Prince George's County Board of Appeals approves home addition variance for Cordova family in Beltsville

Prince George's County Board of Appeals on June 4, 2025, approved variance V2525 allowing Wilbur Cordova and Lisbeth Vera Cordova to validate existing net lot area and lot coverage and to obtain a building permit for a proposed rear addition at 12001 Franklin Street in Beltsville, Maryland.

The board voted 3-0. Member Stanton moved to approve the variance “based on the information, and testimony here today,” and Vice Chair Johnston seconded. Chair Boulware, Vice Chair Johnston and Member Stanton all voted aye; the administrator recorded the motion as carrying 3-0.

The petitioners told the board they are a family of four and that their existing house is “under 900 square foot.” Lisbeth Vera Cordova said the family wants the addition primarily so their children can have private bedrooms and so she can have a small home office while working in a hybrid arrangement. She said, “we love the community,” and described the neighborhood as “very, very calm and... family friendly.” Wilbur Cordova said they plan to perform the work as homeowners and have not contracted a builder; he said he has some construction experience.

Vice Chair Johnston said the lot appears unique compared with neighbors and noted some topographic slope at the front of the property. That observation tracked the board's stated variance standard, read at the start of the hearing, which cites a council bill and the zoning ordinance criteria for granting variances when a parcel is physically unique and strict application of the rule would cause practical difficulty.

During the hearing the petitioners referenced the proposed addition dimensions (recorded in the presentation as about 15.02 feet by 32.4 feet) and described an increase in living space they estimated in their submission. The petitioners said they posted required notice signs and that no neighbors had raised concerns when they checked.

Board staff reminded the petitioners that approval of a variance is contingent on compliance with the board's approved site and elevation plans and that a copy of the board's written order must be presented before any building permits will be processed by the county permits office. Staff said they would follow up with the petitioners on next steps.

No witnesses testified for or against the application. The board also approved minutes from its May 21, 2025, meeting and then adjourned.