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Board of Appeals grants Open Heart Church 90-day compliance extension for Walker Mill Road property
Summary
Prince George's County Board of Appeals granted Open Heart Church of Christ a 90-day extension to come into compliance with a January 21, 2025 zoning notice related to construction materials on the rear of the property and a required use-and-occupancy permit.
The Prince George's County Board of Appeals on April 23 granted Open Heart Church of Christ a 90-day extension to come into compliance with a January 21, 2025 notice of violation for its property at 5701 Walker Mill Road in Capitol Heights.
The request was presented by Tracy Scudder of the law firm Reese Broom, who represented Bishop Troy Carter and asked the board for additional time while the church completes subdivision and final permitting steps for a planned 6,600-square-foot life center. “Because they're so close to getting the building permit approved, they are asking if this board would just grant them a 90 day period where they can finish up the subdivision and get the construction going,” Scudder told the board.
Why it matters: the county's permitting and enforcement division cited the church for two violations in Case No. ZONE 24778 dated Jan. 21, 2025 — one for construction materials stored in the rear yard and one for operating without an approved use-and-occupancy permit. The DPIE inspector had agreed to a limited extension so the board could consider the request. If compliance is not achieved, the county previously warned a tax lien could be imposed on the dwelling.
Board discussion and context: Scudder said departments within the county had signed off on the building permit and the outstanding issue was subdivision review by the planning department; she estimated subdivision approval could take about 60 days and proposed 90 days as a conservative window given prior theft of materials from the site. A DPIE representative (Ms. Smith) told the board that the only complaint on file concerned the construction materials and that the county had no contact information for a complainant; she also said DPIE had consented to a 60-day extension.
Vice Chair Johnston moved to grant a 90-day extension; Member Stanton seconded. The roll call was unanimous: Chair Boulware (aye), Vice Chair Johnston (aye), Member Stanton (aye). The motion carried 3-0.
What was decided and next steps: The board's written order grants a 90-day compliance extension. Board staff will follow up with the church and DPIE on required next steps; the approval is contingent on the church obtaining the necessary building permits and certificates of occupancy and complying with any further review required by other government authorities.
Notable quotes: “Because they're so close to getting the building permit approved, they are asking if this board would just grant them a 90 day period where they can finish up the subdivision and get the construction going,” — Tracy Scudder, attorney for Open Heart Church of Christ. “The consent that was agreed to and that DPIE had no objection to was 60 days,” — Ms. Smith, DPIE representative.
Ending: The board closed the matter after announcing the 90-day extension and thanked the church representatives for appearing. The church and county staff will coordinate compliance steps and inspections needed to obtain a certificate of occupancy.
