City Council Hearing: Land Use & Transportation Committee; November 5, 2026

The Baltimore City Council Land Use and Transportation Committee held a hearing on November 5, 2026, and recommended several zoning and land-use bills for City Council consideration. The committee recommended approval of a rezoning at 384 E. Bank Street; approved with amendments a conditional use for Civic Works’ proposed Gorsuch Avenue parking lot, including site-plan review and enforceable landscaping plans; and recommended repealing the Sherwood Ford planned unit development at 5104 York Road so Loyola can pursue a solar canopy under the underlying zoning. It also recommended an alley closure to consolidate land for redevelopment and approved with amendment a conversion of a dwelling at 1610 E. Chase Street. For the Gorsuch Avenue project, city-owned lots were described as subject to ongoing negotiations for a land disposition agreement and contract of sale; no dollar amount or contract award was reported. No other procurement activity was identified.

The committee heard extensive public testimony on the proposed accessory dwelling unit bill, including debate over its scope, owner-occupancy conditions, permitting and enforcement, and whether it should extend beyond the state mandate. Council President’s office representatives presented proposed owner-occupancy amendments, and members requested further legal and implementation information. The committee did not vote on the ADU bill and planned to continue consideration at its November 19 meeting.