Bel Air to consider expanding required distance between cannabis dispensaries; public hearing set for June 30

The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners on June 16 received Ordinance No. 8-42-25, which would amend Town Code chapter 165, article 7 (performance standards and guidelines) to revise minimum distances between cannabis dispensaries. The board voted to receive the ordinance and scheduled a public hearing for June 30 at 5:15 p.m. at Town Hall.

“Senate law 2 15 was passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed into a law by the governor on 04/22/2025,” said Mister Small, staff member, while explaining the state changes that prompted the town’s ordinance. Mister Small said one change allows municipalities to increase the required separation between dispensaries from 1,000 feet to up to one-half mile under state law, and that municipalities must adopt the increased distance by July 1, 2025 or be subject to the state standard. He said town staff recommended adopting a 1.5‑mile distance to avoid clustering of dispensaries and unequal neighborhood impacts.

Mister Small recommended that the board receive Ordinance No. 8-42-25 and set a public hearing. The motion to receive the ordinance was made by Commissioner Chismar and seconded; the board voted Aye (Commissioners Rutledge, Chismar, Taylor, Chance and Chair Eddy). The board announced the June 30 public hearing at 5:15 p.m. at Bel Air Town Hall for the ordinance.

The ordinance as presented would amend section 165-53(h)(2)(a)(1)(d) relating specifically to cannabis business separation distances and references state legislative changes; the record shows staff will present the ordinance for public comment and return to the board after the hearing.