The Town of Bel Air Planning Commission voted Dec. 4 to grant preliminary site-plan and special-development approval for an Auto Spa Express single-tunnel car wash proposed for 710 Baltimore Pike. The new 4,470-square-foot building will be set behind required setbacks, have a maximum height of 28 feet and replace an existing 16,256-square-foot commercial building formerly occupied by a Mazda dealership.

Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development Wakar Shah told the commission staff recommended approval conditioned on several follow-ups: clarify vehicular access between 708 and 710 Baltimore Pike; label and limit four employee parking stalls per shift; show directional and business signage (no more than 5 sq. ft. per sign); identify rooftop or on-site mechanical-equipment locations and screening; reconcile drive-aisle width and impervious-area concerns; provide floor-area breakdown between first floor and mezzanine; and address State Highway Administration traffic-impact recommendations including sidewalks along the Baltimore Pike frontage.

Applicant engineer Brandon Rao of Boller Engineering said the design provides ample vehicle queuing and circulation, describing three pay lanes and a single tunnel with an operational stacking plan. "We're providing an excess of 21 queuing spaces," Rao said, noting the code minimum and explaining the applicant's request to maintain a 30-foot drive aisle for better handling of larger vehicles. Chad Vaughn of WLR Automotive Group said the tunnel-sweep from tender to exit averages about three minutes.

On landscaping and frontage, staff cited Town of Bel Air code requiring trees along the 250 feet of Baltimore Pike frontage and recommended six major deciduous or eight minor deciduous trees; commissioners moved to require the larger-tree option and to replace the proposed English laurels with the species recommended by staff. The commission also asked the applicant to adjust the lighting plan to label Parking Lot 1 and Lot 2 so photometric calculations match the plan.

Commissioners discussed building materials and aesthetics. The applicant noted the arched awning is part of a prefabricated kit from the manufacturer and said the design will use earth tones and stone veneer to better match nearby commercial properties. The planning commission acknowledged differences between staff and the town architectural consultant but concluded the commission would exercise its design latitude at this location.

The commission approved preliminary site-plan conditions and the special-development permit for indoor car-wash and detailing services, subject to final plan revisions and required agency signoffs (Hartford County, Maryland State Highway Administration, Hartford County Health Department, Soil Conservation District, Maryland American Water Company and Town of Bel Air Department of Public Works). The commission also required recorded agreements or easements for any construction disturbance involving 708 and 716 Baltimore Pike before building permits are issued.

Asked about the construction timeline, the applicant said they hope to begin next year and estimated nine to ten months for construction, weather permitting.

Next steps: the applicant must submit a final signed site plan that incorporates staff and agency comments before applying for a building permit; the commission's approvals were conditional and include the items listed above.