Board approves variance for sunroom at 1015 East West Highway

The Prince George's County Board of Appeals on April 23 approved variances to validate existing front-yard and side-street yard dimensions and to permit a 13-by-25 sunroom at 1015 East West Highway.

Lequan Pham, the applicant, described the proposal and indicated she needed assistance with English during testimony. Pham said she wanted to enclose an existing carport to create a sunroom that would also be used for community activities she plans to host for children on weekends.

Board members reviewed aerial photos and neighborhood lot patterns. Vice Chair Johnston and other board members noted the applicant’s lot has characteristics — including slight topographical differences and a relatively narrow frontage compared with some nearby lots — that support a finding of practical difficulty under the variance criteria. Chair Boulware said he believed the petition had met the criteria.

Vice Chair Johnston moved to approve the variances and building permit request; Member Stanton seconded. Roll call votes were unanimous: Chair Boulware (aye), Vice Chair Johnston (aye), Member Stanton (aye). Motion carried 3-0.

What the approval allows: The decision validates reduced front and side-street yard dimensions and allows the owner to obtain a building permit for the 13-by-25 sunroom. Board staff will provide follow-up instructions to the applicant on permitting and any necessary inspections.

Notable quote: “I definitely noticed that there was a fairly unique property,” — Vice Chair Johnston (noting lot placement and topography in support of relief).

Ending: The board congratulated Pham and said staff would follow up on permit procedures and next steps.