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Board of Appeals approves setback and critical-area variances for Raymond property in Ridge
Summary
The Saint Mary''s County Board of Appeals on May 8 approved two variances for 49521 Portney's Overlook Road: a reduced front setback for a replacement shed and disturbance of the 100-foot critical-area buffer to convert a sunroom to a patio. The board required mitigation plantings and a buffer management plan before building permits are issued.
The Saint Mary''s County Board of Appeals on May 8 approved two variances that allow a Ridge property owner to replace an existing shed closer to the front lot line and to convert an existing sunroom inside the county's 100-foot critical-area buffer into a patio.
Nathaniel Raymond, the property owner, told the board he is seeking a 15-foot front-setback reduction to place a new 30-by-30-foot shed 10 feet from the front lot line and permission to convert a sunroom in the expanded buffer to an open patio without increasing impervious surface. "I merely want to convert the existing sunroom into a patio for my outdoor pleasure for relaxation, barbecuing, and entertaining," Raymond said during his presentation.
The Board of Appeals found that the variance standards in the Saint Mary''s County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance were met and voted to approve the requests. The board's order will be prepared by staff, signed within 60 days, and may be appealed to circuit court within 30 days of signing.
Why it matters: The property sits largely within the county's critical-area buffer, which limits development meant to protect water quality and habitats along tidal waters. Allowing the change preserves the owner's existing footprint while triggering required mitigation and review intended to offset impacts to shoreline buffer functions.
Key details and board direction: Amanda Yoel, a planner with Land Use and Growth Management, told the panel that the project is exempt from soil conservation and stormwater management because proposed disturbance is under 5,000 square feet and that the Health Department and floodplain review have approved the site plan. The applicant proposes 1,488 square feet of buffer mitigation; staff will require a buffer management plan to be approved before issuance of a building permit.
Board members asked whether the existing shed had been legally nonconforming and whether neighbors objected. Raymond said the old shed was legally nonconforming (grandfathered) and that he had discussed the plans with his adjacent property owner, who had no concerns but had not provided a written statement. The board noted the house and much of the lot lie in the buffer and that the new shed would increase the front setback from 5 feet to 10 feet; no neighbors appeared to object at the hearing.
The board's formal motion approved the variance from Schedule 32.1 to reduce the front setback from 25 feet to 10 feet for the replacement shed and from section 71.8.0.3 to disturb the 100-foot critical-area buffer for the patio. Staff must document and sign the order within 60 days; the recording secretary will email a copy to the applicant.
The board also reiterated standard conditions: mitigation planting and a buffer management plan must be completed and approved before permits are issued. No additional follow-up assignments were recorded at the hearing.
