Board grants setback variance after applicant agrees to relocate shed per health rules

The Calvert County Board of Appeals voted unanimously to grant an after‑the‑fact variance that reduces the Bonnie Court front setback from 25 to 20 feet for two sheds at 7033 Napa Drive in Chesapeake Beach.

Applicant Jerry Bridal told the board the two sheds have been on the property for nearly four years and that he and his wife were unaware the backyard was designated a septic recovery area when they bought the home. "My objective is to basically leave the sheds where they currently are. They've been there for almost 4 years," Bridal said during sworn testimony. Planner Beth Ann Remmer clarified staff’s position: the variance before the board concerns the Bonnie Court setback, while environmental health will not approve a structure located inside the septic recovery area. As Remmer explained, "The shed that was in the septic recovery area would be moved over next to that," and the site plan submitted to the board reflected that relocated position.

Board members found the recorded site constraints — the septic recovery area, the corner lot configuration and two 25‑foot setbacks — created practical difficulties that justified relief under the county standards. The board closed the record and made findings that granting the setback reduction would not injure the public interest, would be consistent with the comprehensive plan, and represented the minimum adjustment necessary. The motion to grant the variance carried unanimously. Staff told Bridal the next step is coordination with environmental health to confirm any location inside the septic recovery area is allowable and to finalize permitting.

The decision resolves the standing enforcement question but leaves environmental‑health permitting as a required follow‑up; the board noted its approval is limited to the setback relief it controls.