County Government Overview

Baltimore County, Maryland Government Homepage
The homepage of the Baltimore County Government.

County Agencies
Alphabetical listing of county agencies, with links to the individual agency's page within the government website. Includes brief descriptions of each agency's function and services offered.

Countywide Calendar of Meetings and Events
Hearings, government meetings, as well as special events held by government agencies.

Planning and Zoning

Baltimore County Department of Planning
Prepares the County Master Plan and local community plans, administers the zoning map process, and reviews development plans. Conducts research and administers County policy and regulations on historic preservation.

Baltimore County Zoning Regulations   Updated regularly
Gives specifics on how the County zoning law is to be implemented. The regulations can be very detailed. To stay up-to-date, be sure to review the recently enacted legislation impacting Baltimore County zoning law.

Comprehensive Zoning Map Process  (CZMP)
This process allows every parcel of land in the county to be reviewed for possible rezoning. Baltimore County has adopted "electronic zoning". Documentation of zoning changes and the official zoning maps have shifted from paper to electronic versions. Logs of CZMP issues are organized by Council District.

County Planning Board   Updated regularly
Updated regularly, has advisory role in making recommendations or decisions on the County Master Plan, Comprehensive Zoning Map Process, amendments to zoning and related regulations, area and special plans and other Master Plan amendments, planned unit developments, and developments that conflict with the Master Plan or that involve historic Landmarks.

My Neighborhood: Zoning   Updated regularly
Interested citizens can learn how land in their neighborhood is currently zoned. Reports are available for each zone, describing the intent of the zone and the uses permitted by right and special exception.

Zoning Review and Administrative Hearings   Updated regularly
Date and time of hearings, location and contact information. Download or print the decisions as well.

Community Planners by Councilmanic District
Each Councilmanic District was its own community planner. They provide valuable information about issues in your area.

Courts, Lawyers and Codes

Baltimore County Court System
Find out about both Circuit and District Courts, the State's Attorney's Office and the Orphans and Small Claims Court. Review what you need to know about Jury Duty. Review the Circuit Court's daily docket

County Codes, Laws and Regulations
Find the Baltimore County Code, Baltimore County Zoning Regulations, and other codes that impact building in your neighborhood.

Find Info: Law - Baltimore County Public Library
Find local, state, and national codes, laws, and regulations and more facts about our courts.

Lawyers and Legal Services
Use these links to find a lawyer, legal services for seniors, contact the Baltimore County Human Relations Commission, the County Bar Association.
 

County Executive

County Executive
The chief elected officer in Baltimore County government who administers the county government's daily operations.

Office of Community Outreach

Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz has created the Office of Community Outreach to ensure that the people of Baltimore County are heard. Four Special Assistants to the County Executive staff the office; each have been assigned a specific area of Baltimore County. The Special Assistants provide a direct connection between our communities and the County Executive. You will expect to see them at community meetings, chamber of commerce events, and a variety of functions across the County. They will often accompany County Executive Kamenetz when he is visiting your area. Find out who represents your community.

Public Schedule of the County Executive [PDF]  (Opens in new window)

County Council

County Council Overview
Each Council member page contains a brief biography, photo, Towson and district office addresses, phone, fax, e-mail, office hours, and other information. Click on the District list on the left to meet your reparesentatives and learn how to contact them.
 

County Council meeting dates, agenda, minutes.

County Council adopted legislation and pending bills being considered.

Finding your Local Officials Fast
Baltimore County Council members. Helpful map.

Community Development and Conservation

Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability
Information on ground water, watershed, wells and septic systems, and the environment, including forests and wetlands, stream banks, and other programs. Administers and enforces environmental laws, regulations, programs, and activities for the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural resources of the county and preserving and protecting the environmental health of its citizens.

Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections
Oversees the use and development of the land; reviews new development plans and necessary public improvements each project requires; checks against building and zoning codes.

Baltimore County Department of Planning
Working closely with citizens, elected officials and other government agencies to formulate policies, plans and regulations to guide future growth and to preserve and enhance existing communities. Coordinates programs, policies, and capital improvements projects in Community Conservation Areas.

Baltimore County Department of Public Works
For matters dealing with trash collection, water and sewer, traffic and roads.

Baltimore County Historical Trust
Offers historic preservation assistance. Provides grants to local applicants to assist with restoration, research, and educational projects.

Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission
Conducts public hearings and approves building changes for any historic structures on the Preliminary or Final Landmarks Lists and for all development within County Historic Districts.

