Baltimore County's Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP)
"The CZMP takes place every four years on a schedule specified in the County Code. Any citizen or organization may request a zoning change on any property in the County. The permitted use for a property is determined by its zoning classification. Changing the zoning classification on a property may change the permitted uses and the intensity of those uses. The potential for land use changes makes it important to be an active participant in the CZMP process."
Although it seems that we just finished with CZMP 2008, NCP is starting to plan for CZMP 2012. We hope that more of the essential information will be placed on the County's GIS web site (see our questions for the cnadidates), but NCP is committed to providing a solid base of information for those who wish to evaluate potential or submitted rezoning issues.
NCP's Material for CZMP 2008
In anticipation of the Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP) in 2008, the North County Preservation issued reports summarizing research about the environmental and quality of life issues which zoning decisions impact. Some of those studies are available below. We also produced a Geographic Information System (GIS) showing numerous environmental factors in relation to the requested rezonings and provided detailed information about specific issues, which are available here. This information helped Baltimore County residents assess proposed zoning changes in terms of their environmental and quality of life impacts.
Color Baltimore County Green Through CZMP
Color Baltimore County green!! Every four years, preservationists can identify strategic properties to be downzoned to protect our natural environment. Time is of the essence!!
CZMP and Native Brook Trout in Baltimore County
Native brook trout are disappearing from streams in Baltimore County. This is a problem not only for sports fishermen, but this indicator species shows that the County’s streams are suffering from the effects of development. Like canaries in a mine, suffering brook trout indicate that water quality has deteriorated and that the other species depending on the same habitat are also suffering. This report identifies the possible impact of zoning changes in the upcoming CZMP on brook trout.
Zoning to Enhance Maryland's Green Infrastructure
In support of the 2008 Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP), the North County Preservation issued reports summarizing research about the environmental and quality of life issues which zoning decisions impact. These reports, in conjunction with North County Preservation's CZMP Geographic Information System (GIS), helped Baltimore County residents assess proposed zoning changes in terms of their environmental and quality of life impacts. This report concerns the Maryland Green Infrastructure, as identified by Maryland's Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Act Now to Preserve Baltimore County Property
Read Guidelines For Participating In The Comprehensive Zoning Map Process by Mary Corddry, Editor of the Sierran published by the Baltimore Sierra Club.