Frequently Asked Questions

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Plans for proposed subdivisions are submitted to the Department of Planning and Zoning for review by all involved agencies. Subdivision includes any division of land except for agricultural purposes. Subdivision of more than 5 residential lots and development of institutional and commercial sites are reviewed by the Development Advisory Committee (DAC). When all written comments have been received and issues resolved, a Preliminary Plan Approval (the creation of new lots) and/or Site Plan Approval (for new/change/expansion in use) is granted by the Department of Planning and Zoning. A final plat (surveyed description of the new lots) is circulated for signatures and recorded in the Harford County Court House. Detailed construction plans for water, sewer, roads, stormwater management, and sediment and erosion control are submitted to the County for final design review. Building Permit applications may be made after the final plat is recorded and a Public Works Agreement is executed and a bond posted to ensure that the public roads are constructed and accepted by the County.

The Harford County Zoning Code requires a preliminary subdivision plan, prepared by a licensed land surveyor, to be reviewed and approved by the Harford County Department of Planning and Zoning. Once approved, a final plat is prepared for review, approval and recordation. Application for a building permit can not be made until final plats have been recorded. If a lot is created for a member of the immediate family, the lot must be deeded to the family member prior to application for a building permit.

Development in the agricultural district is based on the size of parcels as they existed on February 8, 1977. A minimum size parcel which may be divided is 11 acres. The density factor is one lot for each 10 acres. If you have more than 11 acres and less than 30, you may divide a parcel into two lots. In addition, lots may be created for members of the immediate family for owners as of February 8, 1977. Any new lot created shall be a minimum of 2 net acres unless the lot is located in a Agricultural Preservation District or developed under Conservation Development Standards. Lots existing in the Agricultural District which were created prior to February 8, 1977 may be as small as one-half acre. Any undeveloped parcel legally created prior to February 8, 1977 which can meet required standards for well and septic are recognized as buildable lots.

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A waiver from DAC may be granted for minor changes or additions to nonresidential uses. An application form must be completed and two copies of a site plan submitted with the proposal. Final approval will then be made with the building permit application. The application form can be filled in and printed from this site or you can obtain a copy in the Planning and Zoning Office.

This type of development is allowed in the Agricultural and Rural Residential Districts. Lots are created in a concentrated area on lots of .75 acres to 2 acres with a minimum parcel size of 35 acres. The density remains the same - in Agricultural - 1 lot for every 10 acres; in Rural Residential - 1 lot for every 2 acres.