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Board approves variances to build in steep‑slope and critical‑area buffer in Hollywood with planting and sand‑filter conditions
Summary
The Board of Appeals approved VAAP-53122 allowing disturbance of steep slopes and additional lot coverage in the critical‑area buffer for a single‑family dwelling at 25905 Whiskey Creek Road, subject to mitigation and stormwater controls including sand filters.
The St. Mary's County Board of Appeals on Nov. 6 approved variance VAAP-53122 to permit disturbance of steep slopes and placement of impervious surface in the critical‑area buffer for a proposed single‑family dwelling at 25905 Whiskey Creek Road in Hollywood.
William P. Higgs, a professional land surveyor with Little Silence's Rest, Inc., presented on behalf of the applicants, Brenda and Robert Grant. Higgs told the board the lot is a grandfathered parcel created before current critical‑area regulations and that the expanded buffer covers most of the site. The parcel is 1.666 acres, and the applicant proposed approximately 8,700–8,753 square feet of impervious surface for a house, garage, walks and driveway; staff reported a slightly different figure (8,630 square feet) in its materials.
Staff and the applicant discussed erosion control and water‑quality measures. Higgs said soil conditions on the property are highly erodible and that the roof drains were designed to convey water over a slope; to meet water‑quality objectives he proposed installing sand filters to treat the first inch of runoff from rooftops before the drains convey treated water down the slope. Staff indicated that this sand‑filter approach would address concerns previously raised by the critical‑area reviewers.
Staff recommended approval subject to conditions that include a buffer management plan, adherence to the critical‑area planting agreement with mitigation at a 3:1 ratio (trees and shrubs native to Maryland coastal plain), and other standard sediment and erosion controls. At the hearing the board added a specific condition requiring installation of sand filters for roof runoff.
Robert Grant, one of the property owners, described the family reasons for the house size and confirmed the proposed garage and living‑area footprint. Staff noted prior submittals for variances in 2006 and explained the request is driven by topography, lot shape and the expanded critical‑area buffer.
The board voted to approve VAAP‑53122 with the listed conditions. Staff will prepare a written order reflecting the decision; the order will be signed by the board within 60 days and a 30‑day appeal period will follow signing.
The approval allows development on a parcel constrained by buffer and steep‑slope rules but attaches compensatory planting and stormwater‑treatment requirements intended to reduce long‑term impacts to water quality and the coastal critical area.