Land Development Management Public Hearings and Meetings
by Baltimore County Permits, Approvals and Inspections
Public meetings and hearings related to land development proposals.

Planning Department Reports and Statistics  - Baltimore County Department of Planning
Provides research reports on growth trends in the County and Quarterly Subdivision Reports tracking and summarizing approved plans and building permits for residential and non-residential development in Baltimore County.

Emergency Preparedness

Baltimore County Cooling Centers
During the months of May-September, Baltimore County Senior Centers are open to the public Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM for relief from the heat. When a heat emergency has been declared by Baltimore County, specific Senior Centers below will open as “cooling centers” with extended hours until 8 PM.

Baltimore County Emergency Operations Plan
The County has an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) that it implements in times of crisis, including natural disasters and severe weather emergencies. The EOP is the basis for a coordinated response to any type of emergency or disaster that affects lives and property in Baltimore County. As such, it defines the roles and responsibilities of Baltimore County Government, private and volunteer organizations, State and Federal agencies within the county.

Baltimore County Warming Centers

Baltimore County has several “warming centers” available where you can get relief from the cold. Temporary, overnight shelters are also available seven days a week from mid-November through mid-April when temperatures reach 32 degrees or lower at the following two locations:

• Eastside Family Shelter - 9100 Franklin Square Drive, Baltimore, MD 21237

• Westside Men's Shelter - 55 Wade Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228

Dinner and breakfast are served at both. Call 410-853-3000 for more details about the overnight shelters.

Baltimore County Winter Storm Center
Gives information on all County services during winter storms, inclement weather closings, status of snow emergency plans and other updates as well as helpful cold weather health and safety precautions.

Baltimore County Winter Storm Operations - Snow Fighter Updates

Keep informed about when and how the roads wll be salted and plowed in your driving area.

Emergency Preparedness Begins With You - Baltimore County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Learn the most important steps to take when building a supply kit and a family plan. Sign up to receive emergency updates and other information from the Office of Emergency Management on the social networking tool, Twitter. Our twitter account is BACOemergency; visit http://twitter.com/BACOemergency to sign up. 

Elections, Voters and Voting Districts

Absentee Voting
Instructions and application to request an absentee ballot [ PDF ], for Maryland residents. Applications [ PDF ]and instructions [ PDF ] also available in Spanish. Application forms for absentee ballots are not available at Baltimore County Public libraries. (PDF opens in new window)

Baltimore County Board of Elections
List of filed candidates, election schedules, voter registration, election results, district maps, and a polling place locator. Also includes information about running for office.

Baltimore County Congressional, Legislative and Councilmanic Election Districts
These maps have more detail for all Baltimore County election districts. Use Zoom In tool to find out what streets are in each district. They can be downloaded and printed.

• Baltimore County Councilmanic boundaries map ( PDF) to become effective for the next election of Council members in 2014. (PDF opens in new window)

• Maryland Redistricting for Congressional and Legislative Districts. Interactive maps available. The new districts will be in place in time for the Congressional primary of 2012 and the State Legislative Election of 2014.

Baltimore County Election Results-Baltimore County Board of Elections
Baltimore County results from the 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 Primaries and 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010 General elections

Baltimore County Polling Place Locator, Where Do I Vote?
Use this tool to quickly find your Baltimore County polling place, your Councilmanic (for Baltimore County Council), Legislative (for Maryland General Assembly) and Congressional (for United States Congress) district numbers.

Casting Your Ballot in Baltimore County
Polling place hours and accessibility information for elderly and persons with disabilities, final date for requesting absentee ballots and for filing absentee ballots, and information on the Touch screen voting system. When is the next election and what offices are up for election?

Check Your Voter Registration
If you are a registered voter, you can use this site to verify your voter registration information including your Congressional and State Legislative Districts, your polling place location (including driving directions and a map), and view your sample ballot (as soon as it is available).

Early Voting in Maryland

Any registered voter can vote in person before the official election day at one of five locations designated for early voting in Baltimore County. Early voting takes place during a six day period prior to the official primary and general election day. Each early voting center is open continuously from 10 am to 8 pm each day except on Sundays, early voting centers will be open 12pm to 6pm.  

League of Women Voters of Baltimore County
Educates Baltimore County citizens about candidates and issues through forums, debates, candidate nights, printed Voter's Guides and an online Voters' Guide, conducts voter registration drives and can be contacted for various election information.

Maryland Election Districts
Maps of various districts including Commissioner, Congressional, Councilmanic and Legislative districts. Also includes information about independent agencies, committees, and commissions.

