Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Bel Air adopts new mixed‑use and density rules after months of debate
Summary
On March 3 the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners approved two ordinances tightening mixed‑use composition and overall density limits downtown and in other zoning districts after a lengthy public hearing and several amendments.
The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners on March 3 approved two changes to the town's development code, adopting Ordinance 8-39-25 to refine mixed‑use center rules and Ordinance 8-40-25 to set density limits. The votes followed a public hearing that generated more than two hours of testimony from business owners, developers and residents.
The ordinances amend Chapter 165 of the Bel Air Town Code. Ordinance 8-39-25 adds language giving the planning commission new authority to require public improvements before occupancy permits and modifies the mixed‑use threshold language; the board amended the draft to set a 40% guideline tied to the underlying land‑use designation for certain mixed‑use projects. Ordinance 8-40-25 establishes density limits in multiple zoning districts and updates lot requirement tables and related code text.
Supporters who testified said the changes provide regulatory clarity and help sustain downtown businesses by guiding where residential and commercial uses…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
