Commercial Revitalization DistrictsThese districts are created and modified by a Resolution, not a Bill, since, originally, they were not intended to change zoning or what uses were allowed on properties including in these Districts. Their only intent was to provide the possibilities of financial incentives for revitalization, such as low-cost loans for improving buildings, signage, landscaping, etc., as well as acquisition by the County through eminent domain. There are now 20 Districts. The authority to create such Districts, and the purpose, is covered in the Baltimore County Code Section 26-1-101. The process requires a "local referendum within the area to be developed or a larger area, if deemed appropriate" (a completely ambiguous "if" - there probably should be a comma before "or a larger area"), which doesn't seem to ever have been done. It does not appear that such a "referendum" was held for recently created Districts. The County Council established the revitalization property tax credit in Bill 11-91 and established the Districts to enable certain property owners to take advantage of the credits. Further, the creation of a District is just the first step, which should be followed-up with the creation of a "plan", which itself must be approved by Resolution. It is only after the approval of such a plan that anything else should occur, such as the acquisition of land by eminent domain. See here for community plans. Note: The attempt to apply this eminent domain process to the hastily created Essex Revitalization District lead to a nasty fight by citizens to stop this taking of private property for gain by commercial developers. However, over the years, various Bills have incorporated references to these Districts in zoning regulations, either in allowing additional uses, providing exceptions to existing limits, or mandating additional requirements. For example, the following Bills (since 2007) and existing sections of County Code:
In some cases, these Districts have included residentially-zoned properties, which is completely contrary to their purpose (and title). Here again, this has allowed some uses not otherwise allowed. List of Commercial Revitalization DistrictsThere are 20 Districts in the County as follows:
Note: There is some confusion on what is subject to a DRP review. BCC §32-4-404 requires the review if "located in area described by map in the Comprehensive Manual of Development Policies". However, legislation modifying the bounds of a District does not directly modify that document, which is an Adminsitrative function so might lag in publication. * While these had been designated earlier, supposedly by Res 114-97, Resolution 21-12 tried to reconfirm their existence, but was withdrawn. Res 28-12 tried again, but was also withdrawn. No further attempt seems to have been made, so the official status of these districts is unclear. ** As far as can be determined, Pikesville is the only District that has an explicit "Plan". Many, such as Overlea/Fullerton have "Community Plans", but they were not created specifically to address the Commercial Revitalization District or plans for it. Others were created long before the Commercial Revitalization process began. One for Reisterstown was requested (of the Office of Planning) in 2008, but seems to never have been completed. Updated 14 June 2022 |