Deep Creek BZA conditionally approves Del Prado bed-and-breakfast after neighbor objections

The Deep Creek Watershed Board of Zoning Appeals on a September hearing moved to approve Special Exception 509, allowing Cheryl Del Prado to operate a one‑bedroom bed‑and‑breakfast at 29 Glen Meadow Road, subject to conditions addressing screening, lighting and compliance with county parking and permitting rules.

The applicant, Cheryl Del Prado, told the board: “My intentions are to use the downstairs space as a 1 bedroom and bathroom for a bed and breakfast.” She said the room contains two queen beds and would accommodate up to four guests, and that she intends to comply with zoning requirements.

Neighbors and the local homeowners association objected. Linda Murr, president of the Blackfield Association, said the HOA “unanimously oppose[d] this application,” argued that a bed‑and‑breakfast constitutes a commercial use under the association’s declaration, and said the public‑notice sign had been moved soon after it was posted, which she said violated the 14‑day notice requirement referenced in the application materials. Mike Taylor, a neighbor who shares a property line with Lot 25, presented photos and screenshots he said showed the property had been cleared and that a listing for short‑term rental bookings appeared online and received reviews before the applicant filed for the special exception.

Board members pressed Del Prado on parking, lighting and privacy screening. The board discussed requiring vegetative screening between Del Prado’s property and adjacent yards, compliance with county rules on outdoor lighting and sound, and that any parking or fire‑safety requirements arising from a business/occupancy permit would have to be satisfied before the use could operate. One member noted the board’s limited authority over private HOA enforcement: the board can address county zoning compliance but cannot enforce homeowners‑association covenants.

After deliberation the board moved to approve the special exception with conditions requiring screening (board discussed a reasonable initial plant height), downward‑directed exterior lighting and adherence to county standards for noise and parking and any business licensing and accommodations‑tax registration that apply. The motion as recorded did not list a roll‑call tally in the transcript; the board’s minutes should record the final vote.

Del Prado offered a brief rebuttal at the hearing, saying any prior rentals were unintentional and apologizing if she had moved the notice sign for lawn work. She said she was attempting to follow the permitting process.

The board closed the public portion of the Del Prado hearing and said it would issue final decisions within its procedural timeline; further permits (fire marshal sign‑offs, business license, accommodations‑tax registration) remain prerequisites to full operation.