Joint Land Use Study

APG JLUS Overview

What is a Joint Land Use Study?

A Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) is a cooperative land use planning effort conducted as a joint venture between an active military installation, surrounding cities and counties, state and federal agencies, and other affected stakeholders. The APG JLUS is a compatibility planning study funded through a grant from the Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) and contributions by the local sponsor, Harford County.

What is Compatibility?

Compatibility, in relationship to military readiness, can be defined as the balance and/or compromise between community and military needs and interests. The goal of compatibility planning is to promote an environment where both entities can coexist successfully. Study area data on existing conditions obtained through field work and from the Executive Committee, Advisory Committee, and public workshops will be analyzed to identify current and future compatibility issues. This analysis will also identify the influence of regulatory measures on land use decisions and consider existing and projected development trends within the study area. A set of compatibility factors will be considered to evaluate the range of issues that influence land use compatibility. While all factors will be initially assessed, it is acknowledged that several of them may not exist within the APG JLUS area, yet all are identified below.

What are the Compatibility Factors?

These compatibility factors address the comprehensive approach undertaken to promote land use compatibility within proximity to APG. These factors are organized into three topical areas: man-made, natural resources, and competition for scarce resources.

APG Compatibility Factors

What are the JLUS Objectives?

The primary objective of a JLUS is to reduce potential conflicts between a military installation and surrounding areas while accommodating new growth and economic development, sustaining economic vitality, and protecting the general public's health and safety, without compromising the operational missions of the installation. JLUS programs have three core objectives:

UNDERSTANDING. Increase communication between the military, local jurisdictions, and stakeholders to promote an understanding of the strong economic and physical relationship between the installation and its neighbors.

COLLABORATION. Encourage cooperative land use and resource planning between APG and area stakeholders so that future development is compatible with the training and operational missions at the installation, while at the sametime seeking ways to reduce operational impacts on adjacent public and private lands.

ACTIONS. Develop and implement strategies and tools designed to address the compatibility issues identified during the JLUS process.

What will the APG JLUS address?

  • The APG JLUS will provide all stakeholders with:
  • A detailed land use assessment for areas in proximity to APG.
  • A baseline of existing incompatible land uses around the installation.
  • An assessment of regional growth trends along designated transportation corridors.
  • A plan to assist surrounding communities with the information needed to support future decision-making.
  • Recommendations and strategies to promote compatible land use planning in surrounding communities.

What are JLUS Recommendations?

JLUS recommendations may involve revisions to the communities' comprehensive plans and traditional land use and development controls, such as zoning, subdivision regulations, building codes, structural height restrictions, etc. Additional actions may include land exchanges, transfer of development rights, land conservation and preservation, and real estate disclosure.

Have past JLUSs been successful?

  • Previous JLUSs have shown a high success rate. The JLUS effort can directly benefit both the jurisdiction and the installation by:
  • Protecting the health and safety of residents living or working near military installations.
  • Preserving long-term land use compatibility between the installation and the surrounding community.
  • Promoting comprehensive community planning.
  • Encouraging a cooperative spirit between the local base command and local community officials.
  • Integrating the local jurisdictions' comprehensive plans with the installation's plans.