Marks Brings Loch Raven Design Standards Legislation to Council

County Councilman David Marks introduced legislation Tuesday night that would improve the design standards for new construction in the Loch Raven Commercial District, and break up the district into three sub-areas.

"Community leaders have talked about reducing some of the visual clutter along Joppa Road and Loch Raven Boulevard for years, and now is the time to do it," Marks said in a statement. "When new construction occurs in these areas, it will be subject to tighter standards so we can hopefully have much more attractive buildings. We will have to live with new construction for 40 or 50 years, so let's make it look better."

Under the proposed legislation, the district would be divided into Baynesville near Joppa Road and Loch Raven Boulevard, Hillendale near Loch Raven Boulevard and Taylor Avenue and Satyr Hill near Joppa Road and Perring Parkway. New construction in Baynesville and Hillendale would go through the Baltimore County Design Review Panel, through minor changes would not be subject to review.

The legislation calls for the district to shrink in the east to direct county resources to the area around Joppa Road and Loch Raven Boulevard.

The county Council will vote on the legislation on March 19.

Marks sought input on the proposal from community members during a January meeting.