Board of Appeals approves front-setback variance for Lexington Park home to add carport
February 13, 2026 | St. Mary's County, Maryland
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The Saint Mary's County Board of Appeals voted unanimously Feb. 12 to grant a front-setback variance for a proposed carport at 23245 Overcup Drive in Lexington Park.
Nick Colvin, a county planner, told the board the applicant sought relief from Section 32.1 of the county zoning ordinance to reduce the required 25-foot front setback to 3 feet so a 26-by-34-foot carport can be attached to the existing single-family dwelling. Colvin said the 0.95-acre lot (about 41,202 square feet) is zoned Residential Neighborhood Conservation and that the project disturbs less than 5,000 square feet, which makes it exempt from soil conservation and stormwater management requirements.
Jody Latimer, representing Simple Solutions Contracting and the applicants, described site constraints including a ravine behind the cul-de-sac lot and steep interior stairs that make access difficult for the elderly homeowner. "The truck is 22 feet with the tailgate down," Latimer said, showing photos and a diagram to illustrate why the vehicle will not fit in the existing garage and why a front carport with a short breezeway would aid access.
Board members questioned alternatives such as modifying the interior garage, and Latimer said the existing garage bays are narrow and in active use as a workshop, making interior reconfiguration impractical. No written or oral public opposition was recorded; Latimer said neighbors had been consulted and were supportive.
Donald Larocco read findings concluding the variance standards and the objectives of Section 32.1 had been met, and a motion to approve the application (VAAP 25-2594) passed by a 5-0 vote. Chair George Allen Hayden Sr. said staff would prepare the order for the board to sign within 60 days; a 30-day appeal period will follow the order's signing.
The approval allows only the roofed carport structure described in the application. Staff noted the board retains authority to require further review or conditions if subsequent site changes are proposed.
Nick Colvin, a county planner, told the board the applicant sought relief from Section 32.1 of the county zoning ordinance to reduce the required 25-foot front setback to 3 feet so a 26-by-34-foot carport can be attached to the existing single-family dwelling. Colvin said the 0.95-acre lot (about 41,202 square feet) is zoned Residential Neighborhood Conservation and that the project disturbs less than 5,000 square feet, which makes it exempt from soil conservation and stormwater management requirements.
Jody Latimer, representing Simple Solutions Contracting and the applicants, described site constraints including a ravine behind the cul-de-sac lot and steep interior stairs that make access difficult for the elderly homeowner. "The truck is 22 feet with the tailgate down," Latimer said, showing photos and a diagram to illustrate why the vehicle will not fit in the existing garage and why a front carport with a short breezeway would aid access.
Board members questioned alternatives such as modifying the interior garage, and Latimer said the existing garage bays are narrow and in active use as a workshop, making interior reconfiguration impractical. No written or oral public opposition was recorded; Latimer said neighbors had been consulted and were supportive.
Donald Larocco read findings concluding the variance standards and the objectives of Section 32.1 had been met, and a motion to approve the application (VAAP 25-2594) passed by a 5-0 vote. Chair George Allen Hayden Sr. said staff would prepare the order for the board to sign within 60 days; a 30-day appeal period will follow the order's signing.
The approval allows only the roofed carport structure described in the application. Staff noted the board retains authority to require further review or conditions if subsequent site changes are proposed.
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