Bel Air moves to receive zoning tweak to allow backyard sheds on corner lots

The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners on July 21 received Ordinance 8 45-25, a proposed amendment to Town Code Chapter 165, Article 10, revising accessory-use rules to allow sheds to be sited behind the rear façade of a dwelling on corner lots so long as they are set at least 6 feet off the right-of-way. The board unanimously voted to receive the ordinance and scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 18.

Commissioners and planning staff said the change responds to practical difficulties faced by owners of corner lots, where two front yards constrain where a shed may be placed. "This would allow a shed to be constructed behind the rear facade of the house … provided that it is 6 feet set off from the right of way," a commissioner said. Planning staff added that the amendment creates consistency between rules that permit a 6-foot rear fence and the siting of sheds, while preserving the Planning Department’s ability to require a visibility survey if a shed creates a public-view obstruction.

Staff discussed the definition of "shed" and what the code means by "permanent" storage facilities. Planning staff said they prefer to see sheds set on some durable base (slab, pavers, or equivalent) rather than simply placed on grass so the structure remains in a fixed location; building permits and additional review remain required for structures exceeding 200 square feet. The Planning Department will continue to review shed permit applications and determine whether additional approvals (for example, a DPW review for larger structures) are needed.

The vote to receive the ordinance was recorded as unanimous. No public comments were offered on this item during the meeting.