Annapolis Workgroup addresses impacts of maritime zoning on small businesses

The Annapolis City Government convened on April 4, 2025, to discuss the implications of the 2021 ordinance O25.1 on small maritime businesses in the city. The meeting featured presentations from members of the Annapolis Small Maritime Business Workgroup, including Hope Stewart, the small minority business enterprise liaison, and Seth Lehner from Hornpoint Harbor.

The workgroup was established to assess how the ordinance affects small maritime operations, particularly focusing on small marinas within the Waterfront Maritime Enterprise (WME) zone. After several meetings, the group identified that the ordinance disproportionately impacts these smaller businesses, leading to a series of recommendations aimed at easing restrictions and promoting growth.

Lehner presented findings that highlighted the challenges faced by small maritime businesses under the current zoning regulations. He noted that many parcels in the WME zone are significantly smaller than the 20,000 square feet required for certain business expansions, which limits their ability to adapt and thrive. The workgroup proposed reducing the minimum square footage requirement for certain uses from 20,000 to 5,000 square feet, allowing more businesses to qualify for expansion.

The discussion also touched on the need for clearer definitions regarding water access and parking requirements. Current regulations mandate that maritime businesses provide a substantial number of parking spaces, which is often impractical given the size of the parcels. The workgroup suggested replacing the rigid parking requirements with more flexible options, such as incentives for providing electric vehicle charging stations.

Another significant point raised was the potential for increased dining options at waterfront locations, which could attract more visitors and enhance community engagement. The workgroup emphasized that outdoor dining areas could benefit both local businesses and residents.

Throughout the meeting, council members expressed support for the workgroup's recommendations, acknowledging the outdated nature of some zoning regulations and the need for a more cohesive approach to maritime zoning in Annapolis. The discussions underscored a collective desire to foster a thriving maritime economy while balancing the interests of local residents.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to revise zoning laws to better accommodate small maritime businesses in Annapolis. The workgroup's recommendations aim to create a more equitable environment for these businesses, ensuring their sustainability and growth in the face of evolving economic challenges. Further discussions and potential revisions to the ordinance are expected in upcoming council meetings.