Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Variance Rollup Shutter topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
BMZA allows 7-foot motorized rollup shutter to enable rear-yard parking at East Patterson property
Summary
The BMZA unanimously granted a variance to allow a 7-foot motorized rollup shutter on the rear lot line at 2408 East Patterson Street, finding narrow lot width and limited rear access justified the relief; the homeowner cited vehicle thefts and practical parking needs.
The Baltimore City Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals voted 3–0 April 7 to grant a variance allowing a 7-foot motorized rollup shutter on the rear lot line of 2408 East Patterson Street.
Planning staff offered no objection. The relief sought was a deviation from the zoning rule that limits fences to six feet and requires rear-yard setbacks. The homeowner testified the property is narrow (about 14 feet wide), that a taller rollup door would allow secure off-street parking and easier vehicle entry, and that local thefts — including catalytic-converter thefts — have driven a security need.
The chair explained the variance analysis and concluded the lot’s narrow configuration and constrained on-street parking create a practical difficulty that is code-related rather than applicant-caused. “This is something we fix in the zoning code,” a board member said while noting the variance addresses a gap between fence height limits and garage allowances.
The board adopted planning’s rationale and approved the variance unanimously. The vote authorizes the applicant to install the 14x7-foot motorized shutter subject to any building-permit conditions and standard permitting review.
The board’s written decision will be provided to parties of record; the parties may appeal following the procedure in that decision.
Vote: 3–0 in favor.
