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Bel Air commissioners receive ordinance to tighten mixed-use center rules; public hearing set for March 3
Summary
The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners on Feb. 3 voted to receive Ordinance No. 8-39-25, which would revise Chapter 165 of the Bel Air Town Code to set performance standards and update permitted-use tables for mixed-use centers.
The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners on Feb. 3 voted to receive Ordinance No. 8-39-25, a proposed amendment to Chapter 165 of the Bel Air Town Code that would revise performance standards, definitions and the permitted-use tables for properties designated as mixed-use centers.
Director of Planning and Development Small told the board the change would require applicants for mixed-use developments to show a minimum percentage between residential and commercial uses based on the property’s underlying land-use designation in the comprehensive plan, so the majority use would reflect the comp plan intent. Staff recommended the ordinance be received and scheduled for further public hearing and deliberation.
The measure would amend Article 7 (Development and Performance Standards), Article 14 (Definitions) and Attachment 1 (Permitted Use Tables) in Chapter 165 to clarify how mixed-use allocations are calculated and to reduce ambiguity in the permitted-use table for churches. Small said the revisions are intended to let applicants propose adjustments where the project demonstrates compliance with the plan’s intent and exceeds minimum standards, rather than relying solely on hard numerical limits.
Public comment was not offered specifically on this ordinance at the Feb. 3 meeting. The board indicated a public hearing is likely to be scheduled March 3.
The board voted to receive the ordinance for further consideration. Commissioner Chismar moved to receive Ordinance 8-39-25; Commissioner Taylor seconded. The vote was recorded as: Commissioner Rutledge — aye; Commissioner Chismar — aye; Commissioner Taylor — aye; Commissioner Chance — aye; Chair (Mayor Edding) — aye. The motion to receive the ordinance passed unanimously.
Staff and commissioners emphasized that receiving the ordinance does not enact the changes; it places the measure on the path for public hearing and possible amendment before final passage. Small said changes were made after prior work sessions to address concerns and reduce confusion in the permitted-use tables.
The item will return for public hearing and additional board consideration on the schedule to be published by town staff.
