BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Members of the Baltimore County Council have approved hurdles for residential development on waterfront property in the Bowleys Quarters and Lower Back River Neck areas.

Lawmakers unanimously passed legislation removing residential zoning from property designated as marinas or boatyards after neighbors voiced concern over their potential for condominium development.

“This law that just passed gives them a measure of protection that we never had before,” said Michael Vivirito, president of the Bowleys Quarters Improvement Association. “It’s a step in the right direction.”

The legislation eliminates a county law that allows 5.5 residential units per acre of land zoned for marinas or boatyards in the two east Baltimore County communities. The measure does not apply to existing boatyards and marinas, including Galloway Creek Marina, where a 36-unit condominium complex is planned. That project was approved as a “planned unit development,” which could allow as much as 16 units per acre, some opponents said. The new law, sponsored by Fullerton Democrat Joe Bartenfelder, does nothing to prevent marina owners from pursuing those in the future, said Bill Lagna, president of another community group, the Bowleys Quarters Community Association. He characterized planned unit developments as a possible loophole that could allow more development than currently permitted.

“Now, it’s far worse,” Lagna said.

Opponents also said marina owners should be permitted limited development rights to build their own homes on their boatyards.

Bartenfelder said five shoreline property owners are seeking marina classification under the countywide rezoning process under way, but none is interested in residential development. He pledged to seek community support before endorsing any development proposal.

“They could have done a planned unit development now anyway,” Bartenfelder said. “This takes away the residential zoning by right.”

jmalarkey@baltimoreexaminer.com