This chapter shall be known as the "Town of Bel Air Development
Regulations."
The provisions of this chapter were adopted on July 12, 2010,
and became effective on August 2, 2010. Ordinance No. 663-03, Town
of Bel Air Development Regulations, and all amendments thereto shall,
as of the effective date of the Town of Bel Air Development Regulations,
be of no further effect or validity, except as to the extent that
specific continuing rights are granted by the terms of the Town of
Bel Air Development Regulations.
[Amended 4-3-2017 by Ord.
No. 780-17]
These regulations are adopted in accordance with the Annotated
Code of Maryland, Land Use Article. The purpose of the Town of Bel
Air Development Regulations is to:
A. Carry out the policies of the Town of Bel Air Comprehensive Plan
by classifying and regulating the uses of land and structures within
the Town. The Town of Bel Air Development Regulations are adopted
to protect and promote the public health, safety, comfort, convenience,
prosperity, and general welfare of residents and businesses in the
Town.
B. Implement the goals, objectives, policies and programs of the Town
of Bel Air Comprehensive Plan, and to manage future growth and development
in accordance with that plan.
C. Provide standards for the orderly growth and development of the Town
that will maintain the community's small-town characteristics in an
increasingly urban Harford County setting and provide logical extension
and integration with the surrounding communities that support the
growth of the Town as an extension of the historic core.
D. Require high-quality planning and design for development that enhances
the visual character of the Town, avoids conflicts between land uses,
provides adequate light and air for individual buildings, and preserves
the scenic and historic qualities of the Town.
E. Conserve and protect the natural resources of the Town, its natural
beauty and significant environmental amenities, while emphasizing
compact development that is sustainable and reduces the community's
carbon footprint.
F. Create a comprehensive and stable pattern of land uses upon which
to plan transportation, water supply, sewerage and other public facilities
and utilities.
G. Provide regulations for the subdivision of land that will ensure
orderly growth and development, the proper arrangement of streets
and utilities, and satisfaction of the Town of Bel Air's Comprehensive
Plan land use goals and objectives.
H. Regulate all exterior signs so as to protect property values and
protect the character of neighborhoods and avoid excessive competition
and clutter among sign displays in their demand for public attention.
I. Preserve structures and lands of archeological, historic and architectural
value, together with their appurtenances and environmental settings.
J. Promote efficient movement for all modes of transportation, control
congestion, enhance environmental protection, increase access to nature
and recreation and provide the community with needed amenities.
K. Provide adequate transportation, water, sewer, schools, recreation
and parks services and facilities, along with other public requirements
needed to support new and existing development.
The Town of Bel Air Comprehensive Plan is the basis for the
Town of Bel Air Development Regulations. The Town of Bel Air Comprehensive
Plan was adopted with the general purpose of guiding and accomplishing
the coordinated and harmonious development of the Town.
All uses, structures, modifications and establishments of lots must be in compliance with the Town of Bel Air Development Regulations. No person may use, expand, convert, enlarge, alter, reconstruct, or occupy any land or buildings, or authorize or permit the use or occupancy of land or buildings under his/her control, except in accordance with all of the applicable provisions of the Town of Bel Air Development Regulations. Provisions for nonconformance are specified in Article
IX of the Town of Bel Air Development Regulations. Nonconforming structures and uses may continue in effect unless abandoned for one year or more. Permits under review at the time of adoption of the Town of Bel Air Development Regulations shall comply with the Development Regulations in place at the time of permit submission. Subdivision approvals and building and zoning permits issued prior to adoption of the Town of Bel Air Development Regulations shall comply with the Development Regulations in effect at the time of approval. If such permits expire prior to construction or initiation of the proposed use, the applicant shall be required to comply with current regulations.
Fees sufficient to cover the costs of administration, inspection
and publication of notice shall be charged to applicants for any development
regulation activity. The amount of the fees charged shall be as established
from time to time by resolution of the Board of Town Commissioners.