The Prince George's County Board of Appeals on Oct. 8, 2025, voted 3-0 to approve a variance that will allow Doris Young to construct a 10-by-25-foot driveway at 3119 Madison Street in Hyattsville.

The board found the corner-lot configuration and site slope made Young’s parcel unique compared with surrounding properties and that the requested waiver of the parking-area location requirement and relief from net lot area limits were the minimum relief necessary. Member Stanton made the motion to approve and Vice Chair Johnston seconded; Chair Boulware, Vice Chair Johnston and Member Stanton voted in favor.

The variance validates existing conditions and clears the way for Young to obtain a building permit from the county permits office, subject to staff follow-up. In testimony, Young, who identified herself as a senior resident of 3119 Madison Street, said she wants a driveway so she does not have to rely on street parking and to avoid problems when road flooding or other issues affect parked cars. "Because I'm I'm a senior citizen now, and when I leave home, I want to be I don't have to come back home wondering is my park on the street still gonna be there," Young told the board.

The board examined site photos submitted with the application and noted sloping on one side of the house and the lot’s corner status as distinguishing factors. Board members asked Young questions about topography and placement; Young described the proposed spot on the side of the house as "a perfect spot" and said several neighbors have similar driveways.

The board’s approval is limited to the variance requests presented: a 330-square-foot net lot area variance and a waiver of the parking-area location requirement to permit the 10-by-25-foot driveway. County staff will follow up with Young on the next steps for permit processing and any site or plan conditions the board attached.

The approval does not itself substitute for any other approvals required by county permitting processes; a building permit must be issued and the board’s written order presented to the county permits office before construction can proceed.