Board approves critical‑area and setback variances for Lusby property to add access steps and a stoop

The Board of Appeals granted both a general variance and a critical‑area variance for property owners Jan and Robert Turner at 12990 Spring Cove Drive in Lusby to permit construction of exterior steps and a stoop that encroach into the 100‑foot buffer.

Jeffrey Toole of COA Barrett Land Surveyors explained the Turners demolished a 1977 dwelling and rebuilt a replacement in kind on the same footprint; because nearly the entire footprint lies within the critical‑area buffer, the two new access structures were not part of the build permit and therefore require board relief. Toole told the board there would be no increase in total lot coverage beyond what had been grandfathered and said mitigation will be provided through a fee‑in‑lieu planting program.

Toole also said the health department required an upgrade to the septic system incorporating a nitrogen‑removal component. "We are not here for a data center," Toole told the board at the start of his presentation, noting the hearing concerned only the Turners' access structures. The board discussed lot coverage, buffer management and mitigation and concluded the requested relief would not injure the public interest and was the minimum necessary.

The board moved to grant the general variance for the steps/stoop and then, after separate findings, to grant the critical‑area variance; both motions carried. Staff will prepare the written findings and the board will issue a final order within the customary 45‑day period.