Planning and Zoning FAQs

  1. How to apply for a building permit?
  2. Where do I get the building permit application and what information is required?
  3. How and what can I apply for via the ePermit Center?
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  1. How many acres do I need to be eligible for the agricultural preservation program?
  2. What is the agricultural land preservation program?
  3. What are some of the benefits of putting a farm in the agricultural preservation program?
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  1. What is the critical area, and can I build there?
  2. I am placing a shed and/or pool in my backyard. Is there anything that I need to do to comply with the critical area program?
  3. I have dead trees in my backyard that are right next to the water. Can I remove them? How about the healthy trees that block my view?
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  1. What are the fees for construction?
  2. What are the steps involved in Harford County's Development Process?
  3. What is the process to create buildable lots?
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  1. What are the steps involved in Harford County's Development Process?
  2. What is a Community Input Meeting?
  3. What is the Development Advisory Committee DAC?
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  1. What is the Natural Resource District and how will it affect my property?
  2. How can I determine if an area is NRD?
  3. How far from a stream may I build and why are stream buffers necessary?
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  1. What is the Natural Resource District, and how will it affect my property?
  2. How can i determine if an area is a Natural Resource District?
  3. How far from a stream may I build and why are stream buffers necessary?
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  1. What is a floodplain? How does the floodplain affect my property?
  2. My home is located in a floodplain area. What are Harford County’s regulations regarding development or redevelopment in the floodplain?
  3. I was told that I need an elevation certificate. What is that form and who is qualified to complete the elevation certificate?
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  1. What are the benefits of a Harford County Historic Landmark designation?
  2. Can my property be a Harford County Historic Landmark?
  3. How does a property become a designated County Historic Landmark?
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  1. What is the purpose of the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program?
  2. Where can development rights be transferred from (sending areas)?
  3. How many development rights can be transferred?
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  1. How can I find out if I live within a Water Source Protection District?
  2. What are community and nontransient-noncommunity water systems?
  3. My property is within a nontransient noncommunity water system district. Are there impervious surface restrictions on my property?
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  1. How can I find out the zoning and permitted uses on my property?
  2. What are the zoning classifications?
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  1. I don't agree with a decision on a permit or interpretation of a regulation made by a County agency. Is there a way I can appeal this decision?
  2. When is a building permit/zoning certificate needed?
  3. How long does it take to receive an approved permit?
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  1. What are some typical residential zoning violations?
  2. What are some typical commercial zoning violations?
  3. What conditions do not constitute zoning violations?
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