BMZA denies variance to allow converting two‑unit building to four units at Myrtle Avenue site

The Baltimore Municipal Zoning Appeals board denied Aug. 5 a variance request that would have allowed a four‑unit conversion at 225 Myrtle Ave. The existing building is lawfully a two‑unit multifamily dwelling; the applicant sought variances for minimum lot area and for off‑street parking to authorize four units. Planning staff had recommended reducing the request to three units, which would have fallen below the parking threshold and reduced the required lot‑area variance.

At the hearing, the applicant and his counsel argued the property is structurally unsound and that surrounding abandonment means investment here could catalyze neighborhood rehabilitation. The applicant said the building has three levels and a basement and that “we were thinking we can do a 4 unit, 1 unit per level.” He also presented a letter of support from Councilman Bullock for a three‑unit approval.

Board members concluded those conditions do not establish the statutory uniqueness or peculiarity needed for a variance. One member said the lot’s conditions — many nearby properties also have vacant‑building notices — were not sufficiently distinct from surrounding parcels. Several board members said they were sympathetic to infill redevelopment but bound to apply the existing zoning code and would deny the requested increases in density. The board did not adopt the three‑unit compromise; the motion before the board was to grant the variance for four units and that motion failed. Board members urged the applicant to pursue pending council bills that could change the zoning standard and to participate in the planning commission process.