Zoning appeals board denies reconsideration of lot‑area variance for Sedonia project

The Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals on Oct. 21 denied a motion for reconsideration of variances previously granted for a multifamily development (PMC appeal 25‑0017). Denise Ko of Community Law Center, representing the Sedonia Community Association, argued the written resolution and hearing failed to justify a 12% lot‑area variance under Baltimore City’s variance standard (cited in the hearing as “5‑308”). Ko told the board the resolution included a thorough discussion of setback variances but offered “silence” as to lot area and that economic reasons cited at the hearing cannot legally support lot‑area relief.

Developer counsel Al Barry responded that the project had a history of approvals and extensions dating to 2020, and that testimony and materials presented at prior hearings provided the factual basis for the variances. Barry also said discussions with the neighborhood and technical reports (geotechnical/stormwater) had been part of the record. The board discussed whether groundwater and stormwater matters fell under its purview or should be handled during permitting; members noted that stormwater and geotechnical review are executed through DPW and permitting, not the variance standard.

After deliberation, the board found the motion for reconsideration did not show fraud, mistake, irregularity, inadvertence, surprise or newly discovered evidence sufficient to reopen the earlier decision and voted to deny the motion. One member abstained from the vote. The board noted the final, binding decision will be issued in a written resolution prepared by staff in the coming weeks; appellants retain appeal rights to the Circuit Court.