Calvert County Board of Appeals approves four land‑use requests, including tavern at Flag Harbor with conditions

The Calvert County Board of Appeals held a hybrid public hearing Sept. 5 and approved four land‑use petitions, including a contested special‑exception application for an outdoor tavern at Flag Harbor.

Chair Susie Hans Wells opened the session and swore in applicants and witnesses before the board considered case 24‑4199 (a pool replacing a tennis court at 1414 Grama Drive), case 24‑4200 (after‑the‑fact deck variances at 3415 Cliff Trail), case 24‑4201 (a single‑family dwelling requiring small‑scale disturbance for stormwater practices at 12172 Bonanza Trail), and case 24‑4202 (a special exception for a tavern and outdoor patron area at 1565 Flag Harbor Boulevard).

In the first three matters staff confirmed notice and exhibits, applicants described mitigation plans, and the board found in each case that proposed stormwater management, reduced impervious coverage or on‑site mitigation would avoid injury to the public interest. Jeffrey Toole of COA Barrett LLC framed the pool proposal as a net 40% reduction in impervious surface and said it would add stormwater management and tree plantings; the board voted unanimously to grant that variance. Ron Litton and Jeremy Campbell presented the after‑the‑fact deck work, noting pervious construction and a 72‑square‑foot net reduction; the board granted the variances with conditions requiring permits and mitigation. A separate variance for a house at Chesapeake Ranch Estates (a small footprint forced by septic locations and steep slopes) was also granted unanimously.

The Flag Harbor request drew the largest public turnout and the most debate. Owner Wayne Gessford proposed a small, seasonal open‑air tavern with a covered bar and outdoor patio, limited operating season and hours, no amplified music and on‑site alcohol consumption only. Dozens of neighbors spoke both for and against the proposal; opponents raised traffic, road safety and beach‑access concerns while supporters pointed to improved property management and local amenity value. After discussion the board approved the special exception with several conditions, including May 1–Nov. 1 seasonality, Thursday–Sunday 12 p.m.–9 p.m. hours, no amplified music, on‑site consumption only (no off‑sale of alcoholic beverages), a requirement to obtain all county and health permits, and a limit of two food trucks on site at any time. The board restricted the special exception to the current owner/location so it does not automatically transfer with the land.

Chair Wells said the approvals are subject to the conditions discussed and the county’s permitting processes. Several speakers asked county staff and public safety officials to follow up on traffic‑calming measures and stop‑sign placement; staff said they would relay those community concerns to planning and public works.