In a decisive move, the Prince George Board of Appeals denied a variance request for a parking area location requirement during their meeting on July 23, 2025. The board's decision hinged on a Maryland case law precedent, specifically the Dan's Mountain Windforce LLC versus Allegheny County Board of Zoning Appeals, which stipulates that variances should not be granted if the hardship is common to the entire neighborhood.

Chair Bowyer emphasized that the appropriate remedy for the petitioner, who had begun work on a driveway without the necessary approvals, lies not in seeking a variance but in pursuing a change to the zoning ordinance itself. The board noted that the petitioner’s situation was self-inflicted, as he sought to have a driveway similar to those of his neighbors, despite current zoning regulations prohibiting it without a variance.

The board unanimously voted 3-0 to deny the request, reinforcing the importance of adhering to zoning laws and the need for legislative action to address broader neighborhood issues. This decision underscores the board's commitment to maintaining zoning integrity while also highlighting the challenges property owners face in navigating local regulations.