Carroll County BZA approves variance to convert outbuilding into accessory dwelling at 2537 Uniontown Road

The Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals on Sept. 22 approved a variance allowing an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to be created inside an existing outbuilding at 2537 Uniontown Road in Westminster that sits 104 feet from the primary dwelling, beyond the county's 50-foot proximity requirement.

The board granted the applicant's request for a 54-foot variance after hearing testimony that converting the existing structure would avoid additional land disturbance, reuse an existing concrete pad and minimize new construction near a well and recently installed septic system. The vote was moved and seconded and carried at the hearing.

The approval allows the owner and contractor to renovate the building already on the property instead of building a new ADU closer to the main house. Applicants testified the conversion will be largely structural and interior work using the existing slab and framing, which the county's site visit confirmed. County staff and other respondents had flagged health-department limits (required separation from wells and adequate septic capacity) but did not object to the proposed approach; the applicants said the main septic was recently upgraded and the team is working on compliance with health department requirements.

Applicant Zach Christie (general contractor) and family representatives told the board the ADU would enable multi-generational living so aging family members can receive close support while maintaining privacy and dignity. Jeff Morris and Carrie and Sandy Moorman described caregiving and medical concerns that motivated the request. Realtor Darlene Cagle and other neighbors spoke in support, saying ADUs with attached or proximate living space are rare in the local market and that reusing the existing structure would be less disruptive.

Board members said they generally apply the 50-foot requirement literally but that the combination of an existing structure, narrow lot geometry (nearly 1,000 feet long but only about five acres), an in-place slab, nearby well setbacks and a recently installed septic field created a practical difficulty that justified the variance in this case. The board noted the proposal would not expand the building's footprint or increase housing density on the parcel.

The board's oral decision was made at the hearing and will be followed by a written decision to be issued within 30 days. The written decision will explain the findings and any conditions. Appeals must be filed in Carroll County Circuit Court under Maryland Rule Title 7 within 30 days of the written decision.

The applicants are expected to proceed with formal plans and permit applications; staff noted that building, plumbing and septic permits and any health-department conditions still must be satisfied before occupancy.

Votes at a glance: The BZA approved the variance request (allowing an ADU at 104 feet from the primary dwelling) by motion and vote at the Sept. 22 hearing. The board's written decision, to be issued within 30 days, will document the official vote tally and any conditions.

The board adjourned after announcing the decision; the applicants and supporters left the hearing having received the board's tentative approval, subject to the forthcoming written findings and standard permitting requirements.