PERRY HALL, MD—Baltimore County Councilman David Marks has initiated zoning changes to protect the rural character of Perry Hall Manor and eastern Perry Hall near Interstate-95.

Under the proposal, the land east of Schroeder Avenue currently zoned DR 2 (two houses per acre) would drop to DR 1 (one house per acre). This is the lowest zoning permitted in the urban part of the county.

“The Perry Hall Manor neighborhood should continue to retain its rural character, and we appreciate Councilman Marks initiating this change,” commented Mario Borgerding, president of the Citizens to Preserve Perry Hall Manor. The organization’s board voted unanimously to support the change.

Similarly, land in eastern Perry Hall near Interstate-95 at Forge Road would drop from DR 2 to DR 1.

Councilman Marks downzoned thousands of acres in the Fifth District in 2012 and 2016 to lighten school overcrowding and preserve green space.

“With these steps, we will limit infill development and help preserve the rural feel in two relatively undeveloped areas of Perry Hall,” said Councilman Marks.

Public hearings are scheduled on the zoning changes in the spring and summer, with a vote by the Baltimore County Council in August.