Planning Commission

Role

The Planning 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 and site development plans and makes recommendations on all annexation proposals prior to submission to the Town Board for the requisite public hearing.  The Planning Commission meets -- when action is required -- at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month in Bel Air Town Hall at 39 N. Hickory Avenue. 

Agenda Center


Development Proposals


Development Regulations

Planning Commission Review or Ordinance for Fee-in-Lieu of Open Space and Ordinance Amending Chapter 246, Historic Preservation Appeals

           Ordinance  - Open Space Fee-In-Lieu

           Ordinance - Amendment review docs for Historic Preservation Appeal Procedures


Below is a list of 2023 Development Code revisions recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at its February 2, 2023 meeting.  Review by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners to be announced.

Lot Requirements

Article XI Permits & Procedures

Article IX Special Provisions


Special Reports

2025 Annual Report

Composition

The Planning Commission consists of five members appointed for five-year terms by the Board of Town Commissioners. Members must be residents of the Town.

Current Members

  • James C. Hynes, Jr., Chair (Term Expires 4/23/2029) 
  • Pete Schlehr-Vice Chair (Term Expires 11/15/2026)
  • Phil Raub (Term Expires 6/21/2026)
  • Don Coates (Term Expires 3/15/2026)
  • Jeffrey Stamm (Term Expires 12/15/2030)
  • Daniel Gray - Alternate (Term Expires 12/15/2030)

To contact the Commission with questions, please email planningcommission@belairmd.org 

PLEASE NOTE: Any opinions expressed regarding a particular case will need to be presented in person at the Planning Commission meeting.

Focus

The primary focus of the Planning Commission is to guide the development and growth of the Town and preserve the character of the community.   The Planning Commission is charged with monitoring growth and development in the town. All site plans, subdivisions and rezoning requests are reviewed by the Planning Commission to assure compliance with town codes. The group also conducts special studies as needed on growth management needs, including traffic studies, water and sewer plans, etc.  The Planning Commission prepares the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.  Powers & Duties 

 For more information about volunteering for this commission, call 410-638-4540. Click here for an application for membership.