Board allows two variances so Whiteman family can build on constrained lot

The Calvert County Board of Appeals unanimously granted two variances for a Prince Frederick parcel that will allow Matthew and Samantha Whiteman to build a single‑family house and detached garage in a location constrained by steep slopes and limited buildable area.

Jeffrey Toole, the applicants’ representative, explained that historical platting and topography left the lot with building restriction lines that effectively consumed most of the usable area; "about 40% of the lot was 25 or greater slopes that wouldn't support any kind of sewage disposal area," Toole said as he described percolation testing and how the only feasible build area sits between sewage disposal area and the road. The applicants and family witnesses described crowded living conditions for a household of six and urged approval so the family can establish a permanent home.

The board found the recorded building restriction lines and the site’s environmental constraints created a practical hardship and that the requested relief represented the minimum adjustment necessary. The motion to grant both the front‑setback (60→29 ft) and side‑setback (30→12 ft) variances passed unanimously with no additional conditions recorded in the motion. Staff will prepare the formal order and applicants must obtain permits required by environmental and building authorities.

Board members noted the case highlights older recorded plats that impose larger setbacks than current zoning and discussed whether a broader administrative remedy (replatting or "reverse grandfathering") is worth exploring at the county level to reduce similar variance requests in the future.