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Board approves variance for Port Republic addition on steep lot in Scientist Cliffs
Summary
The Board granted a critical-area variance allowing a 384-square-foot addition with related steep-slope and expanded-buffer impacts at 2460 Althea Road (BOA2026-0015). Board found topography and septic location created practical difficulties and required sediment controls and standard mitigation.
The Board of Appeals granted a critical-area variance July 2 to allow a modest 384-square-foot addition to an existing dwelling at 2460 Althea Road in the Scientist Cliffs community (BOA2026‑0015). The addition will have living space on the first floor and storage below; the board approved a variance that covers approximately 1,590 square feet of steep-slope and expanded-buffer impacts subject to mitigation and county permitting.
Applicant representatives said the lot was grandfathered and largely consists of slopes above 15 percent, leaving no practical alternative location for the addition. Surveyor Jeff Toole explained the lot is constrained by steep topography and existing septic placement. "The lot contains, pretty much the entire lot is over 15% slopes," he said, describing why the addition must be sited where proposed.
County land management staff raised no objections and recommended standard sediment-control measures and mitigation to protect water quality; the board noted the applicant had secured a Scientist Cliffs HOA review and had coordinated with neighbors. The board found the requested relief to be the minimum necessary, consistent with COMAR and county critical-area standards, and moved to grant the requested variances with permitting conditions.
