Board approves Dotson deck variance after house‑raising and flood mitigation

The Saint Mary's County Board of Appeals unanimously approved VAAP‑25‑1239 on Jan. 8, allowing David and Tina Dotson to construct a deck on their Tall Timbers River Road property that will sit closer to the water than the principal structure on the adjacent lot. The applicants said the deck restores access lost when the house was raised to mitigate flooding.

David and Tina Dotson explained the property was raised under a county/FEMA program after repeated flooding and that brick patio and other impervious surfaces were removed to facilitate the lift. The applicants said the proposed new deck footprint follows historic lines and will not extend further toward the water than prior impervious areas removed during the elevation work.

Stacy Clements noted the application cited section 41.7.0.5 of the county ordinance and that the Critical Area Commission submitted comments (including recommended 3:1 planting mitigation) which staff incorporated into the record. No neighbors testified against the application and staff reported necessary approvals from land‑use, zoning, floodplain and stormwater reviewers.

John Brown moved to approve the variance; the motion was seconded and carried 5–0. The board directed staff to prepare the order reflecting conditions and mitigation required prior to permit issuance.