Carroll County Government | Carroll County, Maryland

Comprehensive Planning

Carroll County Economic Development & Land Use Study

The Study will look at where in the County growth should occur by analyzing the County’s current infrastructure, land uses, and zoning patterns. The resulting information from the Study will provide baseline information that will be used to draft land use and economic development recommendations during the overall drafting of the upcoming Plan.

Patapsco Regional Greenway

The Patapsco Regional Greenway (PRG) Concept Plan and Implementation Matrix identifies and prioritizes a shared-use path system along the Patapsco Valley between Sykesville and the Inner Harbor of Baltimore.

Finksburg Facade Improvement Program

The FIP offers an incentive dollar amount of up to 50% of the total cost of facade renovation in return for the owners’ 50% or greater investment in facade improvements. The maximum matching grant contribution by the program is $10,000, and the minimum matching grant contribution is $500.

Transportation Master Plan

The objective of this Plan will follow the goal set forth by the 2014 Carroll County Master Plan, which states, “Provide a safe and functional intra-County transportation system that promotes access and mobility for people and goods through a variety of transportation modes.”

Water & Sewer Master Plan

The purpose of the Water and Sewer Master Plan is to further the health and welfare of citizens residing or working in Carroll County through the orderly development and expansion of adequate water and sewer systems.

Comprehensive Planning at a Glance, 2024

The Bureau of Comprehensive Planning is responsible for developing and implementing the County Master Plan and supporting documents as envisioned by the citizens of Carroll County. Functions within the Bureau are designed to ensure County projects and programs conform with the County Master Plan, that current and long-range planning serves to implement the Plan, and that land use and policy decisions are in accordance with the Plan. These activities include water and sewer master planning, coordination with the incorporated municipalities within the County, and transportation planning.

The Bureau additionally provides support for the meetings and activities of the Planning and Zoning Commission which is the appointed Board responsible for County compliance with the Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission are coordinated by the Director of the Department of Planning & Land Management, who is Secretary to the Commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission provides subject matter knowledge related to proposed legislative changes to land use codes, provides guidance in the development of comprehensive planning documents, and evaluates consistency of development projects with the tenets of the County Master Plan.”