Bel Air commissioners receive historic preservation tax-credit ordinance, set public hearing Oct. 20

The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners voted unanimously on Oct. 6 to receive an ordinance amending town code to provide tax credits for historic restoration and to schedule a public hearing for Oct. 20.

Commissioners and the staff liaison described the measure as an incentive — a “carrot” rather than a mandate — intended to encourage preservation of older buildings and to help owners afford historically accurate work such as replacement windows. Commissioner Taylor told the board that even a hypothetical 100 percent participation would not “blow a hole in our budget,” and Commissioner Rutledge and others said they expect homeowners and businesses to take advantage of the incentive to maintain the town’s historic character.

The item was introduced for receipt only; the ordinance will proceed to a public hearing on Oct. 20, at which the board may adopt it. Commissioners said they appreciated the Historic Preservation Commission’s work, and staff confirmed the ordinance was the product of several meetings and committee deliberations.

No members of the public spoke on the measure during the Oct. 6 meeting. Staff noted that the ordinance would be formally considered at the public hearing and that current estimates by the finance department suggest the fiscal impact is modest even under high participation.