Bel Air amends zoning to allow small sheds on corner lots

The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners on Aug. 18 approved an amendment to the town’s development regulations to allow small accessory sheds on corner lots where the rear yard is treated as a second front yard. Commissioner Taylor introduced the measure saying a constituent could not build a shed because his corner lot’s backyard is treated as a second front yard. Director Small explained the amendment “addresses allowance for sheds only” and applies to structures under 200 square feet; larger accessory buildings such as detached garages or accessory dwelling units remain subject to front‑yard placement limits. Why it matters: The amendment removes a specific obstacle for property owners on corner lots who need modest storage while preserving existing controls for larger accessory structures. The change follows the board’s earlier relaxation of rear‑yard fence rules; staff said permitting small sheds in the rear yard aligns those yard use policies. During the vote the board approved Ordinance 8‑45‑25; Mr. Krantz recorded the roll call with all present commissioners voting “Aye.” Staff recommended the amendment and noted it was narrowly tailored to sheds under 200 square feet. Commissioners made informal supportive comments — including well‑wishes for the constituent who prompted the change — but no substantive amendments were offered during the vote.