A zoning agreement has been reached between St. Joseph Catholic Church and Baltimore County to restrict development in that area.

Baltimore County Councilman David Marks made the announcement via Facebook on Monday.

Marks recommended downzoning the 40-acre St. Joseph Church property to one house per acre, as low as possible for privately-owned land. The county will support placing two acres of adjacent publicly-owned, wooded land and nine acres of homeowner association property into the Neighborhood Commons designation.

Marks added on Facebook:

“At the same time, I will recommend modifying a small part of the church’s frontage to commercial zoning allow for a sign that will better communicate the church’s programs.

This rezoning will preserve the wooded property that backs up to Ridgelys Choice Drive, and lighten any future development on any part of the church property, which covers 40 acres. I would like to thank St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church for supporting this downzoning, and acknowledge the church for its continued support our community.”

St. Joseph Catholic Church is located at 8420 Belair Road, 21236.