[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6076769,"mediaKeyId","2967478-9386ad44b882fae5c744cff0343658a2","parentId",2967478,"title","Kent County grants variance for Brown pool to reduce side setback in village district","audioSeconds",242,"startMs",1560000,"endMs",1802000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2967478-9386ad44b882fae5c744cff0343658a2&start=1560&end=1802","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2967478-9386ad44b882fae5c744cff0343658a2/thumbnail_1560000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6076769/Kent-County/Maryland/Kent-County-grants-variance-for-Brown-pool-to-reduce-side-setback-in-village-district","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076769-580be42dc9b32e67ccde3edaed396fc0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087214&Signature=aGNTiYaQl61fddeUWOSfShVWwKRIsco8RdbgbrlQYe3wemfmSNY4zw832LR12rI8~kwW01G8JrDmEbHEfLJyMcnwUHKkccwCFG4wBu8zzAGPfRhW-FZXk4tKIv8c5mWrtAudD1AYuRGR9VhF09LsNFhkdi-j6GlfhZHgjKcsUbXrcr5cLYBifQO1QWfeGSaLEERhlp9vz2qsGxCeRIXcLL2ZG8erASjC2Utx4bMIe8eAFd2kji9e9Z2J7j3CT5IURFGYWXv1tzbdewIFb4~FBjvq-rb0Y7aWU5ZA-HU5HhyCwBECIXuxzG311R7SDP22goxyxN~l79b4Bs4uMQgm7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kent County, MD","date","2025-04-12T03:07:26Z","article","On April 11, 2025, Kent County approved a variance reducing the required 25‑foot side‑yard setback by 12.5 feet so Morgan Brown may install a swimming pool on a pie‑shaped lot in the Village District.

Staff explained that the rear yard slopes away from the dwelling and that the proposed pool location must also respect the well setback; moving the pool to meet the 25‑foot side setback would conflict with the well setback and the topography. Staff further noted the parcel’s pie shape and adjacent community open space access reduce impacts on neighboring properties. Based on these practical difficulties, staff recommended approval and assessed that approval would not change neighborhood character.

Gary of Sparkle Pools, representing the contractor, told the hearing the installer builds pools rapidly (in two days) with concrete work completed about a month later; he said the client has submitted the permit application and would install fencing and a winter cover. Morgan Brown confirmed a fence and winter cover will be used and said construction would proceed promptly once permit approval and liner delivery occur. The applicants said neighbors have provided written and in‑person support.

Director Bill Mackey accepted staff comments and testimony into the record and granted the variance with the condition that the approval will lapse after one year if no substantial construction occurs. He noted a written decision will be issued in one to two weeks and reminded the public of the 30‑day appeal period; permits may be prepared but not issued until that period lapses.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4.11.25 Administrative Hearing","oneSentenceSummary","The department approved a 12.5‑foot side‑yard setback variance for Morgan Brown to install a pool in the Village District, conditioned on a one‑year lapse and requiring fencing; staff cited topography, well setback and parcel shape as practical difficulties.","taxTitle","Kent County, Maryland","taxId",69327,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6076774,"Director grants special exception for Sheakers' front‑yard swimming pool at Max Lane",197,1313000,1510000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2967478-9386ad44b882fae5c744cff0343658a2&start=1313&end=1510","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2967478-9386ad44b882fae5c744cff0343658a2/thumbnail_1313000.jpg","/articles/6076774/Kent-County/Maryland/Director-grants-special-exception-for-Sheakers-frontyard-swimming-pool-at-Max-Lane","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076774-eae590dfa069684148da3838b4bdd9ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087214&Signature=RS6cLenSbQaS766FRBIYdxHrFTbxXqsoBgy4f-89i14G8MJY2-LWnDvJJfrrrQZGWpgyi5NEcw~aKrTHSt4XoxcMtwyDNL2NzBX6w4lCfnX4A9Hs4IEq4zOrAio3sjL5r7tTx-N44weQrSb~p3Nb7KoRmcfK7oP6mtRWhfj6S597zV6X5iPOZpP4g0RY-tXptKWgI-TgWNIAtDLRjr81TtakkAzAHuqddo494LkKPWH7iC0lk~5gzl5GIaEKDhu9W6Ly1q1iBNncNi63~x~5Hr4hz1q9uijLrlfydLMzEtjXk2BJUAjEmi2m7MicDyS2HIaf1RSnTpMF38cZRQsAcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On April 11, 2025, the Kent County Department of Planning, Housing and Zoning granted an administrative special exception for Robert and Shelly Sheaker to install a 2,000‑square‑foot in‑ground swimming pool and patio between their house and the water at 24000 Max Lane in Wharton.

