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Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

Planning - Planning Information

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  • The department’s mission is to prepare and implement the Comprehensive Plan and programs to guide Town growth and development. Development issues include land use planning and development review, historic preservation, environmental protection and transportation management. Staff provides assistance and information to property owners, businesses, community groups and citizens about development activity, policy, regulations and procedures that directly manage growth. The Planning Department administers long range policies outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. The department maintains census records, administers and updates zoning regulations, subdivision regulations and other development regulations and promotes preservation of historic and environmental resources.
    Planning - Planning Information

  • The Comprehensive Plan is a document that establishes the long range planning goals and objectives of the Town of Bel Air. It is prepared by the Bel Air Planning Commission and adopted by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners after public hearings. This document is updated every ten years and establishes policies and goals to guide growth, land use and conservation. It recommends guidelines and actions for transportation, public facilities, land use, water and sewer, recreation, park land and open space, housing, community services, historic preservation, environmental protection, economic development, water resources and municipal growth.
    Planning - Planning Information

  • The Planning Commission is a five-member body appointed by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners to serve five-year terms on a volunteer basis. The commission makes recommendations on petitions for rezoning, amendments to the Development Regulations and amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission renders final decisions on subdivision plans, site plans and special development proposals and makes recommendations on all annexation proposals prior to submission to the Town Board for the requisite public hearing. The Planning Commission meets on the first Thursday of each month.
    The Board of Appeals is a five-member body appointed by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners who serve three-year terms on a volunteer basis. The Board of Appeals hears and decides variances, special exceptions, cases involving non-conforming uses and appeals of departmental administrative decisions. The Board of Appeals meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month when there are cases to be reviewed.
    Planning - Planning Information

  • Residents may comment on proposals at public meetings or hearings, if Planning Commission, Board of Appeals or Historic Preservation Commission approval is required. Additionally, the Planning Department may be contacted during business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Files are available for review during regular business hours at the Planning Department located at 705 E. Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21014.
    Planning - Planning Information

  • The Planning Department assembles data on land use, housing, population growth and other census information. The town also produces a number of geographic information systems (GIS) maps showing land use, zoning, topography, roadways, utility data, wetlands, environmental constraints, and historic sites.
    Planning - Planning Information

  • A property owner considering annexation should contact the Town Planning department to discuss the procedural requirements. Properties must be adjacent to the town boundaries and at least 25% of the voters in the area to be annexed must agree to the annexation. Once a petition is received, the Planning Commission reviews to determine consistency with the town’s Comprehensive Plan. A resolution is then prepared for the Town Board’s consideration and a public hearing process is initiated. The overall process generally takes between three to four months depending on the complexity of the annexation petition.
    Planning - Planning Information

Planning - Zoning

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  • If you can identify a street address or tax map and parcel number, the Planning Department can locate the property and provide the zoning designation. Staff can also show you how to identify the requirements for that zoning district in the Development Regulations. The Development Regulations include permitted uses, maximum structure height, minimum building setbacks, density, parking and other requirements.
    Planning - Zoning

  • A buildable lot is a parcel of land described on a subdivision plat or in a deed recorded in the Harford County Land Records office in accordance with the laws applicable at the time it was recorded. The buildable status of a residential lot or a parcel of land is also contingent upon compliance with:
    • Zoning Regulations including building setback restrictions
    • The Building Code and approval of a building permit
    • Connection to water and sewer systems

    Planning Department approval of a site development plan is required before obtaining a building permit.
    Planning - Zoning

  • A variance is a modification to the requirements of the Development Regulations for the size or location of a structure or use. Maximum height of structures, setbacks from public streets or property lines and minimum lot size or width, may be considered for variances. Applications are available online or from the Planning Department at 705 E. Churchville Road.
    Planning - Zoning

  • A special exception is a permitted use in a zoning district based on compliance with performance standards in the Development Regulations, if approved by the Board of Appeals. These uses are not permitted as a matter of right, and require consideration at a public hearing to determine compliance with the Development Regulations and possible neighborhood impact. Applications are available online or from the Planning Department at 705 E. Churchville Road.
    Planning - Zoning

