The Baltimore County Development Review Committee ruled last week that the request for the construction of an Aldi grocery store met the criteria of Exemption A, which should speed the process for the chain's arrival in Catonsville.
Projects meeting the criteria of Exemption A, according to the Baltimore County website, can apply directly for a building permit without going through the development review and approval process.
The projects also can forgo providing a concept or development plan and having a community input meeting and hearing officer's hearing, according to the website.
The Aug. 16 ruling gave the project Exemption A-1-vi status, which is for the construction of minor commercial or residential accessory structures, the Baltimore County website stated.
The grocery store is planned for property at 6503 Baltimore National Pike, the site of the now-closed Frank's Nursery and Crafts.
Construction of the store is expected to begin in February, said Aldi spokeswoman Amy Nadler in an email.
She added that it is scheduled to open in July.
According to its website, Aldi has more than 1,000 stores in 31 states, Europe and Australia.
The first store opened in southeastern Iowa in 1976.
Baltimore County stores currently include locations in Randallstown, Reisterstown, Dundalk and Essex.
The chain also has a store at 3140 Washington Blvd., a short distance from the city-county border near the intersection with Caton Avenue.
Aldi mainly sells discounted products under its own brand name, the site stated.