Baltimore County Planning Department Launches CZMP Public Comment Application

March 23, 2020

Residents Can Provide Feedback on CZMP 2020 Rezoning Issues

The Baltimore County Department of Planning has launched a new application on its website to accept public comments on the Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP) 2020 rezoning issues. The application includes an interactive map with information about each issue broken down by council district.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on public gatherings, the in-person Planning Board public hearings were cancelled; however, the Planning Board will review all information and input collected and hold a live-streamed meeting on April 21, 2020 at 6 p.m.

During the meeting, which can be viewed and heard online by the public, the Planning Board chairman will summarize the comments and materials that were submitted for issues in each Council District.

Deadline for Comments

The comment period for both submitting written material and using the online application to make comments will end on April 10, 2020. Comments can be emailed to czmp2020@baltimorecountymd.gov, or mailed to:

Baltimore County Department of Planning
Attn: CZMP Coordinator
Jefferson Building
105 West Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 101
Towson, Maryland 21204

Planning Board Work Sessions

Beginning April 22, 2020 the Planning Board will begin holding the CZMP 2020 Planning Board work sessions. The work sessions will also be live-streamed. The Planning Board work sessions have always been open to the public for observation, but have never allowed public comment. Due to restrictions for public gatherings at the current time, the public will also not be allowed to attend the work sessions.

Actions Taken to Protect Against COVID-19

Baltimore County has taken a number of steps to protect employees and members of the public and minimize the spread of COVID-19, and to provide residents with necessary resources. Olszewski has issued an Emergency Declaration and taken the following actions:

  • Mandatory Employee Telework: Baltimore County has mandated telework for all employees who are able to do so.
  • Department of Recreation and Parks Providing Meals: The Department of Recreation and Parks will be offering limited meal distribution to children 18 and under through the Maryland Food Bank and Healthy Food Access St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore. The Department will offer the take-away meals from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Meals will be distributed on a first come first serve basis at the following locations:
    • Dundalk PAL Center, 15 Commerce Place, Dundalk, Maryland 21222
    • Mars Estates PAL Center, 1498 East Homberg Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21221
    • Shady Spring PAL Center, 8876 Goldenwood Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21237
    • Hillendale PAL Center, 1111 Halstead Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21234
    • Cockeysville PAL Center, 9836 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville, Maryland 21030
    • Scotts Branch PAL Center, 3651 Rolling Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21244
    • Winfield PAL Center, 8304 Carlson Lane, Baltimore, Maryland 21244
    • Woodmoor PAL Center, 7111 Croydon Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21207
  • Water Shutoffs Halted: County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Mayor Young announced that neither municipality will turn off water service for failure to pay.
  • Evictions Suspended: All evictions have been suspended for the duration of the state of emergency in the County.
  • Fast-tracking Alcohol Delivery for Bars and Restaurants: Expediting approvals to temporarily allow establishments to deliver alcoholic beverages to residents in Baltimore County.
  • Government Building Restrictions: Directed County government buildings to be available to the public through appointment only
  • Baltimore County Health Department Hotline: The Baltimore County Department of Health has a hotline for residents to call with questions or concerns about COVID-19: the number is 410-887-3816. The hotline is open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Extension of licenses and permits: County Executive Olszewski issued an executive order providing an extension of all County licenses, permits, registrations, and other authorizations until 30 days following the end of the local state of emergency. This applies to suspensions concerning payments of late fees owed to Baltimore County.
  • Baltimore County Public Libraries Closed: All Baltimore County Public Library branch locations are closed through Sunday March 29, 2020.
  • Baltimore County Senior Centers Closed: All Baltimore County Senior Centers will be closed to the public beginning until further notice. Seniors can call the Maryland Access Point hotline at 410-887-2594. Calls are answered by a team of Certified Information and Assistance Specialists (CIRS), Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
  • Department of Recreation and Parks Buildings Closed: All Department of Recreation and Parks buildings are closed to the public until further notice. County parks, trails and open space remain open to the public. All dog parks, playgrounds, skate parks, comfort stations and portable toilets are closed.
  • CCBC Classes Canceled: All in-person CCBC classes are canceled through Friday, March 22, and will resume remotely via alternative teaching methods starting Monday, March 23. Online classes will continue to be held as scheduled.
  • Suspension of County Travel: Suspending all County government-related travel through April 30, 2020.

The latest updates from the Baltimore County School System, including information on school meals, is available on the BCPS website.

All County residents are encouraged to take the proper precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including regular hand-washing and social distancing as appropriate. All residents, and particularly those at high risk, should follow CDC guidance.

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