Prince George's County Board of Appeals Hearing – June 17, 2026

The Prince George's County Board of Appeals convened virtually on June 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM and adjourned at 6:58 PM. Three members (Chair Bower, Vice Chair Johnston, Board Member Stanton) were present. The board heard three variance cases and approved the minutes from the June 3, 2026 meeting with a correction. Spanish translation was provided for the first two cases.

Variance V-1-26: Carlos Perez del Cid and Maria D. Rodriguez Chinchilla

• Request: Variances of 9,794 square feet net lot area, 9.9% lot coverage, 1-foot rear and side lot line for a shed, and a waiver for parking area to validate existing conditions and obtain a permit for an unauthorized covered deck, a 12’ x 16’ shed, and a widened concrete driveway at 4407 Sellman Road, Beltsville.
• Testimony: Petitioner Carlos Perez del Cid (a home remodeling contractor) stated he built the shed and driveway roof over the deck himself without permits because he believed permits were unnecessary for a small shed and driveway not touching the street. He claimed the deck existed when he purchased the house. Inspector Harrison testified that he visited due to a 311 complaint and found the unauthorized construction; he noted the prior addition on the house also lacked permits but was from a previous owner. The inspector confirmed outstanding fines existed under the previous owner's name.
• Position of Petitioner: Petitioner expressed that his actions were unintentional and that his property is large enough not to offend neighbors.
• Board Deliberation: Chair Bower noted the property is somewhat unique but concluded the practical difficulty was self-inflicted because the petitioner failed to obtain proper permits. A 311 complaint indicated possible neighbor concerns.
• Outcome: Motion to deny (Vice Chair Johnston, second by Member Stanton). Vote: 3-0 to deny.
• Post-ruling: Petitioner raised a question about the fine; inspector stated the citation would be reissued in the correct name. Board staff directed petitioner to follow up later.

Variance V-17-26: Juan Guzman

• Request: Variances of 611 square feet net lot area, 9 feet lot width, and a waiver for parking area to validate existing conditions and obtain a building permit for a proposed 12’ x 20’ driveway partially in front of the house at 1406 Nye Street, Capitol Heights.
• Testimony: Petitioner Juan Guzman (who joined while driving, then parked) stated his house is the only one on the street without a driveway; broken windows from parked cars in the street motivated his request. He noted his lot is narrow and unique.
• Position of Petitioner: Full support for the variance to improve safety and add driveway.
• Board Deliberation: Chair Bower noted the narrow lot and the fact that the property was subdivided in 1950, predating current zoning. No questions from other members.
• Outcome: Motion to approve (Member Stanton, second by Vice Chair Johnston). Vote: 3-0 to approve.

Variance V-26-26: Jose Tomas and Merlyn Lorena Sorto

• Request: Variances of 21,500 square feet net lot area, 50 feet lot width, 7.3% lot coverage, and 8 feet side yard width to validate existing conditions and obtain a building permit for a proposed 38' x 49.6' second-story addition on top of the existing structure and a 12' x 24' first- and second-floor addition at 11601 Daisy Lane, Glenn Dale.
• Testimony: Petitioner Jose Tomas Sorto (a general contractor) explained the proposed addition would modernize the house to match newer neighborhood homes. He clarified the plans show a garage in front and the second story addition would be set back. He stated a neighbor (who works at Home Depot) expressed support. The lot has substantial sloping in the back.
• Position of Petitioner: Full support for the variance to improve the property.
• Board Deliberation: Chair Bower initially questioned how the proposed drawings matched the existing structure but understood after explanation. No concerns from neighboring associations or homeowners. Board noted the sloping lot.
• Outcome: Motion to approve (Member Stanton, second by Vice Chair Johnston). Vote: 3-0 to approve.

Approval of Minutes from June 3, 2026

• Correction: Board Member Stanton noted Vice Chair Johnston was present at the June 3 meeting but not listed in the draft minutes. The board agreed to record the correction.
• Outcome: Motion to approve minutes as amended (Member Stanton, second by Vice Chair Johnston). Vote: 3-0 to approve.

Key Outcomes

• V-1-26 (Perez del Cid): Denied 3-0.
• V-17-26 (Guzman): Approved 3-0.
• V-26-26 (Sorto): Approved 3-0.
• Minutes of June 3, 2026: Approved as amended (3-0).