  • A special development is a use permitted in a zoning district based upon specific conditions. This use may be approved by the Planning Commission upon showing that such a use in a specified location will comply with all conditions and standards specified in the Development Regulations. A public hearing is required before the Bel Air Planning Commission for all special development requests.
    Planning - Zoning

  • A home occupation is the accessory use of a residential property by the occupant of that property for business purposes that are clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use. Home occupations that comply with the requirements of the Development Regulations are permitted uses in all residential districts. Potential home occupations include; artists, writers, dress makers, wood workers, mail order, telephone sales, typing and computer services, repair services and business or professional offices. Applications for home occupation permits are available online or from the Planning Department at 705 East Churchville Road.
    Planning - Zoning

  • Prior to submission of a plan for review of any commercial, industrial, institutional use or residential development in excess of 5,000 square feet, residential development of 25 units or more, an applicant must meet with the Town Concept Plan Review Committee. This group includes town, county, and state representatives, assembled to assist the applicant in identifying applicable Development Regulation requirements before a project is submitted to the respective reviewing agencies for approval.

    Planning - Zoning

  • Prior to occupying any structure where a building permit is required, the owner is responsible for submitting a request to assure that all zoning, building and fire code requirements are satisfied. Similarly, on commercial and industrial properties, the property owner is responsible for submitting an occupancy certificate request whenever tenants change to assure all zoning regulations are satisfied. Any substantial alteration of a tenant space also requires a Use and Occupancy Certificate prior to occupancy. Contact the Planning Department with any questions about certificate needs.
    Planning - Zoning

  • Any division of land including revision or removal of property lines must be done in accordance with the subdivision requirements stated in the town’s Development Regulations. The Development Regulations establishes the minimum lot sizes and other setback and height requirements for the district in which the property is located. Before submitting a subdivision plan, the property owner and/or developer must hire a Maryland registered engineer or land surveyor. The consultant surveys the property and prepares the proposed subdivision plans and other required plans or reports in accordance with the Town Development Regulations and policies. Information, applications, checklists and brochures are available online and from the Planning Department at 705 E. Churchville Road.
    Planning - Zoning

  • A final plat is a surveyed drawing for the division of property prepared by a Maryland registered surveyor/engineer. It is the official record of division of land showing lots, streets, property lines and other information. A final plat must be approved by the Planning Commission and recorded in the County Land Records office.
    Planning - Zoning

  • This is a development plan for one or more lots showing the existing and proposed conditions of the lot. A Site Plan is necessary when a use is proposed that is a change from the existing use. The plan should include topography, vegetation, drainage, floodplains, wetlands, and waterways; landscaping and open spaces, walkways; means of access; circulation, utilities, structures, signs, lighting, buffers, screening, surrounding development, and other information that reasonably may be required for an informed decision to be made by an approving authority.
    Planning - Zoning

Planning - Subdivision

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  • Any division of land including revision or removal of property lines must be done in accordance with the subdivision requirements stated in the town’s Development Regulations. The Development Regulations establishes the minimum lot sizes and other setback and height requirements for the district in which the property is located. Before submitting a subdivision plan, the property owner and/or developer must hire a Maryland registered engineer or land surveyor. The consultant surveys the property and prepares the proposed subdivision plans and other required plans or reports in accordance with the Town Development Regulations and policies. Information, applications, checklists and brochures are available online and from the Planning Department at 705 E. Churchville Road.
    Planning - Subdivision

  • A final plat is a surveyed drawing for the division of property prepared by a Maryland registered surveyor/engineer. It is the official record of division of land showing lots, streets, property lines and other information. A final plat must be approved by the Planning Commission and recorded in the County Land Records office.
    Planning - Subdivision

  • This is a development plan for one or more lots showing the existing and proposed conditions of the lot. A Site Plan is necessary when a use is proposed that is a change from the existing use. The plan should include topography, vegetation, drainage, floodplains, wetlands, and waterways; landscaping and open spaces, walkways; means of access; circulation, utilities, structures, signs, lighting, buffers, screening, surrounding development, and other information that reasonably may be required for an informed decision to be made by an approving authority.
    Planning - Subdivision

