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Commission recommends variance to allow theater construction at Saint Vincent Pilate High School
Summary
Laurel planning staff recommended, and the commission voted to recommend, a variance reducing the net‑lot green‑area requirement from the ULDC so Saint Vincent Pilate High School can build a theater; staff said the site meets variance criteria and noted no harmful impact to neighboring properties.
The Laurel Planning Commission on May 12 voted to recommend that the Board of Appeals grant variance application 982 for Saint Vincent Pilate High School, allowing the school to reduce the required net‑lot green area to build a theater at 113 Saint Mary’s Place.
Raven Nee, deputy director of Economic and Community Development, presented the staff report and said the Unified Land Development Code requires a 65% minimum net‑lot green area. Nee said the site currently measures 55.6% and the school seeks an additional reduction of 5.3 percentage points to 44.7% to accommodate the theater footprint. Staff concluded the variance satisfies the four criteria in ULDC §20‑5.2 — including that strict application of the rule would cause practical difficulty due to parcel size — and recommended the commission forward approval to the Board of Appeals.
Nee noted the school previously received a variance in 2021 that expired after two years; construction of outdoor facilities continues, and the applicant is prepared to complete the theater project. She also said the Prince George’s County Health Department suggested permeable walks and driveways; no other agency comments were received.
Leonard Davis, a contractor representing the school, told the commission that parking, sidewalks and other site work have been completed and that the variance pertains chiefly to a single pad where the theater will be built. “I think everything was followed,” Davis said.
Commissioner Bill Wellford moved to recommend the variance application 982 to the Board of Appeals with three conditions listed in the application; Roy Smith seconded and the motion carried on a roll‑call vote.
The recommendation will be considered by the City of Laurel Board of Appeals, which has authority to grant variances under the ULDC. Staff said the variance would not be detrimental to neighboring properties and would not substantially impair the city’s master‑plan intent.
