Planning staff provided the Baltimore County Planning Board an overview of recently introduced County Council legislation at the Oct. 16 meeting, summarizing bills that address zoning, historic-preservation procedures, solar facilities, and proposed charter changes.

The staff update listed multiple bills by number and purpose, including: Bill 44-25 (requiring a use permit for commercial film production in residential zones and posting of notices), Bill 48-25 (prohibiting solar facilities on prime farmland in RC zones), Bill 49-25 (proposing creation of a Department of Agriculture in the County Charter) and Bill 50-25 (establishing an Inspector General Appointment Board in the County Charter). For both charter bills, staff said the charter amendments would be submitted to Baltimore County voters at the Nov. 3, 2026 general election if advanced by the council.

Other bills described in the staff report would clarify prohibited uses in an MD 43 overlay (Bill 45-25); revise procedures for demolition permits and give the Landmarks Preservation Commission limited authority to delay demolition while the council considers designation (Bill 52-25); create an interim process for council members to correct zoning map errors from the comprehensive zoning map process (Bill 54-25); revise councilmanic districts to expand from seven to nine districts beginning with the 2026 election (Bill 55-25); establish targeted revitalization tax credits (Bill 61-25); and address security staffing at hookah and vapor lounges (Bill 62-25). Resolutions noted included an amendment to the Towson Commercial Revitalization District (Resolution 45-25) and a resolution endorsing the designation of Pikesville as a sustainable community (Resolution 46-25).

Staff prefaced the list by noting the breadth of items: “This one's a doozy too,” and then read summaries of the bills and resolutions. The presentation was informational; the board did not take action on the individual bills at the meeting. Several items described will proceed through the council process or to voter referendum if required by the County Charter.