Md. Code, Local Government § 21–522

(a) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, Harford

County may exercise the authority granted under this subtitle only in a designated

growth area as defined in the county Master Plan and Land Use Element Plan.

(2) Harford County may not exercise the authority granted under

this subtitle in any rural village.

(b) In Harford County, a special taxing district may be established only by

a law enacted by the governing body of the county.

(c) At a public hearing on a bill establishing a special taxing district, the

governing body of Harford County may consider elements of a proposed development

that would receive the proceeds of bonds, including:

(1) development design standards;

(2) the use of transfer of development rights or other methods of

achieving density of development;

(3) design and use of open space; and

(4) availability and design of recreational and educational facilities.

(d) A law enacted by Harford County establishing a special taxing district

shall require that adequate debt service reserve funds be maintained.

(e) Notwithstanding § 21–503(c) of this subtitle, before Harford County may

establish a special taxing district, all of the owners of real property in the proposed

special taxing district shall petition the county to establish the special taxing district.