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Board denies Beechwood Road request after neighbors and application errors cited
Summary
The Board of Appeals denied a variance sought to expand driveway/parking at 2228 Beechwood Road in Hyattsville after neighbors opposed the plan and staff identified application inaccuracies and a stop-work/violation history.
The Prince George’s County Board of Appeals on May 7 denied a request by the owner of 2228 Beechwood Road in Hyattsville to validate existing lot-width and coverage conditions and to authorize expanded parking and driveway work.
The petitioner, who identified himself as Fang Chi Mao (recorded as the applicant for case v17-25), sought variances for a reduced lot width (4.9 feet at the building line), increased net lot coverage (an additional 11 percent) and a waiver of the parking-area location requirement to validate existing conditions and to obtain a building permit for a new driveway extension. Neighbors and the Lewisdale Citizens Association opposed the request, saying the added paving would turn much of the yard into a concrete parking lot and would harm neighborhood character.
Rita Butler, speaking for the Lewisdale Citizens Association, said the association “vehemently opposes the applicant's request to expand the parking capacity” and described added concrete and blocks placed along the curb as “an eyesore” that would turn the property into a parking lot and could hurt neighboring property values.
Inspectors and board staff raised additional concerns. Inspector Harrison testified that a complaint had led to inspection and that gravel had been laid for a driveway; staff also identified errors on the applicant’s planning form (the application had listed “N/A” for a community association despite testimony from the association) and a prior correction/stop-work order on the property. The board noted that one variance criterion prohibits granting relief when a practical difficulty is self-inflicted by the owner.
The applicant said tenants and construction workers use large vehicles and that on-street parking had led to safety and vehicle damage concerns; he apologized to the board and said his child had completed portions of the application in error. County staff reported mixed records about a rental license: one inspector said no license was listed in the system, while a county official, Renee Jenkins Palacios, said the owner currently has a rental license that runs through April 2026.
After deliberation, Board member Stanton moved to deny the variance request, citing the stop-work/violation and application inaccuracies; the motion carried on a 2-0 roll call vote. The board advised the petitioner to follow up with staff about next steps and noted staff would prepare the written order documenting the denial.
Votes at a glance: Motion to deny (v17-25) — moved by Board member Stanton; second noted; roll call vote 2-0 to deny.
