Board approves variance and conditional use to convert garage into 600‑sq‑ft ADU after neighbor concerns

On Oct. 3, 2024 the Havre de Grace Board of Appeals approved a variance and conditional‑use request to convert an existing detached two‑story garage/office into a roughly 600‑square‑foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

Eric Lawrence of the Department of Planning described the project as conversion of an existing two‑story, approximately 1,200 gross‑square‑foot (20x30) detached garage/office into a detached 600‑sq‑ft ADU. Planning also said the applicant requested a variance from a provision (stated as 2059(h)(1)) that requires a lot owner to occupy one dwelling on the lot; staff recommended denial of that variance because staff said a hardship had not been demonstrated. Lawrence added that if the board approved the variance, staff would support approval of a 600‑sq‑ft ADU with only the usual code requirements.

Applicant Cathy Bomboy Castile said the owners use the bottom garage for storage and have a family member on site daily. She said the property is across from the fire station and that the owners want to create a small apartment for an employee, a local resident or a family member. A neighbor, Dylene (Gyleen) Fitzgerald of 300 Market Street, spoke in opposition and raised parking and property‑value concerns, saying that an occasional large bus event and crowded gravel parking had strained the site and that she wanted constraints placed on future use.

Bomboy Castile responded that the bus was a one‑day event tied to a confectioners’ seminar at Bomb Boy’s Candy and that such conventions are rare; she said tenants were notified when it occurred. Staff clarified that the gravel driveway is being treated as impervious for critical‑area purposes, that pavers and other alternatives can be considered, and that existing on‑site buildings met off‑street parking and a 10% critical‑area mitigation requirement.

After deliberation the board moved to accept and approve the variance and conditional use as presented; the motion was seconded and the board voted 4–1 in favor. One member voiced opposition. The board’s approval allows the conversion subject to any remaining administrative or building‑permit reviews and critical‑area approvals required by city code.

Next steps: Applicants must obtain any required permits and complete any critical‑area or building‑code reviews before converting the garage to a dwelling unit.