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Bel Air staff present broad zoning rewrite: liquor waiver process, barbed wire limits, smoke-shop and tavern definitions
Summary
Staff outlined code amendments to clarify liquor setback-waiver procedures (town recommendation to Harford County Liquor Board), prohibit jersey barriers and barbed wire except by permit or narrow exception, and refine definitions distinguishing smoke shops, smoking lounges and taverns (a tavern would require a physical bar of at least six seats). Commissioners debated nonconforming uses and cannabis/liquor zoning alignment.
Bel Air staff presented a package of proposed amendments to Chapter 165 (Comprehensive Plan and development regulations) covering administration, performance standards, and definitions.
Key elements of the proposal include a formal process for liquor-setback waiver requests: applicants would file with the town clerk, staff would schedule a public hearing, the director of planning would receive a copy, and adjoining property owners would be notified before the board issues a recommendation to the Harford County Liquor Board. Staff stressed that the town’s recommendation is advisory; the liquor board and the zoning board of appeals retain separate legal standards and could reach different results.
On development standards, staff proposed to prohibit jersey barriers and barbed/razor wire generally, with a short permit pathway for temporary uses or an allowance for critical infrastructure and industrial uses. Commissioners asked staff to examine county practice and suggested limited carve-outs for utilities or M1/industrial areas; staff said they would return with refined language.
The draft also clarifies retail and on-site consumption uses: staff proposed separate definitions for a "smoke shop" (retail sale of tobacco-related products) and a "smoking lounge" (on-site consumption). To limit overbroad application, the draft defines a "tavern" as an establishment featuring a physical bar with no fewer than six seats; a distinct "tavern with entertainment" would require a reserved performance space. Commissioners noted practical differences between small dining bars and taverns and asked staff to fine-tune seat thresholds and the entertainment definition.
Cannabis dispensary rules were also reviewed: staff moved cannabis references in the performance standards to match the permitted-use chart, but commissioners debated whether expanding zones to match alcohol would create nonconforming uses. Several members preferred keeping current zone limits unless a legal challenge or state action forced a change.
What’s next: Staff will produce revised language addressing barbed-wire exceptions, tavern-seat thresholds and any drafting cleanups, and will circulate corrected pages for commissioner review later this week.
