Commission designates log portion of Sabillasville property historically significant, delays demolition decision

The Frederick County Historic Preservation Commission voted June 3 to designate the log portion of the dwelling at 14913 Foxville Deerfield Road in Sabillasville as historically significant and to defer a final decision on demolition of the remainder of the property while staff documents outbuildings.

Amanda Whitmore, Historic Preservation Planner, presented the application on behalf of the absent applicant and described site conditions. Whitmore said the owner could still construct a new primary residence if the historic dwelling remained an unplumbed shell, which could be classified as an accessory structure, and that staff could document the outbuildings for the commission.

Commissioner Jack Lynch emphasized the commission’s interest in preservation, saying he “would hate to lose a log structure that’s not in danger of collapsing or rotting away,” and noted the roof currently appeared sufficient. Commissioners asked for additional information on the springhouse and other outbuildings; the owner agreed to allow a site visit by commission members.

Virginia Crum moved to designate the log portion of the structure historically significant, require staff documentation of the springhouse and other outbuildings, and postpone action on the balance of the property for at least 30 days. Jack Lynch seconded; the motion passed unanimously (5-0-0-2).

Staff confirmed the designation would not prevent the owner from pursuing an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or other permitted work on the remainder of the property while the commission studies the outbuildings. The commission asked staff to report findings at the next meeting.