Planning - Environment

3

    • The Town Development Regulations control development on environmentally sensitive areas including floodplains, stream courses, wetlands, steep slopes and woodlands. Floodplain regulations restrict development in 100-year floodplain areas as delineated on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Any development in floodplain areas requires flood proofing. Streams that are not subject to floodplain regulations have minimum setback requirements.
    • Wetlands are areas that have a predominance of hydric soils and are determined by standards set by the Army Corps of Engineers. Development in any delineated wetland is subject to permit restrictions by the Corps and state mandated setbacks. Steep sloped lands (defined by slopes in excess of 25%) are not considered buildable.
    • The town requires documentation of specimen tree removal on all properties. Removal of individual trees in excess of ten inches at DBH (diameter at breast height) during small lot (<40,000 square feet) development is subject to replacement or a fee-in-lieu. The development of lots in excess of 40,000 square feet is subject to the town’s Forest Conservation Ordinance which closely mirrors the state’s model Forest Conservation Ordinance.
    Planning - Environment

  • The Town Tree Committee is a five-member board that works with local and state agencies to develop roadside tree removal and replacement plans, reviews landscape plans for public projects and addresses tree-related concerns expressed by area residents and business owners.
    Planning - Environment

  • Removal requests for trees located in the public right-of-way can be forwarded to the Town Department of Planning or Public Works.
    Planning - Environment

Planning - Historic Preservation

4

  • The Historic Preservation Commission is a seven-member board appointed by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners to serve three-year terms on a volunteer basis. The Historic Preservation Commission reviews and recommends historic designation of applicable sites to the Board of Town Commissioners for designation by Resolution. The commission also reviews proposed plans for renovation, additions or demolition of designated historic sites to assure protection of these historic resources. The Historic Preservation Commission meets on the fourth Thursday of the month.
    Planning - Historic Preservation

  • Properties which have been surveyed through the Maryland Historical Trust and are 50 years of age are eligible for Historic Site designation. The Bel Air Historic Preservation Commission will review property owner requests for designation during a public hearing. If the commission determines that the property is significant. The request is then forwarded to the Board of Town Commissioners for final approval. A formal resolution accompanies the request.
    Planning - Historic Preservation

  • Historic site designation provides a property with a layer of protection which is intended to preserve the integrity of the building and land (if applicable). Designation status fosters civic character to safeguard Bel Air’s historic and cultural heritage. Properties which are designated also typically enjoy higher property values. Owners of local historic properties are eligible to receive local Bel Air tax credits for exterior improvements.
    Planning - Historic Preservation

  • The local Bel Air tax credit program is only available to property owners of locally designated sites. Property owners must submit applications for Certificate of Approval and Tax Credit approval. A 10% tax credit is available for exterior renovations or rehabilitation and a 5% credit is available for new construction (exterior only). Upon completion of a project, a property owner must submit detailed receipts and proof of payment, so that the Bel Air Historic Preservation Commission may determine the final tax credit amount.
    Planning - Historic Preservation

Planning - Transportation

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  • This program was designed to identify problems/issues and solutions to satisfy traffic and safety needs in local residents. The program is staffed by representatives of the town’s Administration, Police, Public Works, and Planning offices. Issues are identified by citizens and/or staff members. The committee then conducts thorough investigations of the problems and identifies traffic calming techniques necessary to resolve the problems. The committee focuses primarily on residential neighborhoods and works closely with citizens and elected officials to reach a consensus on solutions to traffic problems.
    Planning - Transportation

  • Any resident may contact the Town Planning, Police, or Public Works offices and request that the Neighborhood Transportation Management Committee evaluate a traffic issue. The committee will schedule consideration to identify the least intrusive traffic control mechanism possible to address the identified issue.
    Planning - Transportation

Public Works - Sewer Backups

2

  • Sewer backups at your property are a potential problem for every town resident connected to the public sewer system. From any point in the system the introduction of items such as disposable diapers, tree roots, coffee grounds and grease can cause clogs and back-ups in spite of regular town maintenance and cleaning.
    Public Works - Sewer Backups

