Master Planning
Bruce Seeley
410-887-3495
rseeley@baltimorecountymd.gov

The Baltimore County Charter requires a master plan be adopted or updated at least every ten years.  The master plan is an important document that provides policies and guidelines for sustaining livable communities and achieving balanced development in Baltimore County.

Baltimore County’s current master plan, Master Plan 2010, was adopted by the Baltimore County Council on February 22, 2000.  This document reflects the County’s continuing commitment to smart growth by directing future development to its designated

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Plan 2010

growth areas and preserving its rural areas for agriculture and resource conservation.  Baltimore County is also committed to the continual enhancement of its existing communities.  Renaissance Redevelopment and Green Renaissance are important implementation initiatives deriving from Master Plan 2010.

Smart Growth in Baltimore County
Baltimore County was one of the first jurisdictions in the country to implement smart growth policies. Beginning with its 1967 Master Plan, the County established its growth management philosophy of maintaining distinct urban and rural areas.

Master Plan 2010 Highlights
The vision of the Master Plan 2010 is to ensure a safe, prosperous, and diverse urban and rural community; promoting education and responsibility; spanning generations; and evoking pride in those who live and work in Baltimore County.

History of Master Planning
Each consecutive master plan adopted by the Baltimore County Council was built upon previous work.  The focus of earlier master plans was on growth management.  More recent plans, including Master Plan 2010, recognize that growth and land use issues are relevant to many other aspects of planning.

2010 Master Planning Process
Baltimore County Office of Planning works with a diversity of stakeholders such as citizens, elected officials, and business groups to prepare a master plan every ten years. 

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Revised March 25, 2008