Filling Station Coffee

Every four years per the Baltimore County code, the County Council reviews and revises the Count’s zoning maps via the Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP).

At the Sparks Station Coffee Shop we have been working for over a year on changing the zoning at the Sparks Station Coffee Shop. It seems that our location pre-dated current zoning regulations and it was important to us as a small business that we establish a current zoning designation.

The process began in August 2007. We originally request a Business Local zoning with the Commercial Rural overlay (BL-CR). We worked closely with the local community to make certain we listened to their concerns. As long-time residents of Sparks ourselves, we too want to preserve rural lands, protect natural resources, and prevent over-development.  What we heard is that  it was important to the community future businesses operating at our site fit in with our rural environment.  We believe we have accomplished that goal. 

The CZMP final decisions were made on August 26, 2008. The Councilman has re-zoned our property to Community Business zoning with a Commercial Rural overlay (CB-CR).  This was the same recommendation given by the Sparks-Glencoe Community Planning Council (SGCPC)  and the Planning Board.  In general, CB-CR zoning means that retail stores, service establishments, and restaurants (except fast food and taverns) are now permitted to operate in this location.

We personally would like to thank the members of the (SGCPC) for their support and guidance on a solution.  More importantly, we would like to thank the residents, our customers for supporting us everyday.  Here is a link to all the Baltimore County decisions and a comprehensive explanation of zoning terms: .

http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/countycouncil/czmp2008.html