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Board of Appeals approves variances tied to unresolved violation at 6607 Grigg Street
Summary
The Prince George's County Board of Appeals approved variances for R and R Rivera Investment LLC to validate existing foundation locations and allow completion of a house at 6607 Grigg Street in Capitol Heights; the board noted an outstanding code violation tied to prior ownership remains unresolved.
The Prince George's County Board of Appeals on Sept. 10 approved variances sought by R and R Rivera Investment LLC to validate the existing foundation and allow completion of construction at 6607 Grigg Street in Capitol Heights.
The board approved a 12-foot front-yard depth variance and a 3.7-foot rear-yard depth variance, motions the panel said were necessary to validate the reconstructed foundation and permit issuance so the current owner may obtain a building permit and finish work including first- and second-floor renovations, a new roof, a covered porch, a concrete patio and other site work.
Why it matters: the board emphasized the variances were sought to regularize an existing foundation reconstructed on the original 1950s footprint after a 2013 fire. The board also noted that approval of a variance does not waive other required county reviews or permits; a written board order and a building permit remain prerequisites to construction.
During the hearing, Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) inspector Swan told the board the property’s notice of violation has not been cleared and remediation is progressing slowly. Attorney Casey Cerner, representing the applicant Jose David Rivera, said Rivera acquired the partly completed property in August 2024 and was not informed of the notice of violation or the need for variances at the time of purchase. Cerner said the variances are needed to validate the existing reconstructed foundation and complete permitting.
Board discussion focused on whether the condition requiring relief was self-inflicted. Members said the evidence indicates the violation originated with a prior owner and that Rivera acted in good faith to resolve outstanding issues. Vice Chair Johnston moved to approve the variances; Member Stanton seconded. The roll call recorded aye votes from Chair Boulware, Vice Chair Johnston and Member Stanton and the board approved the request 3-0.
The board and staff reminded the applicant that DPIE must clear outstanding violations and that issuance of a building permit remains dependent on subsequent county reviews. Board staff said they would follow up with the applicant on next steps and conditions necessary for permit issuance.
The applicant, Jose David Rivera, and his attorney were excused following the approval.
