The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners on Aug. 18 voted to receive an ordinance that would add short‑term rentals to the town’s development regulations and allow them in business zoning districts pending a public hearing on Sept. 15.
Director Small told the board the town currently does not allow short‑term rentals (STRs) because the use is not listed in Part 2 of Chapter 165. The proposed ordinance would add definitions, a use category and performance standards, and place STRs in business districts B1, B2, B2A, B3, B3A and M1, according to staff.
Why it matters: The measure would formally permit STRs within specified commercial districts while leaving residential districts unchanged for now. Commissioners said they had extensive internal discussion and work sessions over months and opted to start with business districts as a measured approach.
Commissioner Rutledge said he strongly supported the bill’s initial rollout in business districts as “a step in the right direction” from a complete prohibition. Commissioner Chismar and Commissioner Taylor also commented that allowing STRs in business districts could serve as a market test for demand and possibly help attract a boutique hotel.
Resident Rob Keesling, of 11 East Howard Street, urged broader allowance, saying data from Airbnb showed an average host income and occupancy patterns; he told the board “Average number of bookings for each Airbnb on an annual basis, 25. Average length of stay, 4.5 days.”
The board voted to receive Ordinance 8‑46‑25; a public hearing and final vote are scheduled for the town meeting on Sept. 15.