Baltimore's New Zoning Code Almost a Done Deal

"The Baltimore City Council gave preliminary approval Monday to the first overhaul of zoning rules in more than 40 years, affecting everything from fraternities to urban farms," reports Luke Broadwater.

Broadwater notes that the approval followed a "bitter dispute" over proposed restrictions against liquor stars that ended up getting removed from the approved version of the new zoning code. Much of the article is devoted to the political back and forth regarding the defeated liquor store amendment.

With regard to the rest of the historic planning achievement, council members describe the new zoning code, called TransForm Baltimore, as a tool for faster, simpler development. "It includes changes intended to promote the reuse of the city's old buildings and encourage walkable neighborhoods of homes and businesses suited to 21st-century tastes," writes Broadwater.

Laurie R. Feinberg, Baltimore's assistant director of planning, worked on the legislation for years. She said planning officials tried to set up a system that was predictable and apolitical — so businesses and residents could easily understand the code and know what to expect.

For more on the details of the zoning code, Gregory Friedman reported on the proposed zoning code draft last year.

The new zoning code will require a final vote, scheduled for next month. Broadwater reports that Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake is expected to approve the new zoning code.

Hat tip to Jen Kinney for sharing news of the vote.