Legislation proposed to restrict used car lots.

Byline: Keeley Webster

A recent ruling by the Baltimore County Board of Appeals would allow used car dealerships to locate in the countys commercial corridors as a matter of right. But Baltimore County Councilman John Olszewski, R. D-Seventh District, wants to change that.

Olszewski said he introduced the legislation after he received a memo in April from Baltimore County Councilman T. Bryan McIntire, R-Third District, about the Board of Appeals decision. McIntire suggested in the memo that the council should introduce legislation to insure that used car dealerships arent allowed in major commercial corridors as a matter of right.

Prior to the ruling made by the Board of Appeals, McIntire said county officials had allowed used car lots in the most permissive commercial zone, business roadside, but even that was with a special exception.

The Board of Appeals more permissive ruling would change all that, which is something that McIntire said he opposes.

My feeling is that business major is a higher priority business zoning and it demands better buildings that bring a better tax base and more employees, McIntire said.

The Board of Appeals also ruled that since the ...