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Board grants security exemption for corner-lot fence at Upper Marlboro home over neighbor objections
Summary
Prince George's County Board of Appeals approved a security exemption to allow a six-foot vinyl fence on a corner lot at 4110 Claiborne Street, citing board finding of a safety need despite neighbors' objections about removal of conservation landscaping and visual impact of white vinyl fencing.
The Prince George's County Board of Appeals on Sept. 10 approved a security exemption request allowing a six-foot vinyl fence on a corner lot at 4110 Claiborne Street in Upper Marlboro. The exemption permits fencing above the usual four-foot limit in what the county classifies as a front yard due to the lot’s orientation.
Petitioners Matthew and Margaret Sutherland asked the board to treat the driveway-facing side of their corner lot as effectively their rear yard for purposes of fencing so they could enclose a play area for children and secure the yard. They said safety for their children was the primary reason for the requested exemption.
Several nearby residents opposed the proposal. Tawanda Mangan and Roderick Waters told the board they objected to the removal of established green space at the corner and said a white vinyl fence would be visually incompatible with the neighborhood, where many properties use black aluminum fencing. Waters and another neighbor also raised concerns about the conservation-area vegetation that the petitioners removed after purchase and urged plant replacement.
Board counsel read the applicable standard for a security exemption from county code (subsection b of 27-6610): the board may approve a security exemption plan if there is a need for safety or security reasons and no adverse effect, among other criteria. After discussion — including the petitioners’ statement that they are coordinating with the Maryland Department of Agriculture on appropriate replacement plantings and that they removed vegetation because roots and invasive growth affected their foundation and siding — the board found the requirements for a security exemption had been met.
Vice Chair Johnston moved to approve the security-exemption request; Member Stanton seconded. The roll call recorded aye votes from Chair Boulware, Vice Chair Johnston and Member Stanton and the motion carried 3-0. The board encouraged the Sutherlands to continue working with neighbors on landscaping and fencing materials and noted staff will follow up on next administrative steps to obtain a building permit.
The record shows neighbors remain concerned about visual impacts and tree replacement; petitioners said they intend to replant and have sought guidance from the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
