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Board holds decision on Hyattsville lot-width variance for new house pending municipal review
Summary
The Board of Appeals held open a request by Mich LLC for a 12-foot lot-width variance at 56100 Newton Street in Hyattsville so the local municipality can weigh in; neighbors raised concerns about storm drain, runoff and construction impacts.
The Prince George's County Board of Appeals on Jan. 29 held open a lot-width variance request from Mich LLC for property listed in the record as 56100 Newton Street, Hyattsville, pending review by the local municipality and receipt of additional agency documents.
The petitioner’s representative, builder Alicia Hines, said the request is for a 12-foot variance to cure a lot-width deficit and allow construction of a three-and-a-half–story single-family house on a narrow lot. Hines said the house would be modest (about 17 feet wide at the narrowest) and that the owner intends the house to be their primary residence; attorney Diane Mosley said she was not aware of any decision that it would not be a primary residence. The petitioner said site approvals from the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) and water/sewer clearance from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) had been discussed with county staff.
Neighbors and nearby residents spoke in opposition or with questions. Jay Joyner, who said he lives across from the vacant lot, told the board the rear of the lot contains an active storm drain and runoff from an adjacent higher elevation; he raised concerns about jackhammering, excavation, the effect on aging cast-iron infrastructure, sinkholes and foundation damage to nearby properties. Cheryl Bentley, a nearby resident, said she had not received neighborhood notice about the build and expressed concern about the house’s height relative to one- and two-story neighboring homes and potential use as a rental or short-term rental.
Prince George's County Inspector Swan confirmed he was aware generally of the county’s encouragement of development of vacant lots but did not claim personal familiarity with this parcel.
After discussion, Vice Chair Johnston moved and Member Stanton seconded a motion to hold the case open until the town (referred to in the hearing record as “Chevrolet”) provides an evaluation. The board carried the motion 3-0 and instructed petitioner’s representatives to work with board staff on how to present the case to the municipality. The petitioner offered to submit WSSC approvals and DPIE comments for the record.
The board’s action separates the staff and public concerns (stormwater/runoff, neighborhood notice, potential occupancy) from any final decision on the six statutory variance criteria. The case remains open pending municipal comment and submission of supporting documents.
