The Real Deal - Spring 2021 Issue
Date: June 2, 2021
By:
John B. Gontrum
Formation of Baltimore County Master Plan 2030 Has Begun
The creation of Baltimore County’s next Master Plan, Master Plan 2030, is underway. Anyone with an interest in land development and planned growth in Baltimore County should take notice. The Baltimore County Charter requires a Master Plan be adopted at least every ten years. The current Baltimore County Master Plan 2020 was adopted in late 2010. County Executive Olszewski announced last month that Master Plan 2030 will be built around 3 principles: equity, sustainability and vibrant communities.
Two weeks ago, the County held “kick off meetings” to gather input from citizens, intended to aid the County in refining the goals for the Master Plan. As outlined on the County’s Master Plan website (Plan Document | MasterPlan2030 (arcgis.com)), additional public engagement is set to take place this summer and fall. Thus, now is the time for everyone to get involved and voice their thoughts on how the County should look, where development should go. The Master Plan website includes the process timeline, census data, links to surveys, and a “Join” button allowing anyone to register to receive updates and be notified of engagement opportunities.
The County Code Section 32-2-202 and prior Master Plans have all stated that the Master Plan is a "guide" to the development of the county. State law (Article 66B of the Annotated Code of Maryland) requires local jurisdictions to review, and if necessary, amend or revise master plans and describes twelve "visions" which local jurisdictions are required to implement through the adopted master plan. Following the controversial Trail v. Terrapin Run, LLC, 403 Md. 523, 943 A.2d 1192 (2008) case, Section 1.02 of Article 66B was adopted. Thus the law now requires "consistency" with a master plan when reviewing a special exception, or adopting zoning and development ordinances and regulations. "Consistency" includes development patterns, land uses, and densities or intensities. From this legal framework therefore, the Master Plan is intended to play a role in shaping development.
A draft of the County’s Master Plan 2030 is expected to be released late this year, with the final version set to be adopted by the County Council in 2022. We look forward to seeing the process unfold and encourage everyone to stay informed and get involved. Master Plan 2030 is a tool, even being the guide that it is, to shape development and create a better Baltimore County for all.
The information contained here is not intended to provide legal advice or opinion and should not be acted upon without consulting an attorney. Counsel should not be selected based on advertising materials, and we recommend that you conduct further investigation when seeking legal representation.