Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Driveway Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board of Appeals grants Hyattsville homeowner variance to validate enclosed garage, install permeable driveway
Summary
The Prince George's County Board of Appeals on Feb. 26 approved a waiver allowing Ortensia Nichols to validate an existing enclosed garage area and install a permeable driveway at 3006 Chevrolet Avenue to address drainage; the vote was 2-0.
The Prince George's County Board of Appeals on Feb. 26 approved a waiver of the parking-area location requirement allowing Ortensia Nichols of 3006 Chevrolet Avenue, Hyattsville, to validate an existing enclosed garage area and move forward with a permeable driveway project to reduce water drainage into her garage and basement.
The board voted 2-0 to grant the variance after hearing testimony that the property’s topography causes runoff and repeated flooding at the garage opening. The board cited the zoning criteria under Council Bill CD 16-20-21 (section 27-36-13(d)) that variances may be granted where exceptional topography disproportionately burdens a parcel.
Nichols told the board she applied for a permit to replace and raise the grade of her driveway with permeable material to alleviate runoff. She said the enclosed garage area currently helps block water from entering the basement and that replacing the driveway would raise the approach to the garage slightly, but the enclosed area would not be used as a standard vehicle garage after the work. "The Chesapeake program is giving, PG County, a part a partial grant to help people, install a permeable driveway," Nichols said, explaining why she sought to proceed now.
Vice Chair Johnston said the lot is not substantially different in size from neighbors but that "there are certain topographical exceptions that... may warrant a variance in this case," and moved to grant the request. The board administrator called the roll; Chair Boulware and Vice Chair Johnston voted "aye." The motion carried 2-0.
Board staff noted that approval by the Board of Appeals does not replace any other governmental review. Written board order must be presented before County permitting staff will process building permits, and additional approvals could be required. Staff told Nichols they would follow up after the meeting about next steps and timing for permit processing.
Nichols said she was seeking to complete the work under a time window associated with the Chesapeake program; staff agreed to follow up after the meeting to discuss timing and any outstanding requirements.
The board’s approval validates the existing enclosed condition and allows the applicant to pursue a building permit subject to the county’s normal permit review and any other agency reviews.
