Board holds Hyattsville deck variance until city completes review

The Prince George's County Board of Appeals on Feb. 26 heard testimony from petitioner Alfred Thomas D'ot seeking a variance for a rear-yard encroachment to replace an existing 16-by-14 deck at 6006 Queens Chapel Road, Hyattsville. The board voted 2-0 to hold the case open until it receives documentation from the City of Hyattsville confirming the city’s review.

D'ot said he discovered during the permitting process that the existing deck sits too close to the rear property line; the structure predated his ownership and contractors provided measurements only after he began permitting. He said replacing the deck to meet current code would require removing roughly 40% of the existing surface and would leave insufficient usable space. D'ot described the proposed work as a like-for-like replacement with upgraded materials and structure to bring the deck up to code.

Vice Chair Johnston moved to hold the case until the board receives confirmation from the City of Hyattsville; the motion passed 2-0 on a roll call of Chair Boulware and Vice Chair Johnston. The board noted it would not make a final decision until the city’s review is in the record. Board staff said Hyattsville had scheduled the city's hearing for March 3.

Board staff told D'ot he would not need to return to the Board of Appeals unless otherwise directed after the county receives Hyattsville’s documentation; the board administrator will notify the petitioner of the final decision date when the record is complete.

The board’s action was procedural: the hearing was held and the record remains open pending the city’s written response.