Board approves Tancredo variance for modest house on wetland‑encumbered lot
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Summary
The board unanimously approved a variance allowing construction of a modest, raised house and driveway for the Tancredo property, which lies largely inside the 100-foot critical-area buffer and includes non‑tidal wetlands; applicant proposed mitigation and a pending MDE wetland authorization.
On Jan. 8 the Saint Mary's County Board of Appeals approved VAAP‑25‑2136, granting the Tancredo request to disturb the 100‑foot critical‑area buffer to build a modest raised dwelling and driveway on a largely wetland‑encumbered lot at 16149 Piney Point Road.
Surveyor Steve Vaughn and staff explained that almost the entire parcel lies within the critical‑area buffer and non‑tidal wetland delineation, so the applicant located the house forward toward the building restriction line and minimized the footprint (about 1,040 square feet) and overall lot coverage (approximately 2,910 square feet). The applicant said a Maryland Department of the Environment wetland authorization is in process and proposed wetland compensation and planting mitigation.
Board members praised the applicant’s efforts to minimize disturbance and to site the structure to limit grading, and they noted adjacent properties are also within the buffer. No written opposition was raised (staff noted one supporting and one concerned written comment in the record). After discussion, the board made and seconded a motion to approve the variance; the motion passed by unanimous vote. Staff will prepare a signed order and the usual appeal period applies.
The board flagged mitigation commitments and a required buffer‑management plan as preconditions for building permits.