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Commission OKs 600‑sq‑ft addition at 87 West DeMille Road; commissioners confirm code compliance for nonconforming structure
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a roughly 600‑square‑foot addition to a preexisting house at 87 West DeMille Road. Commissioners found the enlargement does not increase nonconformity under the town code and reminded the owner‑builder of inspection responsibilities.
The Rockville Planning Commission approved a building permit application on Aug. 12 for a single‑story addition at 87 West DeMille Road submitted by property owner Jonathan Zambella.
Zambella told commissioners the project is an owner‑builder addition that will add one bedroom, one bathroom and a laundry room to an existing small dwelling. The addition fills in part of an existing covered porch; the applicant said the new total heated area would be about 1,400 square feet (a net gain of roughly 320 square feet from the existing footprint).
Commission review focused on whether the alteration would increase a preexisting nonconformity. Planning Commission member Jane reviewed the town code provision allowing maintenance, repair, alteration and enlargement of noncompliant structures so long as the work does not increase nonconformity or create a new nonconformity. Commissioners agreed the addition meets setback requirements and does not expand the nonconforming aspects of the structure.
Commissioners also discussed construction administration: as an owner‑builder, Zambella is responsible for scheduling inspections with the town’s building inspector (Zach Martin) and for the cost of any extra inspections beyond standard checks. Tim confirmed that demolition or removal of the small covered porch would be part of the building‑permit envelope and that necessary demolition permissions should be included with the building permit.
A motion to approve the application noted that the applicant had been advised of inspection responsibilities and potential additional inspection fees and found the project in compliance with the land‑use code and the Rockville General Plan. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote recorded as: Andy, Tim, Linda, Ken and Jane voting aye.
The applicant was told to coordinate required inspections with the town building inspector during construction and to secure any demolition permits if portions of the porch will be removed.
