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Board approves screened-porch conversion at 313 Deer Drive despite critical-area proximity to Mill Creek
Summary
John Simpson received a unanimous variance Oct. 3 to convert a 21x8 deck at 313 Deer Drive into a screened porch within the critical-area buffer; the board cited Mill Creek proximity as the environmental concern but concluded the request was modest and common in the neighborhood.
The Calvert County Board of Appeals unanimously approved Oct. 3 a variance for John Simpson to convert an existing 21-by-8-foot deck at 313 Deer Drive into a screened porch, finding the change modest and similar to other porches in the neighborhood despite the property’s proximity to Mill Creek.
Simpson, who testified under oath, said the screened porch is necessary for daily use because the deck faces nearly north and seasonal insects and sun make it difficult to use. "I have a lot of skin cancer issues... I see Doctor Hoagwe in Prince Frederick every six months to get skin cancers cut off," Simpson said, explaining the health reasons for wanting shelter on the deck. He said neighbors have screened porches and that the change covers an existing deck rather than expanding its footprint.
Staff and board members noted field photos and a treated-wood retaining wall that protect the property from Mill Creek and said mitigation is ordinarily required for buffer disturbances. The board’s findings emphasized that the requested screened porch is modest (an 8-by-22 screened area was discussed with roof overhang resulting in an estimated 184 sq ft of disturbance including overhead) and commonly permitted in similar lots. The board concluded the application met the COMAR and local ordinance criteria and voted 3–0 to grant the variance with no additional conditions.
Clerk Lisa Kreps had confirmed that public notice procedures were followed and staff exhibits — including maps, field photos, building review and Critical Area Commission comments — were entered into the record. No members of the public testified on this case.
