PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — The Prince George's County Board of Appeals met Dec. 3 and approved variances for three property owners seeking to validate existing conditions or build additions, citing unique lot shapes, topography and safety concerns.

Chair Boulware called the hearing to order at 6:00 p.m. and reiterated the board's criteria for granting variances under council bill CV16-2021, section 27-36-13(d) of the zoning ordinance, including that the parcel must be “unique and unusual” and that any variance be the minimum relief necessary.

Jim and Wanda Thorpe, owners of 1913 Crack Willow Court in Upper Marlboro, requested a security exemption and variances to validate an existing 6-foot fence and an accessory structure on their corner lot. Wanda Thorpe told the board the fence provides “protection for our kids” and that the family often uses the yard for gatherings. Vice Chair Johnston moved to approve the security-exemption and variance requests; Member Stanton seconded. The board voted 3-0 to approve the Thorpes' petition. Board staff said it will follow up with the Thorpes on next steps and permitting requirements.

Ken Pham, testifying with a Vietnamese interpreter, said he operates a nail salon from his corner property and sought a variance to add a sidewalk/driveway area at the rear so customers would not have to park on the street. Pham told the board he holds the necessary business license. Board members cited the corner-lot configuration and voted 3-0 to grant the variance.

An applicant identified as Wei Yuan (for Cindy Yu and Wei Ji Wan) sought variances to validate existing lot area/frontage and to allow a proposed 22-by-18 screened porch and a 12-by-38.8 open deck at 2 Page Drive in Fort Washington. Wei said the rear fence line is tree-lined and that his homeowners association had approved the project; the board approved the variances 3-0 after members noted sloping and other topographical factors.

Two cases were called but not heard to completion: V33-25 (Bakuru Manenu) was called but the petitioner did not appear; the board excused the Swahili interpreter and said the case will be rescheduled if the petitioner does not appear. Case V34-25 (Jeanette Tesma) was delayed after the Amharic interpreter reported audio problems and the petitioner was not visible; the board excused the interpreter and planned to reschedule.

Votes at a glance

• V59-25 (Jim and Wanda Thorpe), security fence exemption and variances for lot coverage and accessory building at 1913 Crack Willow Court — Motion by Vice Chair Johnston; second by Member Stanton. Vote: Chair Boulware Aye; Vice Chair Johnston Aye; Member Stanton Aye. Outcome: approved (3-0).

• V44-25 (Ken Pham), variance for sidewalk/driveway access for small business on corner lot — Motion by Member Stanton; second by Vice Chair Johnston. Vote: Chair Boulware Aye; Vice Chair Johnston Aye; Member Stanton Aye. Outcome: approved (3-0).

• V64-25 (Cindy Yu / Wei Ji Wan; presented by Wei Yuan), variances to validate lot area/frontage and permit screened porch and deck at 2 Page Drive, Fort Washington — Motion by Member Stanton; second by Vice Chair Johnston. Vote: Chair Boulware Aye; Vice Chair Johnston Aye; Member Stanton Aye. Outcome: approved (3-0).

• V33-25 (Bakuru Manenu) and V34-25 (Jeanette Tesma) — Petitioners absent or interpreter audio problems; cases excused/rescheduled.

The board approved minutes from Nov. 19, 2025, by unanimous vote and adjourned at 6:39 p.m. Board staff will contact approved petitioners about required building permits and next steps.