Planning Board Hearing on the FY2014

For your convenience, I have uploaded a .tiff of the recent letter sent out by the Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning, which announces the Planning Board Hearing on the FY2014 Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Program and provides a list of new and substantially modified capital projects. The Hearing is scheduled for February 7, 2013.

Comprehensive Rezoning Deadline is 12/14/12

From Howard County's Department of Planning and Zoning:

Deadline Fast Approaching for Comprehensive Rezoning Proposals

The Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) is accepting proposals for zoning map and regulation amendments through December 14, 2012.  Any property owner may request a zoning map change on their property.  For example, if a property is zoned for residential use, but the owner of that property wants the property zoned for business use, a request may be submitted.  Requests for zoning regulation changes, also known as text changes, may be made by anyone.  Until December 14, 2012, proposals for both types of zoning changes should be made via the official request forms, which can be found on the County’s website (www.howardcountymd.gov/compzoning). 
The 2012 Comprehensive Rezoning effort will include the following steps:

1.    DPZ accepts requests for zoning map and regulation changes

2.    DPZ compiles and evaluates all requests

3.    DPZ submits recommended changes to Planning Board and posts all properties

4.    Planning Board conducts a public hearing on recommendations

5.    Planning Board submits recommended actions to the Administration and County Council

6.    The Administration’s revised proposal is introduced as legislation to the County Council for its consideration

7.    County Council holds a public hearing

8.    County Council votes on recommendations

For general information and questions about the comprehensive rezoning process, residents may submit specific inquiries via email at compzoning@howardcountymd.gov and/or contact the County’s information line at 410-313-0500. 

What is a General Plan and what is PlanHoward 2030?

The Howard County General Plan is the County’s overriding vision for land use and land conservation, development, transportation, public facilities, water, sewerage, parkland, housing, human services, and environmental protection. The General Plan looks forward about 20 years and serves as a guide to zoning, development, building and land planning in the County.  Virtually any zoning or development change must be in harmony with the General Plan.

 “PlanHoward 2030” (the tag name for the most recent General Plan) is the latest major update of the 2000 Howard County General Plan. The General Plan is the result of many months of study and participation by many residents, experts, community groups and the Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning. The plan was adopted by the County Council during its July 2012 legislative session and became effective on October 8, 2012. Go to http://www.planhoward.org to see the entire text of PlanHoward2030.