  • Call the Department of Public Works 410-638-4545 (or the Police Dept 410-638-4500 on weekends or between 4:30PM and 8:00AM on weekdays) before calling a plumber. The town will only inspect and clean the blockage from the property line to the main in the street, if there is a cleanout. The town does not unclog or clean private sewer lines.
    Protect yourself from financial loss caused by back up of sewers and drains. Contact your homeowner's insurance carrier - and request the addition of this coverage to your policy.
    Public Works - Sewer Backups

Planning - Sustainability

3

  • There are many definitions of sustainability because of the wide applicability and varied effects upon society. The Town has selected a specific definition for Bel Air. "To creatively integrate a sound economy, a healthy environment and a caring society.
    Planning - Sustainability

  • Sustainable Maryland Certified is a certification program for municipalities in Maryland who want to go green, control costs, and take steps to sustain qualify of life by using program tools, training and case studies and other resources to make a positive change in Bel Air.
    Planning - Sustainability

  • Contact the Town of Bel Air Planning Department for information to help with recycling, energy conservation, waste reduction, water management, environmental preservation, economic revitalization, wellness programs and local food production.
    Planning - Sustainability

Planning-Wildlife & Gardens

3

  • If you think your yard attracts wildlife and restores habitat, go to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) website and go through the certification process which includes creating an account, application and review of your yard.

    Planning-Wildlife & Gardens

  • The Town has many incentives to help residents conserve the environment such as rebates on green products, street tree replacement, seedling give-a-ways and yard waste pick up. Just call the Town or e-mail the Planning Department with questions.
    Planning-Wildlife & Gardens

  • Contact the Department of public Works and ask for an application to volunteer as a committee member. The Committee meets every 2nd Monday of each month.
    Planning-Wildlife & Gardens

Planning--Parks & Recreation

3

  • All shelters and pavilions may be used by the public any time during park hours on a first come, first serve basis. They are open for use from dawn to dusk.
    Planning--Parks & Recreation

  • Each Park has a posted list of rules. Shamrock Park due to its intense use does not allow pets, however, all other Town Parks welcome pets provided they are kept on a leash and the owners pick up after them and dispose of the bag properly.
    Planning--Parks & Recreation

  • Visit Town Hall at 39 N. Hickory Avenue or The Record Armory at 37 N. Main Street for a Calendar of Events or go to the website's Home Page and click on "Notify Me" located on the lower left side to subscribe and register your e-mail address for updates.
    Planning--Parks & Recreation

Planning--Wellness

2

  • HEAL provides technical assistance and support to Bel Air officials and staff to adopt policies that stem the obesity epidemic and create healthy and prosperous community.
    Planning--Wellness

  • The Town works closely with several organizations including Harford County Office of Aging, Healthy Harford and UM/Upper Chesapeake Health System to provide much needed opportunities for seniors. Please visit the Quick Links section of the Town Wellness page to pursue your interest.
    Planning--Wellness

Planning-Parking

2

  • A petition must be submitted to the Town of Bel Air Planning Department from 2/3 of the residents of a street or portion thereof in a residential area. The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners must approve a resolution to establish the permit parking. Contact the Planning Department to request a petition form or to discuss the designation process.
    Planning-Parking

  • The town has three parking lots and a parking garage where parking spaces can be leased. A yearly contract is executed to obtain a permit(s). The rate is based on the lot chosen and hanging permit tags are used to identify the user.
    Planning-Parking

Planning-Zoning Permits

1

  • A home occupation is the accessory use of a residential property by the occupant of that property for business purposes that are clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use. Home occupations that comply with the requirements of the Development Regulations are permitted uses in all residential districts. Potential home occupations include; artists, writers, dress makers, wood workers, mail order, telephone sales, typing and computer services, repair services and business or professional offices. Applications for home occupation permits are available online or from the Planning Department at 705 East Churchville Road.
    Planning-Zoning Permits
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