BMZA grants third extension for West Belvedere medical facility parking variance

The Baltimore Municipal Zoning Appeals board on May 20 approved a 12‑month extension for a previously granted off‑street parking variance for a medical facility at 3323 West Belvedere Avenue.

The board approved the extension after staff said the project had obtained a building permit, grading permit and a grant and “now have sufficient funding to begin work” but will not start construction until fall, prompting the request for another 12 months. Becky Witt, executive director of the BMZA, explained that the variance relates to space for 49 parking spots and that the building expansion increased the parking requirement because of added square footage and staff.

Board members voted in favor of the extension with five yes votes. Several board members noted this was the third extension and cautioned the applicant that the board typically becomes reluctant to grant additional extensions after two or three. One member said the board would “let them know” this may be the last extension. Witt also told the board the mayor signed a bill on May 1 extending appealants’ deadline from one year to two years, a change she said may reduce future extension requests.

The extension allows the applicant additional time to begin construction while the board’s prior variance for off‑street parking stays in effect for the term of the extension. No new conditions or amendments to the original variance were recorded at the meeting.

The board’s written resolution documenting the extension will be prepared and mailed to the parties once drafted.