After‑the‑fact mitigation change for 205 St. Cuthbert approved despite staff recommending denial

The Chesapeake Bay Board voted unanimously on Nov. 14, 2024, to grant an after‑the‑fact modification to a mitigation plan at 205 St. Cuthbert, an item that drew extended staff explanation, public testimony and a discussion of enforcement history.

Staff summary and enforcement history: Mike Wilson, Section Chief for Stormwater Resource Protection, told the board that the property’s original exception and mitigation plan were approved in 2021 and that an additional patio/walkway exception was approved in 2021 with associated mitigation. Staff identified an unapproved change to the approved mitigation — installation of tall fescue turf and common rush (Juncus spp.) — that occurred in April 2023 and issued a notice of violation in November 2023. The County Attorney’s Office sent letters of legal action in January and August 2024. Staff…