Board of Appeals grants Boggs variances to build on steep Holland Cliffs lot

The Calvert County Board of Appeals voted unanimously Oct. 1 to grant Chad and Denise Boggs the variances they sought to construct a single-family home at 3159 Holland Cliffs Road in Huntingtown.

The board approved a general variance reducing the buffer setback from 10 feet to 0 and a critical-area variance allowing approximately 8,338 square feet of impacts to steep slopes so the Boggses can site a house in the only buildable area that meets well and septic setbacks. Chad Boggs told the board the couple had worked with county staff and their surveyor to minimize disturbance and that they will submit a mitigation and planting plan if the variances are granted. "I don't believe that there would be any injury to the public," Boggs said in his testimony.

Board members repeatedly asked whether the request represented the minimum adjustment necessary; the applicants said the lot's width and existing well/septic constraints left no practical alternative. Counsel and staff noted that the applicants must complete Calvert County permitting and post any required bonds before construction. In a detailed motion, a member read findings concluding that (1) unusual practical difficulties exist due to lot topography and required septic/well setbacks, (2) the proposed mitigation would limit impacts to water quality and habitat, and (3) granting relief would be consistent with the county's comprehensive plan. The motion to grant the variances carried with the board directed staff to prepare the order and reminded the applicants they must meet county permit and inspection requirements.

The decision allows the Boggses to proceed to the permitting stage but does not waive local permit, mitigation, or inspection requirements. The board recessed for five minutes after closing the case.