Board approves barn‑rebuild variance, conditions plumbing and occupancy

The Calvert County Board of Appeals unanimously granted a variance reducing the side setback from 10 feet to 0 feet so Roland and Dana Plater can rebuild a barn at 1791 Stinnett Road in Huntingtown.

Roland Plater described the property’s history and said the original tobacco barn had fallen and been removed; the practical rebuild location coincides with the prior barn footprint and a narrow driveway. "We just wanna put the barn back on the property," Plater told the board when describing the intended replacement. The applicants said they own adjacent open space that limits alternative siting and noted a desire to preserve a large tree and avoid reconfiguring the driveway.

The board closed the record and made findings that the site’s topography, narrow driveway and the presence of surrounding woods constitute special circumstances and that granting relief would not injure the public interest. The county health department had indicated any new barn should have no interior plumbing or occupancy; the board included that restriction as a condition of approval. The motion passed unanimously, and staff will issue the board’s order within 45 days.