At its Oct. 9, 2025 public hearing, the Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance reducing the rear-yard setback at 8837 Bay Ridge Drive from 5 feet to 3.4 feet to allow a wider replacement deck.

The applicant testified the existing 4-by-11-foot deck would be replaced by a 6-by-20-foot deck and said the enlargement would improve safe access for a handicapped family member. The property is in the A-2 Agricultural District and the application cited applicable zoning code sections as the legal basis for requesting relief.

Board staff recorded that a similar variance had been granted in 2022 to other properties in the neighborhood; the applicant said that precedent and the house’s placement near the front building restriction line limited buildable space. A homeowners association representative confirmed the HOA had preliminarily approved the deck design and that notation was placed in the county file.

No members of the public spoke in opposition. A motion to approve the request was made and seconded; the board voted in favor and approved the variance. The public record shows the board received the applicant’s testimony that the change would “have minimal impact on surrounding properties” and that the intent was to improve safety and access for the applicant’s handicapped father.

Board staff advised the approval was for the setback relief as presented; any required building permits and inspections will be handled during the permit review process. The board’s formal motion and vote were recorded in the hearing minutes.