Prince George's County Board of Appeals Hearing – June 17, 2026
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).
Meeting Transcript
Recording in progress. All right. Good evening, everyone. The Board of Appeals hearings for Wednesday, June 17th, 2026. It's here by a call to order at 6 p.m. Or ask our board administrator to call the roll. Chair Bower. Present. Vice Chair Johnston. Present. Board member Stan. Present. Three members present at roll call. Are there any announcements? No announcements, Mr. Chair. All right. So the Board of Appeals in-person meetings or no hearings continue to operate virtually using alternative public participation options, including utilization of digital technology or teleconferencing. Our virtual hearings are recorded and transcribed during the meeting, so please state your name for the record each time you speak. For clarity and transcription, please do not speak over another person. If you wish to speak, please raise your hand to be called upon, and I will call upon you in turn. Our criteria for granting appeals involving variances. Such variants can be granted without substantial impairment to the intent, purpose, and integrity of the general plan or any area master plan, sector plan, or transit district development plan affecting the subject property, and such variants will not substantially impair the use and enjoyment of adjacent properties. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a variance may not be granted if the practical difficulty is self-inflicted by the owner of the property. All of these criteria must apply. If the board determines that it needs to seek technical assistance from any other governmental agency, we shall do so. Their approval of the variance is not a guarantee that further review will not be necessary by any other government authorities. Following the approval of variants, a building permit must be obtained. Before any building permits will be processed by the county permits office, a copy of the board's written order must be presented. Approval of any variance is contingent upon the development of the property in compliance with the board's approved site and elevations plans. Carlos Perez Del Cid Maria D. Rodriguez Chinchilla. A request for variances of 9,794 square feet net lot area, 9.9% lot coverage, one foot rear and side lot line for a shed and a waiver of the parking area to validate existing conditions, net lot area, lot coverage, waiver for the parking location, accessory building to obtain a permit for the unauthorized cover deck, a 12 by 16 shed, and the widened concrete driveway in front of the house at 4407 Selman Road, Beltsville. A Spanish translator has been requested. Is uh Mr. Soto Gomez with us this evening? Uh good evening. Uh yes, I am here. Okay, good to see you. Likewise our board attorney will swear you in. Okay. Good evening. Good evening, ma'am. Or the record Ruben Sotogome certified Spanish Interpreter 512 Lisa Avenue, according to Maryland 21113. Thank you, Mr. Sergio. Yes. Do you solamie swear or affirm under the penalties of perjury to interpret accurately, completely and impartially, and to refrain from knowingly disclosing confidential or privileged information obtained while serving this in this proceeding? I do. Thank you.
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