As reported today in the Baltimore Sun, after two years of work, the Harford County Council unanimously approved (7-0) last night an overhaul of its decades-old zoning code.

Real Esate Opportunity >>Harford is bracing for BRAC, which is expected to bring about 20,000 new jobs to Harford by 2011.

More than $1.3 Billion Dollars in federal money is expected to be spent on infrastructure improvements in the county. The estimated influx of 40,000 people will require new schools, roads, housing and other related infrastructure improvements. Surely all of this will reshape the county. 

Hopefully, BRAC — with the federal government behind the expansion move – will provide a much needed stimulus to the Maryland development community, especially in these turbulent financial times.

Lots of devil in the detail >> The nearly 800-page code, which included 159 amendments, was revised to help the county get a handle on rapid development, including the growth expected as a result of the military base realignment and closure process (BRAC).

It is expected that the new zoning code – the first major revision in Hartford County in nearly 25 years — will enable the county to protect farmland as well as key water sources.

Beware Developers>> One key change  will allow the county for the first time to impose civil penalties for zoning violations.

Tags: BRAC, Hartford County

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