 2 single family houses per acre. No Planned Residential Development or Housing for the Elderly is allowed. Special Exceptions (if approved) and Special Developments can expand the allowable housing type and density of what can be built. For example, Community Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are allowed, with a density of 25 dwellings per acre with four-story buildings (such as the EvaMar development).
R2
R2 allows 3.5 to 4.5 dwellings per acre, but Housing for the Elderly bumps this up to 7 dwellings per acre. As in R1, CCRCs with 25 dwellings per acre are also allowed and Special Developments with an NRD bump up can have more types of housing.
R3
R3 generally allows between 5 and 7 houses per acre. Most types of housing are allowed, with limits on overall height. Housing for the Elderly increases to 13 dwellings per acre, and CCRC increases to 30 dwellings per acre. Special Developments, Planned Residential Developments may also increase the number of units allowed.
R4
R4 allows the most intense residential development, with 8 to 10 units permited per acre. More intense use such as high rise apartments are allowed with special development approvals. Housing for the Elderly and CCRCs are the same as B3. There are few R4 areas in the County.
Residential Office (RO)
“This district provides for the conversion of residential structures to other uses and construction of small retail, service and office buildings in predominantly residential areas on sites that, because of adjacent commercial activity, heavy commercial traffic or other similar factors, are no longer suitable for only those uses allowable in residential districts. The district regulations ensure that the buildings and uses are compatible with, provide a transition from and are in harmony with the present or prospective uses of nearby residential property.”
Residential office zoning is in a few finite areas along Route 22, Red Pump Road and Rt 924. Currenly about 30 individual properties are designated RO.
Priority Preservation Area
The Rural Residential Zoning designation is no longer applied to new or re-zoned properties in Harford County. However, many existing properties are still zoned RR. Rural Residential zoning, as well as VR and AG zoned properties, can all be recipients of the Transfer of Development Rights.
“This district is intended to acknowledge and protect existing concentrations of residential development, provide limited opportunities for low-density residential uses where not in conflict with agricultural activities, protect the open character of the land and restrict piecemeal development in areas where public services are not reasonably anticipated.”
