County zoning code revisions highlighted

Harford County (Map, News) - Harford County officials unveiled points of its newly revised zoning codes Monday, some overhauled and some let untouched.

The 25-member work group reviewing the already updated codes met for the first time for orientation, where Director of Planning and Zoning Pete Gutwald summarized the new code.

The group will meet 18 times in the next 10 months, usually the first and third Mondays of every month, to make sure the new codes follow the county’s overarching zoning policies, which were updated in 2004.

A main objective is to simplify the codes, which have not been comprehensively revised in 25 years, Gutwald said. Six main sections have been condensed to two, he said.

“Zoning code changes are always a trying time. They affect everybody,” said Steve Roy of Geosyntec Consultants, which oversees the process.

Sign codes have been “completely revamped,” he said, reducing the size and number of signs permitted on property, Gutwald said.

The historic preservation codes specifically designate qualifying areas, and mixed-use guidelines, for both residential and retail development. They also have increased height limitations, Gutwald said.

A flood plan was not included in the new codes, however, because “we ran out of time, basically,” Gutwald said.

Each member received a 364-page binder of revised codes, but some were concerned that they did not get a copy of the former codes or a list of how each was changed.

“I think you need to be looking at the code as to whether it meets the requirements, not looking in the rearview mirror,” Gutwald said.

Landscaping is first on the group’s agenda July 16.

Meeting summaries, schedules, and the revised and former codes will be available on the county’s planning and zoning Web site.

When the group finishes its recommendations in 2008, two months will be taken in June and July for public input before codes are finalized into legislation and presented to the County Council in October 2008.

msilvestri@baltimoreexaminer.com

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