Calvert County Board of Appeals Public Hearing - September 4, 2025

The Calvert County Board of Appeals held a public hearing on September 4, 2025, beginning at 9:00 AM, to consider four cases: a special exception to increase daycare capacity, two variances for detached garages, and a special exception for a home-based federal firearms license. The meeting concluded at approximately 11:47 AM after all cases were decided and an administrative session was postponed. The board voted unanimously on all cases, with conditions placed on the daycare expansion and firearms license.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved unanimously by roll call vote (no changes).
• Public notice requirements were met for all cases, with affidavits of signposting and legal notices published in the Voice of Southern Maryland.

Case Summaries

Case 25-4226: Special Exception – Sung’s Black Belt Academy Daycare Expansion

Applicants Young Sung and Wendy Deeben, on behalf of LB Dunkirk Gateway LLC, requested a special exception to increase daycare capacity from 19 to 30 clients at 10750 Town Center Blvd, Dunkirk (zoned Town Center). The state had approved up to 30 clients, but the county cap was 19. The applicants testified that the facility can handle 30 clients with two groups, strict supervision, and a waitlist of 12 children. Board members raised concerns about traffic and fire lane, but the applicants explained loading/unloading in the rear. Decision: Approved unanimously with conditions: provide current fire system inspection from landlord, new state capacity permit, no transfer of exception, no drop-off/pickup in front fire lane (use rear), no permanent outdoor play equipment, and submit child care administrative approval. The board found the use consistent with the comprehensive plan and not detrimental to adjacent properties.

Case 25-4227: Variance – Huffner Custom Building Garage Setback

Forrest Huffner, on behalf of property owner Cary Murphy, sought a variance to reduce the side setback from 30 to 5 feet at 1215 Brown Fox Dr, Huntingtown (zoned Rural Community District) to construct a 24’x25’ detached garage. The hardship was the location of a septic recovery area (SRA) behind the house, forcing the garage forward. The applicant testified that no neighbors objected, the garage would be residential use with matching materials, and the building was reduced in size. Board members questioned construction details and power line proximity. Decision: Approved unanimously. The board found peculiar difficulties due to the SRA, no injury to public interest, compliance with comprehensive plan, minimum adjustment, and no fault of the applicant.

Case 25-4228: Special Exception – Home-Based Federal Firearms License

Rene L. Ward, on behalf of the Rene L. Ward Revocable Trust, requested a special exception to operate a Class A home occupation for a Federal Firearms License (FFL) at 1275 Hollage Rd, Lusby (zoned Residential District/Critical Area/Limited Development Area). The applicant described a part-time, appointment-only business selling guns to friends and family, with an estimated 1-6 sales per month, all transactions inside his garage. He stated he is licensed since 2018 and subject to state and federal inspections. Numerous neighbors testified and submitted letters of opposition citing narrow roads, blind spots, drainage ditches, safety concerns for pedestrians and children, lack of secure storage, potential for increased crime, and property value declines. The applicant responded that his hobby would not increase traffic significantly and that firearms would be stored in a 650-lb safe. Decision: Approved with conditions by a 5-0 vote. Conditions include: the exception is personal to Mr. Ward and this address only, cannot be transferred; all deliveries must be signed for; limit of six visitors/vehicles per month; no sales of ammunition; and if Mr. Ward changes his residency status from Maryland, the exception is invalid. Board members acknowledged neighbor concerns but relied on prior approvals of similar FFLs in residential areas and the applicant’s low projected activity.

Case 25-4229: Variances – Park Place Construction Garage Setbacks

Albert DeCesaris, on behalf of Dale and Jesse Espenschade, applied to reduce front setback from 60 to 28 feet and side setback from 30 to 7 feet at 1955 Rosemary Ln, Port Republic (zoned Rural Community District) to build a 30’x30’ garage. The hardship was the location of a well and septic system consuming most of the 2-acre lot, leaving only the front area for construction. Neighbors had no objections. The garage will match the house and be used to store the owner’s restored 1971 Ford Mustang and other vehicles. Decision: Approved unanimously. The board found peculiar difficulties due to well/septic constraints, no injury to public interest, compliance with comprehensive plan, minimum adjustment, and no action by the applicant caused the need.

Administrative Session & Public Comment

• The board postponed the review of updates to the Rules of Procedure to the November 6, 2025 meeting, citing the desire for in-person discussion (one member was via Zoom).
• No public comment was offered at the end of the session.

Key Outcomes

• Case 25-4226: Special exception granted (unanimous) with conditions.
• Case 25-4227: Variance granted (unanimous).
• Case 25-4228: Special exception granted (unanimous) with conditions limiting operations.
• Case 25-4229: Variance granted (unanimous).
• Administrative session postponed to November 6, 2025.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:47 AM.