Maryland Voter Registration Application
Download Voter Registration Application in English or Spanish [ PDF ]. (Opens in new window)
Paper Voter Registration Applications (in English only) are available at all Baltimore County Public libraries.

Voter Registration in Baltimore County
Eligibility requirements, how and when to register, how to change party affiliation or name/address, etc. Voter registration applications (in English) are also available at all Baltimore County Public libraries. Download an online voter registration application form in English [ PDF ] or en Español [ PDF ] con instrucciones. (PDFs open in new window)

Voting for People with Disabilities or Inability to Read or Write English
If your polling place is not accessible, you may request reassignment to an accessible polling place or request an absentee ballot. You must make the request for reassignment no later than the close of registration for any election. Voting in Maryland voting  is accessible as described in this online brochure in English [ PDF ] and Spanish [ PDF ]. (PDFs open in new window)

Voting System in Maryland
Overview of Maryland's touch screen voting system, plus links to frequently asked questions.

Census and Government Statistics

American Community Survey: Get Data for Baltimore County - U.S. Census Bureau
An ongoing survey by the Bureau that updates data about Baltimore County. It is designed to provide communities with a fresh look at how they are changing between the decennial censuses. Its questionnaire will replace the decennial long form in future censuses.

The Bureau currently provides 2009 estimates for jurisdictions with a population over 65, 000 and estimates using 5 years of data collected from 2005 to 2009 and 2006-2010 for geographic areas with populations of 20,000 or more.

American FactFinder - U.S.Census Bureau
Gateway to United States, state, county, city, tract and block level figures from the 1990, 2000 and eventually the 2010 Census of Population and Housing, the latest Economic Census, and the American Community Survey which estimates how communities are changing annually.

Baltimore County Brief Economic Facts  Md. Department of Business and Economic Development. [PDF]  (Opens in new window)
Interested businesses and others who want to get an idea of what Baltimore County can offer will want to look at these current numbers and other information, such as available transportation, weekly and hourly wage rates, climate, major employers, recreation available and business land cost per acre and rental rates per square foot.

Baltimore County, Maryland Quick Facts - U.S. Census Bureau
Quick numbers about our County, including estimates of our current population.

Baltimore County Population and Social-Economic Figures - Maryland State Data Center
How has our County changed since 1970 and what  the experts think will be our future population, number of households, and labor force.
 

• Historic Census   Total population 1790 to 2000; Population by age and sex, 1970 to 2000.

• Projected 2010 to 2040 

Baltimore County Population and Business Statistics - Baltimore County Department of Economic Development and Baltimore County Public Library
Find statistics on  population, housing, income, employment, and Baltimore County Police Department's crime and traffic death figures.

Baltimore County Redistricting Process
Redistricting is conducted after each decennial census. The Baltimore County Charter requires redistricting of all Council districts after each decennial census so that the districts will be substantially equal in population.

Census 2010 Data for Maryland and Its Jurisdictions
Includes total population and total minority population, totals by race and Hispanic origin, total population age 18 and over, total occupied and vacant housing units for Maryland and for all counties. Single and multi race totals for Maryland counties are also available.

Census 2010 Demographic Profiles of Population and Housing Characteristics for Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Other Counties 
Provides details about race and Hispanic groups, age, sex, households by type and housing occupancy for Maryland and all counties down to census tract level   

Census Tract Street Locator- U.S. Census Bureau
Census tracts are usually the smallest geographical area you need for finding statistics about your neighborhood. Enter a street address and find out the census tract for that address. 2010 Baltimore County Census Tract map. [PDF] (Opens in new window)

County and Zip Code Business Patterns for Baltimore County - U.S. Census Bureau
Select a state and then county or enter a zip code. Find number of  businesses in a specific industry, yearly payroll, and employment figures.

Economic Development Demographics - Baltimore County Department of Economic Development
Provides housing, population, income and other business and demographic data.

Maryland State Data Center
An official partner with the U.S. Census Bureau, the State Data Center is a major source of statistics for Maryland and all its counties.  The Maryland Department of Planning monitors development trends, analyzes social, economic and other characteristics and prepares population, housing, employment, labor force, and income projections, which provide the baseline for planning for growth and development in the State.

Population, Income, Employment and Housing Statistics
BCinfobank created by Baltimore County Department of Economic Development and Baltimore County Public Library. Find housing, population, income, employment, and other demographic information as well as quality information about our county at BCinfobank