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Planning Board schedules June 18 hearing on proposed growth‑tier change for 4122 Sweet Air Road
Summary
The Baltimore County Planning Board set an in‑person public hearing for June 18, 2026 on a request to change 4122 Sweet Air Road from growth tier 4 to tier 3, which would allow a major residential subdivision on individual septic systems. Staff outlined state growth‑tier rules and next steps.
The Baltimore County Planning Board on June 4 introduced a request to reclassify 4122 Sweet Air Road in the Baldwin area from growth tier 4 to tier 3 and set an in‑person public hearing for June 18, 2026 at 5 p.m. to take public comment.
Deputy Director Amy Manthey of the Department of Planning told the board the petitioner seeks the change “to enable a major residential subdivision to be developed on individual septic systems.” Manthey said the request would amend the county's adopted growth tier map and, if the board recommends the change, a resolution with the board's recommendation will be transmitted to the county council for its decision. If the council approves, the department will submit the amendment to the Maryland Department of Planning.
Manthey reviewed the statutory background, saying jurisdictions implemented growth tiers under the Maryland Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Act of 2012 and that tiers guide where development is concentrated and which wastewater and subdivision rules apply. She noted that, under local practice cited in the presentation, a tier 3 designation allows a major subdivision on septic (defined in the presentation as four or more residential units), while a tier 4 designation limits septic‑based development to a minor subdivision of three units or fewer.
After the presentation, a board member moved to set an in‑person public hearing on the request for Thursday, June 18 at 5 p.m.; another member seconded the motion and members voted in favor. Chair Scott Halukta reminded the public the hearing will be in person and cautioned that the start time “may be modified a little bit” depending on scheduling.
The board was told that Director Lafferty and a representative of the property owner are expected to present additional information at the public hearing. Members did not request further information at this meeting.
Next steps: public comment will be taken at the June 18 hearing, after which the board may make a recommendation to the county council, which holds the final decision authority on master plan amendments and growth tier map changes.
