Board of Zoning Appeals approved variance for Eppels and special‑use exception for small mineral extraction site

Staff reported two decisions from the Board of Zoning Appeals hearing on August 18, 2026. The BZA granted a variance and reasonable accommodation for Janet and Richard Eppel Jr. to add a 420‑square‑foot bedroom addition and an elevator to address medical disabilities even though the house lies mostly within the 100‑foot Chesapeake Bay critical area buffer; the board found the applicants met the cited criteria.

The BZA also approved a special‑use exception for a proposed 4.91‑acre mineral extraction facility (applicant David Blough). An alternate board member questioned why the acreage for extraction was small relative to the overall property; the applicant said he wanted to retain most acreage for agriculture. No one spoke in favor or opposition to the request and the board approved the exception.