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BZA approves conditional use and small lot‑size variance for two‑family renovation at 3021 Walnut Street
Summary
The Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals voted to grant the applicant’s conditional use request and a variance for lot size in Case 6626, allowing the renovated two‑family dwelling to remain at 3021 Walnut Street after hearing testimony about substantial renovations and longstanding use.
The Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a conditional use permit and a lot‑size variance in Case 6626 for 3021 Walnut Street, allowing the property to remain and operate as a two‑family dwelling. The board entered the hearing file into evidence and heard testimony from the owner, David Fisher, who said he bought the property, renovated both units and spent “a little over $50,000” on materials and estimated roughly $20,000 in labor cost, placing the total investment at about $70,000.
Fisher testified that he used a real estate agent during purchase and only learned the use might be noncompliant when an appraisal was ordered during refinancing. Civil engineer and planner Martin Hackett testified the plot plan accurately reflected site improvements and that the lot‑size reduction at issue (from the 15,000‑sq‑ft standard to the existing 13,906 sq ft footprint) did not present a public‑interest problem and would not jeopardize health, safety, or property values. Planning staff materials in the record also show internal review finding the request consistent with portions of the Carroll County Master Plan as amended.
Board members questioned witnesses about the date the property became multi‑family, tenant conditions and whether the renovation work was performed by the owner’s contracting company. Several board members praised the condition improvements the owner made and noted that adjoining property owners had been notified and had not submitted concerns in the record. Mister Caldwell moved to approve the conditional use and variance; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The board’s oral decision will be followed by a written decision to be issued within 30 days, and the board clerk reminded the public that the decision may be appealed to the Circuit Court for Carroll County within 30 days of that written decision.
Case materials in the record included a planning memo finding consistency with the 2014 Carroll County Master Plan as amended, agency comments from Carroll County Environmental Health noting water adequacy must be demonstrated, and photographs and a certified plot plan prepared by the applicant’s consultant.
