Dorchester County board approves accessory structure for Penny Austin before primary home is built

The Dorchester County Board of Appeals on Aug. 7 approved a special exception allowing Penny Austin to construct a 560-square-foot accessory structure at 6804 North Tara Road in Federalsburg before building a primary dwelling.

The board granted Austin’s request after staff said the application met the criteria for a special exception and the county’s critical-area rules raised no objection. The accessory structure was described in staff materials as a temporary way for Austin to use the property while she prepares to build a primary house; the packet included building plans dating to 2023.

Austin, who owns parcels at 6804 and 6806 North Tara Road, told the board she needs a modest building to store yard equipment and maintenance supplies during a long driveway, and that she has been storing belongings in a neighbor’s barn since 2020. “I don’t want it to impede any future home that could go there. I just want something big enough to keep my materials in in order to maintain the properties,” Austin said.

Staff and the board said the proposed structure would be consistent with the county comprehensive plan and would not adversely affect the critical-area regulations, traffic, or neighboring properties. The planning commission had issued a favorable recommendation on July 9, 2025, and staff noted permits would still be required before building commenced.

After the board read the special-exception criteria aloud and confirmed no public opposition was present, a motion to approve carried. The board’s approval authorizes only the accessory structure; any subsequent primary dwelling will require its own permitting and approvals.