About the VPC
The Valleys Planning Council (VPC) is a non-profit corporation established in 1962. Its mission is to conserve land and resources, preserve historic character and maintain the rural feel and land uses in the valleys. The organization is supported by over 500 member families, many whom have been members since the beginning. The work of the VPC is guided by a 40-member board and 10-member executive committee, as well as an executive director, executive assistant and easement specialists.
The VPC territory includes 130 square miles in northwest Baltimore County. The framework for its approach to strategic and managed growth was established in The Plan for the Valleys, a nationally acclaimed land use study prepared by Wallace and McHarg in the early 1960s. Key tenets of the plan that still guide the organization’s work today include:
- Limit the provision of public water and sewer service
- Develop conservation zoning to protect agricultural land and rural areas
- Limit development on valley floors and steep slopes
- Provide for long-term viability of farming
- Facilitate and promote conservation easements
- Protect forests, streams and aquifers
The VPC maintains an office in the heart of Towson at 118 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, directly across of the old courthouse that houses the county executive and county council offices.
The VPC serves as the “eyes and ears” of the valleys — carefully watching over the existing and proposed land uses to ensure that the beautiful landscape and bountiful resources of the area are used in the most wise and efficient manner. You can help by keeping your eyes and ears open and letting us know of activities or proposals in the offing that may need to be evaluated or addressed.
The VPC in Greater Detail
The VPC works to maintain the integrity of the land use controls and environmental regulations that are in place, and when necessary, works to improve and enforce them.
Learn more.Land Use Planning
Land use planning generally involves an analysis of a landscape, including its hydrology, geology, and soils, and, based on that analysis, provides a blueprint for conservation and development. Land conservation/preservation is generally accomplished by good planning that results in effective zoning and easements.
Learn more.Land Preservation
As part of the VPC’s efforts and interest in land use and growth management, it is concerned with land conservation as well as preservation of historic sites and rural character. These concerns generally fall under the preservation umbrella.
Learn more.Mission
Conserving open space; protecting Baltimore County’s agricultural, natural, historic and scenic resources; and working to promote a balanced and rational use of the land for the benefit of present and future generations.
Learn more.Leadership
The VPC has a board composed of up to 40 members, a 10-member executive committee, and a two-person staff.
Learn more.News Center
The VPC has a long and rich history, which has often been recorded in news articles and press releases. Historical news items, current news items, online news and VPC press releases are now being made available online.
Learn more.Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions regarding the purview and function of the VPC.
Learn more.Contact
Reach the VPC via mail, phone or online.
Learn more.
