Board of Appeals approves detached garage ADU at 414 Market Street

On Oct. 3, 2024 the Havre de Grace Board of Appeals approved a conditional‑use request to allow a detached garage accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 414 Market Street.

Eric Lawrence of the Department of Planning told the board the staff recommendation was to approve the ADU as requested and offered no conditions beyond those required by city code. The application lists owners Elizabeth Laverick and Karen Merchant; resident and applicant David Minnan spoke at the hearing.

Minnan said the proposed garage apartment would sit above an existing structure. He told the board the ADU footprint is about 936 square feet and that the parcel’s existing footprint is about 1,665 square feet, putting the ADU above the 50% footprint limit; he said the applicants sought a variance or would reduce the unit to roughly 816 square feet. Minnan said the immediate intent was to house a family member: “It’s gonna be for my mother‑in‑law … we’re looking to include an elevator.”

With no further questions from the board, members briefly adjourned to deliberate. When the hearing resumed a board member moved to approve Case 546 “as presented”; the motion was seconded and the board recorded three vocal 'Aye' responses. The chair declared the case approved and wished the applicants luck.

The board did not record additional conditions beyond city code requirements in its motion. There were no written responses from interested parties received before the hearing, and staff confirmed that public‑notification and posting requirements under the city’s zoning procedure had been met.

Next steps: the board’s approval authorizes the conditional use per city code; any building permits, critical‑area review or other administrative approvals required by city regulations must still be secured before construction or occupancy changes begin.