Deputy Director Carla Gerber summarized the staff review: the 4.9‑acre (transcript: \"49 acre\"—staff clarified the parcel size in context as a sizable waterfront lot) resource conservation parcel places the proposed pool in the front yard but outside the vegetated buffer. Staff reported the nearest neighboring residence is more than 1,000 feet away, established forest separates the Sheakers' lot from adjacent parcels, the health department raised no objections, and the pool was included in the original development plans and accounted for in stormwater and buffer enhancement plans. Based on those findings, staff recommended granting the special exception.

Robert Sheaker told the hearing the pool was included in the original plan and that the applicants have submitted a building permit; he said they hope to have construction timed for a June 2026 event and that a one‑year lapse would be sufficient. Carla Gerber confirmed the file includes the permit application and accepted staff and applicant comments into the record.

Director Bill Mackey granted the special exception with the condition that approval will lapse after one year if no substantial construction occurs and noted a written decision will issue within one to two weeks. He reminded the applicants and public that the 30‑day appeal period applies from the date of the written decision; permit processing may continue during that time but the building permit cannot be issued until the appeal period lapses.","Kent County approved a special exception allowing Robert and Shelly Sheaker to install a 2,000 sq ft in‑ground pool and patio between their house and the water at 24000 Max Lane in Wharton, conditioned on one‑year lapse and noting the pool was part of the original dwelling plan.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6076779,"Kent County approves special exception for Lees' accessory pool building at Homestead View Road",589,628000,1217000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2967478-9386ad44b882fae5c744cff0343658a2&start=628&end=1217","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2967478-9386ad44b882fae5c744cff0343658a2/thumbnail_628000.jpg","/articles/6076779/Kent-County/Maryland/Kent-County-approves-special-exception-for-Lees-accessory-pool-building-at-Homestead-View-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076779-97e0f7461cf99b2a172703b66a39c4d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087214&Signature=JA16P4IW8rIDaV6lgOntRxcSUab2dE2f918IO3z60zk4Is~TrG4zYN2kMIXG2oX9Ihf8vxUOJKoQniw6l75E1tlKJwTaU~~3wNXHJi9Z-Iw~n-bg8eWkeSdAnYb7ae33M01lrgumV4RkcdCz8Yz17n5j5y-CqH0lzMPOxhObIGWB8rmxBA1xh--rHowzaeNkpnKOy9Q5m56x9qWlXWofg32O3ck~jiBCAjAmtToEasujILGpBflVwUk8yA-ZQQyDfSh91Rk8LyCKUa4CS-xSXxuohvwrX1EoG2XBQANAxlgXcdnpvPXkcegi1JJjP9iN7OwJXRnpAI9IP~bECMmRjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On April 11, 2025, Kent County planning staff recommended and Director Bill Mackey approved an administrative special exception for Mr. and Mrs. Lees to construct a 1,600‑square‑foot pool building that exceeds the county’s median 17‑foot height limit on a 4.53‑acre parcel at 12169 Homestead View Road in Wharton.

Rob Tracy summarized the staff review: the proposed accessory building would be sited in the side yard, meet required setbacks per the applicant’s site plan, and be screened by an existing tree line along the eastern property line. Staff found the proposal consistent with the Kent County Land Use Ordinance and recommended approval with a two‑year lapse condition for substantial construction.

Applicant George Lees explained the building will be tucked behind trees and will use colors and materials to coordinate with the existing 6,341‑square‑foot single‑family dwelling on the lot. Lees said landscaping and additional hollies will be added to provide year‑round screening.

