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Bel Air commissioners discuss Harford County study of adequate public facilities, seek more data
Summary
Commissioners discussed an ongoing Harford County study of Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) rules, particularly school capacity and a possible county change from a 110% standard. They asked for the county study and local capacity numbers before deciding whether to act.
At the March 17 meeting, the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners discussed a Harford County review of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO), focusing on school‑capacity standards and whether the county may lower its 110 percent standard.
Commissioner Chismar reported the town had been contacted by Harford County representatives and said the county council is completing a study of the APFO to determine whether changes are needed. Commissioner Chismar said the county’s legislative aide, Samantha Harris, described the contact as general and that municipalities were invited to discuss the APFO study.
Commissioners said they would like to see the county’s draft or final study before taking a position. “We might need to hear more from them about what they're planning before we can make any sort of a decision on how we feel about it,” Chair Eddington said. Commissioner Taylor added that town staff had been asked questions by the county’s consultant and that the town should review the most recent capacity numbers (December) before deciding whether to alter its own APFO policy.
Commissioner Taylor also flagged a provision in state legislation discussed in Annapolis (referred to in the meeting as Senate Bill 840, the Jobs for Housing/Housing for Jobs bill) that, if adopted in the form discussed, would set a statewide standard and could return municipalities to a prior numerical threshold. “There was a provision in that state law that would cover everyone…the county and us, and it would set it to what we were before,” Taylor said; he added the bill had been referred to committee.
No formal action or vote was taken on the APFO at the meeting. Commissioners agreed to request the county study and to examine local school‑capacity figures before deciding whether to support or oppose changes.
Why it matters: Changes to APFO standards and school‑capacity thresholds affect development approvals and school planning in municipalities that overlap county school districts. Commissioners signaled caution and a desire for data before adjusting local policy.
