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Bel Air commissioners debate raising mixed‑use commercial threshold, tighten 'design excellence' language in ordinance 839‑25
Summary
Commissioners discussed amending ordinance 839‑25 to allow up to 40% non‑commercial floor area for mixed‑use centers if applicants demonstrate design excellence; staff proposed clarifying the standard and giving the Planning Commission authority to require public improvements be completed before occupancy.
Bel Air commissioners discussed proposed amendments to ordinance 839‑25 at a February work session, focusing on whether to let mixed‑use projects fall to 40% commercial area (up from 35%) when applicants demonstrate “excellence of design.” The board also debated clarifying what “excellence of design” means and whether the Planning Commission may require public improvements before issuance of building or use and occupancy permits.
Commissioner Taylor and Commissioner Chismar both expressed support for leaving the optional threshold at 40% as a useful allowance for developers who…
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