The final version of Harford County's master plan for 2012 is before the County Council.
It was introduced during Tuesday's council meeting, and a public hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 7.
The plan would stretch the county's designated development area for the first time in 14 years. It would open up about 700 acres for residential development near Havre de Grace, pushing toward Aberdeen as well as push the development envelope in Fallston.
The Greater Fallston Association supported expanding development to several pockets along Routes 1 and 147, with some conditions.
The removal from the plan of several rural-residential areas in Fallston, Joppa, Jarrettsville and Forest Hill also got rave reviews, especially from the Fallston community. Rural residential development in Harford permits houses on lots of two acres without public water and sewer service, and many such lots have historically been subject to well and on-site sewage system problems after development occurs.
The last comment period on the plan ended Nov. 10. The planning and zoning department accepted feedback on its website, as well as during several public workshops.
The review by the County Council will cap off a process that began last year.