Comprehensive Plan

The 2009 Comprehensive Plan (Plan) is a master long-range plan intended to guide the growth and development of Westminster. The Plan includes inventory and analytic sections leading to recommendations for the community's land use, economic development, housing, transportation, community facilities, water resources, urban design and resource allocation: all related to the community's goals and objectives.

About the Adopted Plan

The City of Westminster Plan was adopted on September 28, 2009. The Plan is a document that can be used as an everyday tool for the City of Westminster administration. The public, local officials and city staff can refer to the Plan to not only better understand the community vision for the future but to also understand how planning can facilitate creating that vision.

The Plan embraces the principles of Smart Growth, and the State of Maryland’s 12 state planning visions, to serve as guidelines for future growth and development. The plan also gives recognition to Westminster’s partners in State, County and local organizations and agencies. As a small city, Westminster depends on these partnerships to build a sustainable and vibrant community.

Mid-Cycle Review of the Adopted Plan


Pursuant to State Law, municipal Planning and Zoning Commissions are required to review their comprehensive plans on a ten-year basis to determine if changes may be needed. In 2017, the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission (“Commission”) reviewed the Plan. The final report, which can be found below from the Commission, suggests the recommended priorities for City action during the second half of the 20-year planning cycle. The letter also mentions Commission approval of the Growth Tier Map and associated plan text which explains the addition of this map. This map and associated text was approved by the Mayor and Common Council on January 28, 2019 by Resolution 19-02, and subsequently the Plan was updated. 


December 14, 2017 letter to the Honorable Mayor and Common Council of Westminster

2009 Comprehensive Plan

Title Pages

  1. 2009 Comprehensive Plan Credits, Table of Contents and Summary

Chapter 1

  1. Chapter 1 - Introduction

Chapter 2

  1. Chapter 2 - Public Participation and Neighborhood Planning
  2. Map 2.1 - Neighborhood Planning Areas

Chapter 3

  1. Chapter 3 - Population and Demographics

Chapter 4

  1. Chapter 4 - Municipal Growth
  2. Map 4.1 - Buildable Land
  3. Map 4.2 - Lot Yield on Buildable Land
  4. Map 4.3 - Growth Area Boundary
  5. Map 4.4 - Annexable Land
  6. Map 4.5 - County Zoning

Chapter 5

  1. Chapter 5 - Land Use
  2. Map 5.1 - 2009 Land Use Plan
  3. Map 5.2 - Existing Use of Land
  4. Map 5.3 - 2004 Land Use Plan
  5. Map 5.4 - 2008 City Zoning Map
  6. Map 5.5 Growth Tiers map

Chapter 6

  1. Chapter 6 - Environmental Resources and Protection
  2. Map 6.1 - Protected Environmental Features
  3. Map 6.2 - Open Space

Chapter 7

  1. Chapter 7 - Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization
  2. Map 7.1 - Housing Types
  3. Map 7.2 - Priority Funding Area

Chapter 8

  1. Chapter 8 - Community Character and Design
  2. Map 8.1 - Historic Districts and Sites

Chapter 9

  1. Chapter 9 - Economic Development
  2. Map 9.1 - Major Shopping Centers

Chapter 10

  1. Chapter 10 - Tourism and Culture

Chapter 11

  1. Chapter 11 - Water Resources
  2. Map 11.1 - Watersheds
  3. Map 11.2 - Land Use by Watershed
  4. Map 11.3 - Water Service Area
  5. Map 11.4 - Sewer Service Area

Chapter 12

  1. Chapter 12 - Transportation
  2. Map 12.1 - Roads and Highways
  3. Map 12.2 - Major Road Systems
  4. Map 12.3 - Pedestrian Accommodations
  5. Map 12.4 - Carroll Area Transit System

Chapter 13

  1. Chapter 13 - Community Facilities and Public Services
  2. Map 13.1 - Community Facilities

Chapter 14

  1. Chapter 14 - Interjurisdictional Coordination

Chapter 15

  1. Chapter 15 - Implementation

Full Document

  1. 2009 Comprehensive Plan 050919