Kent County grants special exception for 1,700‑square‑foot accessory building at Quaker Neck Road property

A Kent County hearing officer on June 13, 2025, granted Chandra Shane Dye an administrative special exception to construct a 1,700‑square‑foot pool building at 7420 Quaker Neck Road in Chestertown, subject to a condition that the approval lapses after two years if no substantial construction occurs.

The special exception was required because the proposed accessory structure would exceed size limits for properties under five acres. Rob Tracy, associate planner for Kent County Planning, Housing, and Zoning, told the hearing that the building would be located in the rear yard and used for "the storage of boats, RVs, and other miscellaneous equipment." Tracy said the structure would be approximately 68 feet from the west side property line, 10 feet from the east property line, 181 feet from the south/front property line and about 40 feet from the north/rear property line; he also noted tree lines along the northwest and east property boundaries.

Tracy said staff found "the proposal is consistent with the ordinance" and recommended approval with a condition that "the special exception hereby granted would lapse in 2 years if no substantial construction in accordance with the plans here and presented were to occur." The hearing record shows the comprehensive plan is neutral on the matter and staff reported no known impacts on community facilities and services.

Chandra Shane Dye, the applicant, confirmed the application details when sworn and told the hearing officer there was no additional information. With no members of the public present or online to comment, the hearing officer said he would "incorporat[e] the staff report and the application materials into the record" and stated he was "inclined to grant approval" with the two‑year lapse condition. The decision will be issued in writing and the applicant was told a building permit would follow.

No formal vote tally or motions by named commissioners appear in the record; the action is recorded as an administrative decision by the hearing officer based on the staff report and application materials.

The county staff contacts on the record were Carla Gerber, deputy director of planning, housing, and zoning; Rob Tracy, associate planner; and Beth Grieve, clerk. The applicant's address on the record was 7420 Quaker Neck Road, Chestertown, Maryland.