Director Bill Mackey accepted staff, TAC and applicant comments into the record and said the two‑year lapse is acceptable for construction timelines. He instructed that a written decision will be issued in one to two weeks and reminded applicants the 30‑day Maryland appeal period begins on the issuance of that written decision; the permit review can proceed but the building permit cannot be issued until after the appeal period lapses.","The department approved an administrative special exception permitting a 1,600 sq ft accessory pool building that exceeds the median height on a 4.53‑acre property at 12169 Homestead View Road, with a two‑year lapse condition.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6076784,"Kent County approves special exception for Genovese pole building with second-floor apartment",319,218000,537000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2967478-9386ad44b882fae5c744cff0343658a2&start=218&end=537","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2967478-9386ad44b882fae5c744cff0343658a2/thumbnail_218000.jpg","/articles/6076784/Kent-County/Maryland/Kent-County-approves-special-exception-for-Genovese-pole-building-with-second-floor-apartment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076784-2fe72eb4e6e2bee9eb8f228cdaa92487/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087214&Signature=Q8k60AFF5NpxExWua8QR32A3AmzDRj~4hhVJXmwfhzJf0HiGmTF3aEfXiRZNR-9aEECNXFeFNf8ZVJBmw01fjxShCeSe7nH1Ncddcoge243MTPHb8rvYoeoZt90sEIttYRphuvwTpoIg4T2hoCY5UTvJ8xwSNAFpL5gpZsq2CCI0OkaoGOiktk5QaG~-2eOs~5vNJaxiVwps6tAa4C~bUFFzpW6AXuoPCzVSKBh7UK7bogLLfl4OtXQ2D-fCGmNjrtdzDQvtTvkFaxksC7UXz2rSR3Nv3PFukzRDbZaJaBG3Hqc0wmH-sKF4TZ-x3Hz0LApVZ-M~dT364-E-5udFIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On April 11, 2025, the Kent County Department of Planning, Housing and Zoning approved an administrative special exception allowing Mr. and Mrs. Genovese to construct a 676‑square‑foot pole building with a 572‑square‑foot second‑floor apartment at 2604 Bessex Corner Road in Stillpond.

The special exception was required because the proposed building exceeds the county’s median height limit of 17 feet and the parcel is under five acres. Director Bill Mackey said the request meets the criteria in the Kent County Land Use Ordinance and recommended approval with a two‑year time limit for substantial construction.

Rob Tracy, associate planner, presented the staff report and noted the 2‑acre lot is unimproved, that the accessory building would meet setbacks, and that the site is about a quarter mile from New Christian Chapel and more than 3.5 miles from Kent County High School in Wharton. Rob Tracy told the hearing there were no anticipated adverse impacts to the environment, property values, or neighborhood character and that the Kent County Comprehensive Plan is neutral on the proposal.

The applicants spoke in support, told the board the building will store boats, RVs and equipment, and noted the proposed materials and colors are intended to coordinate with the house and neighborhood landscaping. The record includes one supportive email submitted before the hearing.

Director Bill Mackey said, \"I would agree with staff and I would recommend for approval, with the two years length.\" He accepted the staff report, technical advisory comments and applicants' remarks into the record and granted the special exception with the condition that the approval will lapse after two years if no substantial construction consistent with the approved plans occurs.

A written decision will follow in about one to two weeks. Under Maryland practice cited at the hearing, a 30‑day appeal period begins on issuance of that decision; the county may finalize permit review during the appeal period but cannot issue the building permit until the appeal period lapses.","The Kent County director approved a special exception allowing Mr. and Mrs. Genovese to build a 676 sq ft pole building with a 572 sq ft second‑floor apartment on a 2-acre property in Stillpond, with a two‑year lapse condition and a 30‑day appeal period.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Kent County grants variance for Brown pool to reduce side setback in village district

Director grants special exception for Sheakers' front‑yard swimming pool at Max Lane

Kent County approves special exception for Lees' accessory pool building at Homestead View Road

Kent County approves special exception for Genovese pole building with second-floor apartment