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Carroll County BZA approves conditional use recognizing two-family dwelling on Washington Road
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a conditional-use application to recognize a two-family dwelling at 1242 Washington Road in Westminster after the applicant presented historical evidence of dual occupancy and planning staff said the request is consistent with local plans. The board's oral decision will be finalized in a written order within 30 days.
The Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a conditional-use application to recognize a two-family dwelling at 1242 Washington Road in Westminster. The applicant, Regina Taylor, told the board the house, built about 1900, has been used as two rental units for decades and was converted before the Taylors purchased it in 2006. "We are requesting a conditional use for a two-family dwelling," Taylor said during testimony.
Planning staff introduced the file and cited a 10/10/2024 memorandum concluding the conditional-use request is consistent with the City of Westminster comprehensive and functional plans. Staff listed several documents entered into the record, including a planning commission letter and memoranda from the Bureau of Development Review. Taylor and her husband, Byron Taylor, said the house had two water meters and two electrical meters and that the structure had tenants in the 1970s, physical evidence they said supports longstanding dual occupancy.
Board members questioned the applicants about the building's history, permitting after a December 2021 electrical fire, and whether variances were required; applicants said the dwelling appears to meet required setbacks and that recent work required permits following the fire. Member Neil Caldwell noted the city-approved water meters and the long local history of the two-unit use, saying that supported approval. "I think that's significant," Caldwell said of the meters and neighborhood history.
After discussion, Caldwell moved to approve the conditional use; the motion was seconded and the board voted to grant the request. The chair stated the BZA's oral decision will be followed by a written decision to be issued within 30 days and explained that the board's decision may be appealed to the Circuit Court for Carroll County under Maryland rules.
The approval regularizes the property's two-family use but does not purport to resolve any future building- or health-department permit issues; the applicants indicated they must complete required permitting and inspections as part of the follow-up process. The board's written order will provide the formal findings and any conditions or clarifications.
