Board approves security exemption and variances for 8-foot fence at Adelphi/Hyattsville corner lot

The Prince George's County Board of Appeals on Jan. 29 approved variances and a security exemption allowing an eight-foot vinyl fence on a through-lot at 10717 Cherry Tree Court, by a 3-0 vote.

Petitioner Audrey Travaglini told the board the small corner parcel is a through lot with a short rear corner that abuts a wooded area owned by a federal agency (described in the hearing as GSA property). She said the neighborhood has experienced burglaries and other criminal activity, that the wooded area behind the lot is used as a path into the community and accumulates debris, and that her property has been burglarized three times since she moved there. Travaglini asked to join a fence segment to existing higher security fencing erected near Powder Mill Road and by GSA to help secure the area.

The board clarified that the request included both lot-width validations and a security exemption to permit a fence higher than the six-foot front-yard limit at a through-lot location: the record lists variances of 49.85 feet lot width at the Cherry Hill Road front street line and 10 feet lot width at the Cherry Tree Court front street line, alongside the security exemption needed to permit an eight-foot fence in the front yard abutting Cherry Hill Road. Travaglini said the requested span is a short section (about 8 feet) that will connect to existing fencing and is more than 100 feet from the front of her house.

Vice Chair Johnston moved to approve the variance and the security exemption; Member Stanton seconded. The board administrator called the roll: Chair Bullworth, Vice Chair Johnston and Member Stanton voted aye. The motion carried 3-0.

The board reminded the petitioner that approval of the variance and exemption does not remove other agency or permit requirements. Travaglini said she would submit information and thanked staff for help resolving the issue.