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Dorchester County board approves special exception for above-ground fuel tanks at Beverly general store
Summary
The Dorchester County Board of Appeals approved a special exception allowing David Beverly to install two above-ground fuel tanks (total 1,000 gallons) at his general store in Hoddville, finding the proposal met zoning criteria and staff recommendations.
The Dorchester County Board of Appeals voted to approve a special exception allowing the installation of above-ground fuel storage tanks at a general store in Hoddville.
David Beverly, owner and applicant, told the board he operates the general store at 2570 Lakeville Crapo Road and described the tanks as “very beneficial for the county as an asset” and useful for local residents’ access to fuel. Beverly said the plan calls for two double-walled tanks — one for diesel and one for regular gasoline — each holding 500 gallons, for a total of 1,000 gallons.
Board staff reported that the applicant received a favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission and that the proposal conforms to applicable zoning regulations. The record shows Beverly has consulted the Maryland Department of the Environment about the small fuel volume and that the project will require review by the State Fire Marshal’s Office for equipment and electrical safety, including an emergency shutoff and spark protection.
During the hearing, staff confirmed the proposed tank area must meet a 35-foot setback from the road; the applicant said the tanks will be set farther from the building and within side-yard setback limits. The applicant also noted historical evidence showing fuel tanks were present on the site in the 1970s.
No members of the public testified for or against the request at the hearing. After deliberation the board member moved to approve the special exception; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. The transcript records the vote as “Aye,” with individual board member votes not specified in the public record.
The approval is limited to the special exception described in the application: above-ground retail fuel tanks at the subject location, subject to compliance with fire marshal requirements and any other applicable permitting and inspection processes.
The Board of Appeals advised that any party aggrieved by the decision may appeal to the circuit court within 30 days, and that the board’s decision is based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing.
