The Board of Appeals for Prince George's County, Maryland, met virtually on September 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM to consider four variance requests, one zoning appeal, and the approval of prior meeting minutes. All five agenda items were decided unanimously (3-0). The board approved variances for three properties, denied one variance due to self-inflicted hardship, and affirmed the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission's zoning interpretation on farm-based alcohol production.
Good evening, everyone. The Board of Appeals hearings for Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026, or hit by call to order. I'll ask our board administrator to call the roll. Chair Bulware. Present. Vice Chair Johnston. Vice Chair Johnston. She's working. There she is. Uh here. Thank you. Board member stand. Here. Three members present at roll call. Thank you. Are there any announcements? Yes, Mr. Chair. V926. Um, they submitted some information that changed the scope of the variance request, and we need to reschedule. V2126. Um is rescheduled to October 7th per the petitioner's request. Okay. And a minor um change on AA 1777. Uh, we uh inadvertently left a T off of Robert. So we apologize to the appellant for the misspelling. Indeed. Anything else? I don't know if there's anyone here for V926 and V2126 that can um sign off now. All right, great. The Board of Appeals in-person meetings or indoor hearings continue to operate virtually using alternative public participation options, including utilization of digital technology or teleconferencing. 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 and I will call upon you in turn. Our criteria for granting appeals involving variances pursuant to council bill CB16-2021, section 27-3613, subsection D of the zoning ordinance authorizes the board to grant variances when a specific parcel of land is physically unique and unusual in a manner different from the nature of surrounding properties with respect to exceptional narrowness, shallowness, shape, exceptional topographic conditions, or other extraordinary conditions peculiar to the specific parcel, such as historical significance or environmentally sensitive features. The particular uniqueness and peculiarity of the specific property causes a zoning provision to impact disproportionately upon that property. Such that strict application of the preserv of the provision will result in peculiar and unusual practical difficulties to the owner of the property. Such variance is the minimum reasonably necessary to overcome the exceptional physical conditions. Such variants can be granted without substantial impairment to the intent, purpose, or 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 the 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 government agency, we shall do so. The approval of variants is not a guarantee that further review will not be necessary by any other government authorities. Or an integrity following the approval of the variance, a building permit must be obtained. Sector plan 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 that property in compliance with the board's approved site and elevation plans. And with that, we'll move to our first case on our agenda this evening. Yes. This is a request for variances of 9,389 square feet, not lot net lot area, 2.7% lot coverage, five feet front yard depth, one foot side yard width, and a waiver of the parking area location requirement and a one-foot sideline line setback for an accessory building to validate existing conditions, net lot area, front yard depth, side yard width, parking area location, and obtained a building permit for the unauthorized construction of a 13 by 23.85 shed at 2603 Lackawana Street Adelphi.