Press Releases
LAND LESSONS- What is the Baltimore County URDL?
The Urban-Rural Demarcation Line (URDL) divides the county into 2 categories, “urban” and “rural”. This Urban Rural Demarcation Line shows where growth is encouraged and where land should remain farmland. After World War II, millions of young veterans returned to America anxious to marry and start their families. In Baltimore County in the late 1940s,…
LAND LESSONS- What are the differences between a site plan and a plot plan?
Plot Plans are scaled drawings that indicate the size, shape, and location of the lot as well as any improvements that have occurred. Most plot plans include the location of utility lines, trees, and fences. Plot plans are typically reserved for a smaller individual project – the construction of a single-family home, installation of a…
LAND LESSONS- Land Ownership
Your right to own property started in 1779 with the establishment of the Virginia Land Act. The area of land known as the American Colonies was established by the King of England and owned by degree under the feudal system. The king would issue land grants to noble men, or generals and these people would…
LAND LESSONS- What is the Maryland Agriculture Recapture Tax?
In an effort to promote the raising of livestock or the growing of agricultural outputs such as grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables, Maryland assesses land used for productive agriculture at a lower taxable value. This yields the tax on a farmer’s field in the hundreds of dollars rather than thousands of dollars compared if the…
LAND LESSONS- Phase One Environmental Site Assessment
What is a Phase One Environmental Site Assessment? You’re a developer searching for a great site for a residential community driving a road you seldom drive. You see water and sewer lines being installed, new homes under construction, as well as a new grocery-anchored shopping center. A mile down the road, you see a homemade “For…
LAND LESSONS- What is Lot Line Adjustment?
What is lot line adjustment? A lot line adjustment is the process that involves altering the property lines of existing parcels of land in order to create two or more properties with different legal property boundaries than before the adjustment. Depending on local regulations one may merge up to 4 adjoining parcels into one single…