Dematia granted Chesapeake Bay critical-area buffer variance for garage with mitigation required

The Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing Jennifer and Dean Dematia to encroach 50 feet into the 100-foot Chesapeake Bay critical-area buffer to build a garage at 500 Shoreline Lane.

Jennifer Dematia identified herself at the hearing and described the proposed structure as a roughly 22-by-24-foot garage that would sit on an existing parking pad in place since 1974 and would avoid cutting trees or disturbing existing vegetation where possible. The applicant told the board the lot is nearly surrounded by marsh and wetlands and that placing the structure on the existing pad would minimize new disturbance.

Staff explained the six variance criteria and noted that some properties in the critical area were developed before the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Program, which can factor into granting variances. Staff told the applicant that any new disturbance inside the 100-foot buffer must be mitigated at a ratio of 3:1 for new lot coverage and 1:1 for canopy removed; plantings must be placed on the property, a bond will be held for two years, and inspections will be required before bond release.

Board members asked clarifying questions about where mitigation plantings could be placed and whether other buildable areas existed on the lot. Staff and the applicant discussed available options and an approved plant list that the county will provide. A board member moved to accept the case as presented; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The transcript records no roll-call tally.