Planning Commission backs staff recommendation to deny rezoning for Bless Hope Road parcel

The York County Planning Commission voted to accept staff’s recommendation to deny Rezoning 26‑3, a request by applicant Daniel Baker (owners Joyce and Dan Baker) to rezone 15.623 acres of a 32‑acre parcel on Bless Hope Road (Tax Map 292‑000010) from RMX20 and General Commercial (GC) to Agricultural Conservation (AGC).

Planning staff presented the application and told commissioners the rezoning would carve the parcel into three roughly five‑acre homesites. Staff recommended denial on the grounds that the requested AGC designation is inconsistent with the city of York’s future land use, which identifies the area as small‑lot residential, and because granting the rezoning would create an isolated instance of AGC that could be interpreted as spot zoning.

Commissioners pressed staff on nearby zoning, buffers and whether a different residential district—RUD or an RMX variant—might better accomplish the applicant’s goals without contradicting the city’s plan. One commissioner said the concern was the proposed “carving out” of agricultural zoning between higher‑density and general commercial areas and suggested an alternate configuration that would preserve continuity of lot sizes.

After discussion a commissioner moved to accept staff’s recommendation to deny the application; the motion was seconded and carried. The commission’s action is a recommendation to County Council; the council will consider the item at the public hearing stage per its schedule. The commission’s packet lists the next formal public hearing date associated with the submittal documents.

No public hearing occurred at the planning commission level; commissioners noted the public will have the formal opportunity to speak when the matter is heard by County Council.