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Thu, May 2, 2013 Planning Commission
7:00 PM Fri, May 3, 2013 Lunchtime Concert
12:00 PM Frist Fridays
5:00 PM Sat, May 4, 2013 Celebration of Cultures
11:00 AM Symphony Concert
7:30 PM Sun, May 5, 2013 Bel Air Community Band Concert
3:00 PM Mon, May 6, 2013 Town Hall Meeting
7:30 PM Wed, May 8, 2013 Marketplace on Main
3:00 PM Tree Committee - Cancelled
4:30 PM Thu, May 9, 2013 Economic & Community Development Commission
4:30 PM Fri, May 10, 2013 Lunchtime Concert
12:00 PM Sat, May 11, 2013 Music is Magic 2013
2:00 PM Tue, May 14, 2013 Commissioners' Work Session
4:30 PM Wed, May 15, 2013 Cultural Arts Commission
5:00 PM Fri, May 17, 2013 Bike to Work Day
7:00 AM Lunchtime Concert
12:00 PM Mon, May 20, 2013 Town Hall Meeting
7:30 PM Tue, May 21, 2013 6th Grade Spring Concert
7:00 PM Wed, May 22, 2013 Marketplace on Main
3:00 PM 7th Grade Spring Concert
7:00 PM Thu, May 23, 2013 Historic Preservation Commission - Cancelled
6:00 PM 8th Grade Spring Concert
7:00 PM Fri, May 24, 2013 Lunchtime Concert
12:00 PM Mon, May 27, 2013 Holiday
12:00 AM Memorial Day Ceremony
10:30 AM Tue, May 28, 2013 Commissioners' Work Session
5:15 PM Wed, May 29, 2013 Marketplace on Main
3:00 PM | |   For Additional Information
Robert Fisher, Planner II
rfisher@belairmd.org
Town of Bel Air
Department of Planning & Community Development
705 E. Churchville Road
Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: 410-879-9500
Fax: 410-838-0775
Purpose - Since its inception as a town in the 18th century, Bel Air has been a central part of the County’s development and history. To preserve this heritage, the Town’s Historic Preservation program seeks to provide assistance in preserving architecturally significant properties and to focus attention on the community’s history. These resources serve as visible reminders of the Town’s history and help to maintain and enhance the livability of the community. Preservation efforts also contribute to the economic development and vitality of the Town, fostering a sense of civic pride and an appreciation of the Town’s heritage among its citizens. April Agenda The May meeting has been cancelled. Submission deadline for the June 27, 2013 meeting is Thursday, June 13th at 4:30 pm.
2012 MINUTES
2011 MINUTES
Adaptive Re-Use of Buildings
Bel Air has many fine examples of buildings which have successfully been adapted several times for different uses. Many of these exist on Main Street, Broadway and Rockspring Avenue and other older areas of the Town. An excellent example is The Mill, which was in operation as a feed mill for decades and now houses a retail operation.
Historic Properties in Bel Air
Bel Air has 47 locally designated historic properties: Each of these sites has been determined by the Bel Air Historic Preservation Commission and the Board of Town Commissioners to be of historic, archeological or architectural significance to the Town. To inquire about a specific property, please contact the Bel Air Planning Department at 410.638.4540 or 410.879.9500.
BEL AIR HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
To accomplish its mission, the Historic Preservation Commission hears requests for historic site/district designation, manages a historic rehabilitation tax credit program, evaluates and makes recommendations for improvements/ modifications to designated local historic/district properties and conducts a wide variety of public education programs and activities designed to heighten citizen awareness of the value of historic preservation in the community.
Historic Site Designation
Historic Site designation is a simple process that must be initiated by the property owner. Buildings must meet general criteria for consideration for historic designation at the local level. The structure must be at least 50 years of age and be of historic, archeological or architectural significance. Historic Designation Application
The steps in the designation process are:
- Letter from property owner to Bel Air Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) requesting consideration of a building or site for historic designation.
- HPC responds to application in writing, advising that a public hearing has been scheduled to review the property and inviting the owner to attend.
- A zoning notice sign is posted on the property, giving public notice of the date and time of the hearing. An advertisement with the same information is placed in the local newspaper.
- HPC conducts a public hearing to review the historic significance of the property, then makes a recommendation to the Board of Town Commissioners.
- Board of Town Commissioners passes a resolution designating the property as a local historic site.
Benefits of Historic Site Designation
Bel Air offers a ten percent (10%) property tax credit which may be spread over five years towards the cost of exterior renovations approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. A five percent (5%) property tax credit is available for compatible new construction. Application for Certificate of Approval
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of properties acknowledged by the Federal Government as worthy of recognition and preservation for their significance in America’s history and culture. Five of Bel Air’s historic properties are listed on this register. In addition to the prestige of national designation, these properties are also eligible for federal and state tax credit and grant programs.
Historic Walking & Driving Tour
A historic walking and driving tour brochure “Appreciate the Future by Viewing the Past” outlines the history of the Town and provides a glimpse of the history and architecture.
To Maintain and Restore Your Old House brochure gives information on the repair or replacement of siding, doors, windows, roofs, shutters, porches and gutters and downspouts. There is also a section regarding new construction, as well as information on tax credit eligibility for designated historic properties. If you own or are considering purchasing a historic home in Bel Air, this information is valuable.
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