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Board of Appeals grants variance to allow home on two undersized Capitol Heights lots
Summary
The Prince George's County Board of Appeals voted 3-0 on Jan. 28, 2026, to grant variances for two undersized lots in Capitol Heights (case V-77-25), permitting a two-story single-family dwelling; the estate's personal representative argued denial would cause financial hardship.
The Prince George's County Board of Appeals voted 3-0 on Jan. 28, 2026, to grant variances that will allow construction of a two-story single-family house on two adjoining undersized lots on Mentor (transcript also spells it “Minter”) Avenue in Capitol Heights, resolving case V-77-25 involving the estate of the late Linda Reynolds.
The decision follows testimony from John K. Gardner, the estate's successor personal representative, and prospective buyers who said the combined lots total 4,000 square feet — below the RSF-65 zoning minimum of 6,500 square feet — and therefore require variances for lot area and frontage. The board made the motion to approve after hearing arguments about precedent, neighborhood compatibility and financial hardship to the estate.
Gardner told the board the estate cannot realize proceeds from the property if it is undevelopable and that heirs would suffer ongoing tax and carrying costs if the variance were denied. "There would be a permanent harm to the estate by the denial of this variance," Gardner said during his presentation. He cited a 117‑year‑old plat and said similar parcel/structure patterns exist nearby.
Prospective buyer and witness Jack Bannister said a dwelling "cannot be constructed on this property without a variance," and builder Daniel Judge of Arundel Station Homes confirmed he prepared the architectural exhibits that would be used if the variance were approved. County Inspector Swan told the board she had no personal knowledge of the lot but acknowledged that older plats in the county sometimes do not meet current lot-size requirements.
Member Stanton moved to approve the variance and Vice Chair Johnson seconded. On the roll call the board voted in favor 3-0. The board said staff will issue a written order and that a building permit must be obtained before work proceeds.
Votes at a glance: - Case V-77-25 (variance to validate existing conditions and construct a two-story single-family dwelling on two lots at Mentor/Minter Avenue): motion to approve moved by Member Stanton; seconded by Vice Chair Johnson; vote 3-0 — approved. - Approval of minutes from 01/14/2026: moved by Vice Chair Johnson; seconded by Member Stanton; vote 3-0 — approved. - Motion to adjourn: moved by Vice Chair Johnson; no objection — meeting adjourned.
The board administrator said staff will follow up with the personal representative on next procedural steps. A written board order will be required for any building-permit application.
