COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Board of Zoning Appeals Information IMPACTING 5408 Center Avenue

Thank you to those that were able to join us last night for LVCA’s special meeting to discuss the appeal made to the Board of Appeals (zoning ordinance 27-4202(c)) to construct a proposed two story single family home located at 5408 Center Avenue.  It was a pleasure seeing so many of you come out to join in the affray to preserve our historic community.  I appreciate you for coming out to share your knowledge, history, and perspective.

As discussed, in addition to your attendance last night, we need Lincoln residents to participate in the upcoming virtual hearing scheduled for May 8, 2024, at 6 pm, regarding the above ordinance.  

Remember, you MUST REGISTER to attend the virtual Hearing.  The deadline to register is FRIDAY May 3, 2024 (5 days before the virtual hearing).  In addition to signing-up to attend the Hearing you will be provided the opportunity to speak for 3 minutes during the public appeals hearing and become a person of record.  You are not required to speak, but it would be helpful.  We need as many people as possible to express Lincoln’s views about why and how building on lots smaller than 10,000 sq. feet would impact the esthetics, green space, water management, etc. of our historical community.  To assist in constructing your comments, below are the Variance Decision Standards that must be met; attached is the Board of Zoning Appeals Letter, and attached is the six criteria for a variance.

Interpreter services are available upon request through the board of appeals. 

• Sign up to testify using Speaker Registration Form.
  •   In the event the link does not operate on your system, here is the direct internet address:  [https://pgccouncil.us/FormCenter/Administration-8/Speakers-Registration-Form-592]

• Phone: call 301-952-3220 to register.

As a reminder, the applicant must meet all six criteria requirements to be approved for the variance.

Variance Decision Standards

A variance may only be granted when the review board or official, as appropriate, finds that:

1. (1)

A specific parcel of land is physically unique and unusual in a manner different from the nature of surrounding properties with respect to exceptional narrowness, shallowness, shape, exceptional topographic conditions, or other extraordinary conditions peculiar to the specific parcel (such as historical significance or environmentally sensitive features);

1. (2)

The particular uniqueness and peculiarity of the specific property causes a zoning provision to impact disproportionately upon that property, such that strict application of the provision will result in peculiar and unusual practical difficulties to the owner of the property;

1. (3)

Such variance is the minimum reasonably necessary to overcome the exceptional physical conditions;

1. (4)

Such variance can be granted without substantial impairment to the intent, purpose and integrity of the General Plan or any Functional Master Plan, Area Master Plan, or Sector Plan affecting the subject property;

1. (5)

Such variance will not substantially impair the use and enjoyment of adjacent properties; and

1. (6)

A variance may not be granted if the practical difficulty is self-inflicted by the owner of the property.

If you have any questions or need more information, please reach out to Mary and me.

In Service,

Shakeba Jenkins, President

Mary Bracey, Vice President

Lincoln Vista Civic Association

Attachments:

   Six Criteria for a Variance

   Board of Zoning Appeals Letter

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