BMZA approves rear‑addition variance at 306 West Lorraine after owners cite subsurface 'Ghost River' damage

The Baltimore City Board of Municipal Zoning Appeals approved variances enabling a two‑story rear addition with a third floor at 306 West Lorraine Avenue after the applicant presented engineering and neighborhood testimony that the property is structurally compromised by a historic underground stream, known in testimony as the Sunwalt Run or a local “Ghost Rivers” feature.

The board found that strict application of the zoning code would create a practical difficulty for the owner and that the requested relief would not injure neighboring properties; the motion to grant the variances passed with four yes votes.

Applicant testimony and supporting documents described visible cracking, subsidence and structural damage. Nate Priddle, representing the applicant, told the board the property “is experiencing significant structural deterioration” and submitted a civil engineer’s letter and photographs showing foundation and wall cracking. Owner Michael Francis Colligan testified about observed movement, saying the house’s elevations differ by as much as “a foot,” and described interior cracking that has worsened since he bought…