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BMZA grants side‑yard variances for proposed two semi‑detached homes at 4518 Keswick Road
Summary
Baltimore’s BMZA approved interior side‑yard variances to allow subdivision and construction of two 25‑foot lots with semi‑detached houses at 4518 Keswick Road, concluding the lot’s double width and a front slope create a practical difficulty and the design matches neighborhood character.
The Baltimore City Board of Municipal Zoning Appeals approved requests for interior side‑yard variances to permit subdivision of 4518 Keswick Road into two 25‑foot lots and construction of two semi‑detached houses that would match the block’s prevailing scale.
Planning staff recommended approval; the board found the lot’s size and a severe front‑of‑lot slope created a peculiar condition and a practical difficulty that justify the requested relief. The motion passed with four yes votes.
Applicant testimony explained the lot measures about 50 by 125 feet — roughly double the typical block‑face lot of 25 by 125. The developer’s representative, Nate Priddle, and contract purchaser Alexander Mavroulis described plans to subdivide the property and build two semi‑detached dwellings that mirror nearby lot widths and building spacing. Priddle told the board the front of the lot contains a steep slope and specimen trees, limiting development toward the front; moving structures forward to avoid the side‑yard variance would either conflict with design guidance or create off‑street parking challenges.
The Department of Planning’s memo noted the proposed semi‑detached houses would be similar in size and spacing to other homes on the block; planning also stressed the proposal must still complete subdivision review and subsequent design review. The applicant said the proposal arose from on‑site meetings with the community association and neighbors; the contract purchaser lives nearby and the team distributed informational materials before the hearing.
Board discussion focused on the McLean/variance findings: uniqueness of the property, the practical difficulty caused by the slope and lot configuration, and whether the relief would injure nearby properties. One board member said the proposal would convert a vacant lot into homes “in harmony with the community” and observed the requested relief would create housing stock that fits the Evergreen neighborhood’s character. No opposition speakers appeared at the hearing.
The requested variances were minimum interior side yards: the code requires 15 feet and the applicant proposed roughly 5 feet 3 inches on each side, producing variances of about 9 feet 9 inches per side for each new lot, as stated in the staff presentation. The board recorded its decision on the record and directed staff to draft the written resolution reflecting approval; the project still requires subdivision approval and design review before building permits can be issued.
