Board grants buffers and limited parking variances for St. Mary’s Marketplace with conditions

The St. Mary's County Board of Appeals on April 9 approved variances for the proposed St. Mary's Marketplace in California, Md., allowing reduced buffer yards along Maryland Route 4 and the new FDR Boulevard and a reduction of up to 12 required off‑street parking spaces.

The applicant, identified in public filings as California LLC with NG&O Engineering as agent, requested exemptions from Section 63.4 (buffer yards) and Section 64.3 (off‑street parking) of the St. Mary's County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for a roughly 15‑acre CMX‑zoned site at the Route 235/Route 4 intersection.

John Norris, representing the applicant, and traffic engineer Mike Lenhart presented the project to the board, saying the redevelopment would construct the final segment of FDR Boulevard, reduce the number of vehicular entrances onto Route 235, and donate and convey parcels to the county for future intersection or roadway improvements. Norris said the applicant will provide a more intensive C‑type buffer planting where buffers are narrowed and proposed a decorative wrought‑iron‑style fence along reduced buffers. The applicant also sought flexibility to shortfall up to 12 parking spaces to allow for final engineering adjustments related to stormwater management and site layout; the conceptual plans show a deficiency of about nine spaces but the applicant requested up to 12 to cover potential adjustments.

Staff recommended approval after finding the standards for granting variances were met because the property fronts multiple major roads, will be partially conveyed for public improvements, and requires land for the roadway and stormwater management. Yvonne Schley told the board the applicant had worked with county agencies and the State Highway Administration through the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) and that staff concluded the narrowed but more intensively planted buffers met the ordinance’s intent.

During public testimony, nearby resident William (Bill) Clemons of 2323 Notch Road, who lives opposite the SMECO substation, asked about entrances, landscaping, and the applicant’s plans for the area that will be conveyed to the county. The applicant’s team explained the hiker/biker trail, proposed planting areas, and coordination with SMECO regarding utility easements that restrict planting in portions of the corridor.

The board approved the variances with conditions that include: erecting a 6‑foot decorative wrought‑iron‑style fence along reduced buffers; substitution of suitable plantings for the southeast corner to enhance appearance; relocating and planting the required A buffer in a 15‑foot strip between the proposed hiker‑biker trail and parcels to be conveyed; and a requirement that the applicant maintain and replace any dying trees or shrubs in required buffer yards. The board accepted staff’s findings as the factual basis for approval and directed staff to prepare an order; the order will be signed within 60 days and is subject to a 30‑day appeal period after signature.

The applicant emphasized the project’s transportation benefits, including the FDR Boulevard extension and lane improvements on Route 4; consultant Mike Lenhart presented a traffic simulation showing reduced congestion on Route 4 once the connection is complete. The board and staff noted the project’s landscaping ratio exceeds county requirements and that the reduced buffer widths will be offset by more intensive planting in the narrower zones.

The board’s approval allows the project to proceed to subsequent county reviews and to the Board of County Commissioners for related actions; staff will provide the signed order to the applicant and public once prepared.