The Bel Air Planning Commission voted to approve a two‑story, 1,246‑square‑foot addition for J & S Medical Billing at 604 Moores Mill Road after placing several conditions on final sign‑off.

Staff recommended approval contingent on revisions including removal of two sheds that encroach from adjacent properties or provision of a recorded easement; correction of an existing impervious parking area that encroaches into the 20‑foot residential setback; re‑striping the parking area so that off‑street spaces meet the town’s 9‑by‑18‑foot standard and a minimum of 11 compliant spaces is maintained; submission of revised architectural elevations that reflect consultant comments; and completion of all site work and landscaping prior to issuance of a final use and occupancy permit. The motion to approve the site plan with those conditions passed on an affirmative voice vote.

During the presentation, Deputy Planning and Community Development Director (staff) told the commission the project is in the B‑1 Limited Business zoning district and that the addition will reduce existing parking from 23 spaces to 17 spaces and remove one handicap space unless revised. Applicant representatives said the current informal use of a rear impervious area supports occasional overflow parking and that the owner is willing to remove the nonconforming impervious surface if required.

Civil engineer David Taylor and owner John Cogan confirmed the two shed structures encroach onto the subject property. Taylor told the commission the sheds will be removed prior to a use and occupancy permit unless the owner obtains a recorded easement. John Cogan said the business keeps records electronically and generates minimal trash, which prompted staff to request clarified refuse and recycling arrangements.

Architect Paul Thompson addressed elevation comments and said the team will revise materials and modulation to address the town consultant’s recommendations. Applicant also agreed to a prompt arborist evaluation of an 18‑inch diameter tree on site and to replace it with two red maples (2:1 ratio) if found nonviable.

The commission approved a separate motion to accept the landscape plan, also conditioned on final landscape submissions and installation prior to final use and occupancy. Commissioners and staff agreed that if encroachments are not resolved by the owner, the site plan approval will not become effective.

The commission’s approval includes a requirement that the applicant provide any required easements, recorded licenses, or evidence of removal before the department issues final permits. The action does not grant relief for any nonconforming use; staff advised that continuation of or expansion to a nonconforming use would require Board of Appeals review under the town code.

Next steps: the applicant must submit final signed plans incorporating staff and consultant comments and satisfy the conditions before a final use and occupancy permit is issued.