Council Approves Design Requirements for 'Downtown Perry Hall'

UPDATE (8 p.m.)—The Baltimore County Council has approved a bill requiring all new nonresidential development plans in Perry Hall's designated revitalization zone to be reviewed by a Design Review Panel.

"I am pleased to inform you that the Baltimore County Council passed legislation tonight that will hopefully improve the design and attractiveness of new buildings in Perry Hall," , a Perry Hall Republican, announced by email following the council's Monday evening vote.

"Minor changes and facade improvements to existing buildings are not subject to review," Marks stated in the email. "I believe this legislation will result in better-designed buildings in the heart of Perry Hall, and was pleased to sponsor this bill."

The Perry Hall Commercial Revitalization District, approved in May 2011, includes all of the Perry Hall Square shopping center. It extends along Belair Road, from Blakeley Avenue in the south to Minte Drive in the north. It also includes Joppa Road, between Seven Courts Drive and Belair Road, as well as Ebenezer Road, from Belair Road to Yvonne Avenue.

"The goal is to enhance the design and ," Marks said during a July 31 council work session.

The panel, created in 1993, acts in a consulting capacity and makes recommendations to the county's administrative law judges. Arbutus, Catonsville, Essex, Pikesville and parts of Towson are currently subject to panel review.

Marks' bill was supported by the Perry Hall Improvement Association. He held a about the possible impact of design requirements on the "Downtown Perry Hall" area in July. No one in attendance at the meeting opposed the plan.

The bill will take effect on Aug. 20 with the signature of County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.

Editor Emily Kimball contributed to this report.