Prince George's County Board of Appeals denies driveway and accessory-structure variances, reschedules second case

The Prince George's County Board of Appeals on March 12, 2025 denied a request to legalize several unpermitted improvements at 5109 Duer (Dual) Place in Capitol Heights after finding the homeowners began work before obtaining required permits and could not show the legal standard for a variance.

Board Chair Boulware said the panel could not determine the six criteria required under county zoning law because construction started prior to permit approval, and the board voted 3-0 to deny the variance request. The petitioners had sought validation for an extended driveway, a 6-foot fence, a shed and related site work and requested permits to complete the driveway and retaining wall.

Why it matters: A denial from the Board of Appeals means the existing unpermitted work remains out of compliance; the county's permitting and enforcement process, and any corrective orders already issued, remain in effect. Petitioners retain administrative and court appeal rights described at the hearing.

What the board heard and found

Petitioners Rosa Tixi Crespo and her husband, Romulo Dixie, told the board they wished to extend the driveway and complete a retaining wall because they were concerned about street conditions and past break-ins.…