Grocery store zoning (26-0220)
At a glance
- What: Bill 26-0220 changes zoning for grocery stores, including how they are treated in the transit-oriented development zone.
- Where it stands: passed on third reader Oct 19, 2026, after same-day advancement from second reader.
- Next: mayoral signature.
What changed in committee
- Heard Oct 14 by Land Use and Transportation (2026-10-14 - Land Use & Transportation Committee, about 20 minutes, no public testimony). Reported favorable with two amendments, 5 to 0 with two absent: remove a footnote that barred grocery stores over 5,000 square feet in the transit-oriented zone (Board of Municipal & Zoning Appeals), and define a grocery store as at least 5,000 square feet (Planning Commission, which voted Oct 8 to approve with both).
- Law, Finance, Transportation, Housing and Community Development, the Parking Authority and BDC reported favorable or no impact; Finance expects no financial impact.
Debate
- Torrence credited the partnership with Dorsey and the Planning Commission, citing the 600 West North Avenue grocery store, the first on that avenue in 30 years, and the difficulty of financing grocery stores in Black neighborhoods.
- At committee, Middleton raised a Park Heights grocery store that is half smoke shop; Torrence said the definition should help and that chains subleasing to smoke shops needs a separate bill. Dorsey argued grocery stores are uniquely hurt by parking maximums.
- Cohen said the council wants grocery stores rather than smoke shops or small dollar stores.
Official minutes
- The draft Oct 14 committee minutes list the item as "Zoning - Grocery Stores" and record Dorsey's motion to Recommend Favorably with Amendment, Yes 5 (Dorsey, Middleton, Parker, Bullock, Porter); Gray and Blanchard excused. The minutes do not itemize the two amendments, which come from the video.
Sources
- Minutes (draft), Land Use & Transportation Committee, Oct 14, 2026: https://baltimore.legistar1.com/baltimore/meetings/2026/10/5394_M_Land_Use___Transportation_Committee_26-10-14_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
- https://baltimore.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx (Oct 19, 2026 City Council meeting)
- Video: 2026-10-19 - City Council
- Committee hearing: 2026-10-14 - Land Use & Transportation Committee
Discussion time
About 26 minutes across 2 meetings (from transcript timestamps; approximate).
| Meeting | Minutes |
|---|---|
| 2026-10-19 - City Council | 6 |
| 2026-10-14 - Land Use & Transportation Committee | 20 |
Log
- 2026-10-14 - 2026-10-14 - Land Use & Transportation Committee: official draft minutes confirm the 5 to 0 favorable-with-amendment vote.
- 2026-10-14 - 2026-10-14 - Land Use & Transportation Committee: sponsors presented; both amendments adopted by voice vote; reported favorable with amendments 5 to 0 (two absent).
- 2026-10-19 - 2026-10-19 - City Council: committee amendments adopted; same-day advancement approved; passed third reader.