Planning commission backs variance request for Commerce Street corner lots; refers case to Board of Appeals

The Taneytown Planning Commission recommended that the Board of Appeals grant a variance in case 2025231125 for a pair of corner lots at Commerce Street and Riverton (sometimes transcribed as Reverton). The commission’s positive recommendation would allow the side-yard setback on the Riverton side to be reduced from the double-front-yard 35-foot requirement to 10 feet so a house could face Commerce Street.

Planning staff explained that the lots were created in the 1920s, long before the R-7500 zoning district existed, and the double-front-yard rule on corner lots would otherwise leave insufficient buildable area. The requested minimum variance is intended to be the least reduction necessary to accommodate a house oriented toward Commerce Street while keeping a 35-foot setback from Commerce.

Commissioners discussed several practical considerations: whether the resulting home would line up with neighboring houses, the location of any driveway and its implications for the official street address, the requirement for three off-street parking spaces under city rules, and sidewalk installation at the time of construction. Staff noted county emergency services prefers the address match the street of primary vehicular access, which could result in the address being on Riverton even if the house front faces Commerce.

Commissioners indicated they would share the commission’s observation that maintaining a 35-foot setback from Commerce would better align the new home with adjacent houses and agreed staff could contact lot owners before the Board of Appeals hearing. The commission then voted to make a positive recommendation to the Board of Appeals.

Staff said the Board of Appeals hearing is scheduled for Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m.