Bel Air meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Bel Air commissioners consider parking amendment, armory fee discount; no decisions published

The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners held a work session and a regular meeting this week, but no final decisions have been published. The agenda items included a zoning ordinance amendment on parking requirements, a resolution to add a veterans discount to the Armory fee schedule, and closed sessions to interview candidates for the town administrator position. Minutes for all meetings are not yet available.

Parking and zoning changes

At the Aug. 11 work session, the board reviewed Ordinance 863-26, which would amend Chapter 165 of the zoning code to change parking standards, including provisions for satellite parking and a fee in lieu of parking. The item was listed for consideration at a future town meeting; no vote was recorded.

Armory fee and contracts

The same work session included Resolution 1279-26, which would amend the Armory fee schedule to add a veterans discount. The resolution also appeared on the Aug. 17 regular meeting agenda. The board also reviewed renewals of Microsoft 365 contracts, a contract for maintenance of the parking garage elevator and band shell small lift, and a contract addendum for upfitting a Ford F-550 mini dump truck.

Town administrator search

The board held closed sessions on Aug. 17 and Aug. 18 to interview candidates for the town administrator position. The sessions were closed under Maryland's Open Meetings Act to protect applicant confidentiality. No public action on the appointment was listed.

Board of Appeals

The Board of Appeals met Aug. 18 to hear two requests. Wholistic Living, LLC sought a special exception for a mental health/therapy office at 724 Rock Spring Road in the Transition Overlay / R-2 District. CS Elevated Home Improvements, LLC requested a variance to reduce the required 10-foot side-yard setback to 1 foot at 301 Linwood Avenue in the R-1 District. The board also approved minutes from its July 21 meeting.

Other business

At the Aug. 17 regular meeting, the board considered the reappointment of Stephen Burdete to the Board of Building Appeals and the promotion of Clarence Hicks to Officer First Class. The agenda also included recognition of a history contest.

All meetings listed are marked as "agenda only" with minutes not yet published, so no vote tallies or final decisions are available.

Coming up

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet Aug. 27 at Town Hall. The agenda includes approval of minutes from July 23, recommendations on zoning violations, the America250 Find Our History Contest, and upcoming trainings, followed by CAMP training in the Community Room.

Bel Air boards weighed equipment buys, salon permit, and historic fence requests in late July

Board of Town Commissioners

The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners met July 20, 2026, with an agenda covering several equipment purchases and service agreements. Items listed for public comment included the purchase of Axon body-worn cameras and a Verkada Command system with Command Connect. The board was also scheduled to review a public works agreement for the 221 North Tollgate Road sewer force main and the FY27–FY29 Urban County Cooperative Agreement.

Two resolutions were presented for public comment: Resolution 1277-26, the Bel Air Planning Commission Annual Report for 2025, and Resolution 1278-26, which would adjust the term limit of Jeffrey Stamm on the Planning Commission. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Board of Appeals

The Board of Appeals met July 21, 2026, to review a Special Exception request for a Beauty/Nail/Barber/Spa Salon at 729 North Hickory Avenue. The request was submitted by Vitality House, LLC, and seeks to allow the business in the R-O (Residential Office) District. The previous Special Exception for this location expired April 15, 2025. The agenda also included approval of minutes from June 16, 2026. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

Committee for Seniors & Citizens in Need

The Committee for Seniors & Citizens in Need met July 23, 2026, to discuss summer heat protocols. Items included review of town cooling center availability through Harford County Public Library branches and communication protocols to inform seniors during peak August heat waves. The committee also reviewed a potential grant for automated external defibrillator (AED) training and placement in senior housing, and discussed capacity for a Matter of Balance fall-prevention class at the Armory. Additional agenda items covered a historical society exhibit, including accessibility for seniors and advertising to combat isolation. Minutes have not yet been published.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission met July 23, 2026, to consider fence requests and tax credits at two properties:

• HA-1807: Request for a new fence and tax credit at Pyle House, 329 Webster Street.
• HA-1792: Request for a new fence and tax credit at Thomas-Sauer House, 124 W. Gordon Street.

The commission also addressed the America250 Find Our History Contest. Minutes have not yet been published.

Note on outcomes

All four recent meetings listed above are marked as agenda-only with minutes not yet published. The items described reflect what was scheduled for discussion or public comment; confirmed decisions, votes, and dollar amounts will be available once the meeting minutes are released.

Coming up

The Bel Air Planning Commission meets August 6, 2026, to review revisions to the Harford Mall Phase III and Phase IV Site Plan and Landscape Plan at 600 Belair Road. The commission will also consider a site plan extension for a 7,500 square-foot professional services office building at 109 East Churchville Road, and review and approve Revised Powers and Duties.