Project Description

CURRENT PROJECT STATUS

The current owner of the property at 10729 Park Heights Avenue requested and received a special exception for a boarding school. VPC appealed the decision to the Board of Appeals (BOA) based on concerns about traffic, septic capacity, and available well water supply, as well as the fact that dormitories are not allowed by right or special exception on RC2 land.

The BOA granted the special acception on February 19, 2026, with restrictions as follows:

  1. The BOA limited the number of boarding students to 48;
  2. A petition with the Zoning Office must be filed to request approval for an expansion of the boarding student population;
  3. Onsite food service and laundry facilities can be provided only with the permission of County upon showing that the septic system, well, nitrate balance, and other systems can accomodate the modification;
  4. Non-school functions cannot be held on the property. School functions must end outdoor activities by 10 PM, and no sound amplification equipment can be used outdoors after 8 PM;
  5. The property will be entered via the north driveway only and exited via the south driveway only; and
  6. Students will not be allowed to have personal cars.

Click here to read the full decision. VPC appealed the decision to the Circuit Court. At the same time, the property owner also appealed to the Circuit Court, then retracted its appeal and filed a federal case against Baltimore County in The United State District Court for the District of Maryland under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), claiming Baltimore County violated its rights. A stay of VPC’s Circuit Court appeal was requested and denied, and the property owner asked the Court to reconsider its decision and then requested the Appellate Court intercede. This special exception case will likely proceed in Circuit Court at the same time the RLUIPA case moves forward.

Baltimore County is deciding how best to defend itself against baseless claims of religious discrimination. VPC looks forward to providing assistance.

Make a tax-deductible contribution to VPC to help offset expenses related to this special project. All contributions fund legal expenses and expert witnesses, and are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Please send a check to VPC, PO Box 5402, Towson, MD 21285 and add “Rainbow Hall” in the memo line, or click “Make a Contribution Online” below to pay with credit/debit card.

PRIOR HISTORY

In 2010, the VPC filed a petition requesting a special hearing to challenge the use of a property zoned RC2 for apartment rentals. The property, Rainbow Hall (aka Rainbow Hill), is located at 10729 Park Heights Ave., in Owings Mills. The site features a historic 1917 mansion, two ranchers, and a cottage. The mansion has a non-historic wing that was added when the property was used as a nursing home.

The owner, Henry Wright, converted the wing into six or more apartments. He rented those along with the three houses. It was estimated that 15-20 individuals currently reside in rental units on this property. In addition, the mansion was used for catered affairs or other meeting space for which the owner receives a fee.

The VPC was concerned about the use of the property for apartments, which is a prohibited use in all RC zones, and the precedent this could set for other rural properties. There have been a growing number of complaints from adjacent property owners and others in the community who are concerned about trespassing, noise, and other nuisances associated with the current use of the property. The case was heard by the Baltimore County Zoning Commissioner and a decision was issued on January 13, 2011, stating that apartment use was not permitted.

In February of 2012, the County Board of Appeals decision upheld the zoning commissions decision and found that VPC had standing regarding the apartments and catering case.

In October of 2012, the Circuit Court decision upheld the board of appeals decision and ordered all illegal uses to stop immediately.

In a related action, the owner filed a development plan seeking permission to build a 1,000-seat sanctuary and additional parking at this site. At a Community Input Meeting (CIM), there was a large turnout of residents who expressed concern about the potential community and environmental impacts of a large institutional facility at this location. The property is located on the ridge of the Greenspring Valley, is zoned for agricultural use, is not served by public water or sewer, and contains a large, historic structure that is on the Baltimore County Landmarks List.

In May of 2012, the Administrative Law Judge decision granted a special exception for use of the main house as a church with maximum seating for 212 people.

In January of 2013, the County Board of Appeals found no need for an amendment to county water and sewer plans and ordered clearing of shrubs and embankments to improve sightlines at the southern entrance.

In April of 2014, the Circuit Court decision upheld the Board of Appeals decision to grant the special exception for a 212-seat church.