Board of Appeals approves residential variances for five properties; minutes adopted

The Prince George's County Board of Appeals on April 9, 2025 voted to approve multiple variance requests for residential properties and adopted its March 26 meeting minutes.

The approvals let homeowners validate existing conditions or build modest additions so they can obtain building permits. The board recorded unanimous 3-0 roll-call votes on the items presented and instructed staff to follow up with petitioners on additional permitting steps.

The board approved the Guevara petition (V6-205) to validate existing lot-area and lot-width variances and to permit a 10-by-18 driveway extension at 4814 Lexington Avenue, Beltsville. Chair Bower said, “at least my view, you've met the criteria for for the variance, due to the topographic and, narrowness of your your property.” Vice Chair Johnston moved approval; the motion carried 3-0. Staff will notify the petitioners of the next steps to obtain a building permit.

The board approved the Moore petition (V94-24) to enclose an existing deck as an 8-by-19 sunroom at 6102 Summersweet Drive, Clinton. The homeowners said the enclosure would not increase the footprint but would change lot coverage because the deck would become enclosed. Vice Chair Johnston moved approval; Member Stanton seconded. Motion approved 3-0.

The board granted a security-exemption review and variance for a 10-foot fence at 10523 Storch Drive, Lanham (V825). The petitioner said the property fronts a busy road with a bus stop and that the taller fence was installed for security after an attempted break-in; the homeowner provided an HOA approval letter. Member Stanton moved to apply the security-exemption standard and approve the request; Vice Chair Johnston seconded. Motion carried 3-0.

The board approved a sunroom/screen-porch request (V12-25) for 6406 Northern Road, Temple Hills. Petitioner Sylvia Hammett said the screened porch is for health reasons (to avoid direct sunlight) and that the work replaces an existing deck; Vice Chair Johnston moved approval and Member Stanton seconded. Motion carried 3-0.

The board also approved the minutes from the March 26, 2025 meeting by roll call, 3-0, before adjourning at 8:52 p.m.

All approved petitions were routine variances or validations of existing conditions; board members and staff reminded petitioners that separate permits (for aprons, driveways or other work) may be required and that staff will follow up on outstanding permitting steps.

Votes at a glance: - V6-205 (Jose and Iris Guevara), 4814 Lexington Ave., Beltsville — Variances to validate lot-area/width and permit a 10x18 driveway extension. Motion: Vice Chair Johnston. Outcome: approved 3-0. - V94-24 (Thomas and Deneen Moore), 6102 Summersweet Drive, Clinton — Variances to enclose existing deck to create an 8x19 sunroom. Motion: Vice Chair Johnston; second Member Stanton. Outcome: approved 3-0. - V825 (Oluwatiyan Omula and Tuluwati/Toguani Roberts), 10523 Storch Drive, Lanham — Variances and security-exemption review for an approximately 10-foot fence. Motion: Member Stanton (apply security-exemption standard); second Vice Chair Johnston. Outcome: approved 3-0. - V12-25 (Sylvia Hammett), 6406 Northern Road, Temple Hills — Variances to obtain permit for a 12x20 screen porch; motion Vice Chair Johnston; second Member Stanton. Outcome: approved 3-0. - Minutes (03/26/2025) — Motion Vice Chair Johnston; second Member Stanton. Outcome: approved 3-0.

The board emphasized that approvals validate the petitioners' requests as presented at the hearing; any work outside the approved scope will require separate variance requests or permits and may require additional review by the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE).