april 15 2026 planning commission meeting packet

Exactly as extracted, unformatted — for checking against the original. The readable version is easier to read.

CENTREVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION
April 15, 2026
Liberty Building - 2nd Floor
107 North Liberty Street
7:00 p.m.
A G E N D A
I. CALL TO ORDER – Kara Willis – Chair
II. Chair’s Announcements
III. Review of Minutes from Previous Meetings
• February 18 – Regular Meeting
• March 18 – Regular Meeting
• March 4 – Work Session
• April 1 – Work Session
IV. Opening Statement
V. Citizen Comment (Citizens are requested to keep their comments to three minutes)
VI. Appearances
• Water Treatment Plant Update – presented by Carolyn Brinkley and Kip Matthews
• Recommendation to the Board of Appeals – Case #SE-03-26 (119 Watson Road)
An application has been submitted to the Board of Appeals requesting a Special Exception
to allow the operation of a short-term rental within an existing single-family dwelling.
The subject property is located at 119 Watson Road, is zoned R-2, and is further identified
as Parcel 1299 on Tax Map 035H. The property is owned by Rudolf and Nicole Leuschner.
VII. Old Business
• Fence Ordinance recommendation to Town Council
VIII. New Business
IX. Zoning Issues – Discussion
X. Miscellaneous Business / Correspondence
• Approved Building Permit list issued February 2026
• Approved Building Permit list issued March 2026
XI. Citizen Comment (Citizens are requested to keep their comments to three minutes)
XII. Council Member Report
XIII. Adjournment

THE TOWN OF CENTREVILLE 101 LAWYERS ROW CENTREVILLE, MD 21617
410-758-1180 FAX 410-758-4741 WWW.TOWNOFCENTREVILLE.ORG
MEMORANDUM
To: Planning and Zoning Commission & Board of Zoning Appeals
From: Peter Flint, Zoning Administrator
Date: 04/08/2026
Subject: Special Exception Request – Short-Term Rental (SE-03-26) – 119 Watson Road
I. Purpose and Project Description
The applicants, Rudolf and Ashley Leuschner, request a Special Exception to operate a
short-term rental within an existing single-family dwelling located at 119 Watson Road in
the R-2 Residential District. The Planning and Zoning Commission is requested to review
the zoning considerations associated with this application and forward a recommendation
to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
II. Applicable Zoning Standards
Short-term rentals are permitted in the R-2 District by Special Exception pursuant to §170-
20.C(6).
Figure 1: General Location Figure 2: Zoning Map
In addition to the general Special Exception criteria, the Use and Development Standards
applicable to boardinghouses, bed-and-breakfasts, and short-term rentals require that the
use:
Page 1 of 4

• Be inspected and approved by the Fire Marshal for the specified use.
• Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Operate under a valid short-term rental zoning certificate prior to operation.
• Provide off-street parking in accordance with §170-32.
• Not involve alterations of the structure that change the essential residential
character of the property or district.
• Comply with all applicable signage regulations.
For the Board of Zoning Appeals’ consideration: The Board must determine that the
proposed use will not adversely affect public health, safety, or welfare; will not create
dangerous traffic conditions; and will not jeopardize the lives or property of nearby
residents.
Fire Marshal Review: Staff has previously discussed this requirement with the Fire Marshal,
who advised that a short-term rental in an existing single-family dwelling does not
constitute a change in use and that no fire marshal inspection is anticipated with this
request.
III. Site Conditions and Operational Characteristics
The subject property is a developed residential lot improved with a single-family dwelling
and an existing stone driveway.
Operationally, the applicant has represented that:
• The dwelling will be rented to a single booking party at a time; and
• The maximum number overnight guests permitted is six (6) at one time.
IV. Parking and Traffic Evaluation
The zoning ordinance requires short-term rentals to provide off-street parking in
accordance with §170-32 but does not establish a specific numerical parking requirement.
The current off-street parking requirement for a single-family dwelling is two (2) parking
spaces.
The existing driveway, located along the front right side of the subject property, is
approximately 12 to 14 feet wide and 70 feet long. This configuration provides sufficient
depth to accommodate vehicles in tandem without obstructing the public right-of-way and
meets the minimum two (2) parking space requirement.

Figure 3: View from Watson Road looking toward the front of the house and driveway
Figure 4: Approximate driveway dimensions (12 to 14 feet by 70 feet)
The applicant also proposes a small on-site parking directional parking sign displaying the
street number “119” and an arrow to guide guests to the appropriate parking area. The
applicant has submitted a sign detail document, which is included in the meeting packet.

Any signage must be approved administratively in accordance with §170-38 and is separate
from the Special Exception decision.
Pursuant to 170-38.E(2), directional signs are permitted in all zoning districts. Such signs
shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area, shall not exceed three (3) feet in height, and
shall not contain any advertising material.
V. Staff Analysis Summary
Based on review of the application, site conditions, and operational characteristics of the
proposed use, staff provides the following analysis:
1. The proposed short-term rental is a use authorized by a Special Exception in the R-2
District.
2. The existing driveway configuration is adequate to accommodate the anticipated
parking demand associated with the proposed use.
3. The proposed use is not anticipated to create unsafe traffic conditions or adversely
affect public health, safety, or welfare.
4. No exterior alterations or site changes are proposed that would alter the residential
character of the structure or surrounding neighborhood.
VI. Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends the Planning and Zoning Commission forward a favorable
recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals for approval of Special Exception SE-03-26
to allow a short-term rental at 119 Watson Road, subject to the following conditions:
1. Single Booking Rule: The dwelling shall be advertised as a single unit and rented to
only one booking party at a time.
2. Non-Transferability: In the event of a change in property ownership, the Special
Exception shall automatically expire, and any continuation of the short-term rental use
shall require new Special Exception approval.
3. Expiration: The Special Exception shall be initiated within one (1) year of the date of
approval, or it shall expire.

Rudolf and Nicole Leuschner - 119 Watson Road, Centerville MD 21617
PARKING SIGNAGE
The parking sign will be designed similar to the example shown, featuring a black
background with white reflective lettering. The sign will display the house number “119”
along with a left-pointing arrow to indicate designated parking for 119 Watson.
The sign will be mounted on the U-channel post shown below. The post will be spray-
painted white to match and blend with the existing fence. It will be installed along the
property line adjacent to the current fence, clearly marking the appropriate parking
location for Airbnb guests.
Additionally, all parking instructions will be clearly outlined in the listing and included in the
home manual for guest reference.

Sign dimensions: We will be purchasing the VERTICAL 4-Digits (6” x 33”)

TOWN COUNCIL OF CENTREVILLE
ORDINANCE NO __-2026
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CENTREVILLE AMENDING THE TOWN
OF CENTREVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE, WHICH IS CHAPTER 170 OF THE CODE OF
THE TOWN OF CENTREVILLE, TO UPDATE THE FENCE PROVISIONS
WHEREAS, the Town Council of Centreville has the authority under Section 5-213 of the Local
Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, to adopt regulations;
WHEREAS, Section 4-102(6) of the Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland authorizes
the Town Council of Centreville to regulate the location and use of buildings, signs and structures on
the land;
WHEREAS, the Town desires to amend Chapter 170 of the Code of the Town of Centreville to amend
the definitions, design standards, sign charts, and code provisions regarding signs;
WHEREAS, the Town Council received a _____________ recommendation on the zoning
amendment from the Centreville Planning and Zoning Commission; and
WHERAS, the Town Council held a public hearing on the zoning amendment on ___________.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of Centreville:
Section 1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this
Ordinance.
Section 2. Section 170-39 of the Centreville Town Code is renamed to Accessory Structures and is
hereby amended as shown on the Exhibit A attached hereto.
(Language to be deleted from the existing Ordinance is indicated in bold strikethrough format and
language to added is indicated by bold italics text)
Section 3. Section 170-70 Definitions of the Centreville Town Code is hereby amended as shown on
the Exhibit B attached hereto.
(Language to be deleted from the existing Ordinance is indicated in bold strikethrough format and
language to added is indicated by bold italics text)
Section 4. If any section, clause, paragraph, sentence or phrase of the Ordinance or the application
thereof to any person, or circumstances is held invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent
jurisdiction, the invalidity or unconstitutionality shall in no way effect other provisions or any other
application of this Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid or unconstitutional
provision or application, and for this purpose the provisions of this Ordinance are declared severable.
Section 5. This Ordinance shall become effective twenty days after its enactment.
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ATTEST: THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CENTREVILLE
____________________________________
R. Gaye Adams Ashley Heffernan Kaiser, Esq., President
Town Clerk
_____________________________________
First Reading: Jeffrey D. Kiel, Vice President
Second Reading:
Enacted:
Effective: _____________________________________
Sandra Lee Huffer, Member
_____________________________________
Frederick E. Beu, Member
______________________________________
Fred M. McNeil, Member
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EXHIBIT A FENCE AMENDMENTS
170-39 Accessory Uses and Structures; Fences
A. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all uses and structures shall be located outside
the required front or side yards in any residential or commercial district. Accessory uses and
structures that are a part of or attached to the main building require the same minimum yard
setbacks as the main building. [Amended 1-2-2014 by Ord. No. 13-2013; 10-4-2019 by Ord.
No. 11-2019; 9-2-2021 by Ord. No. 09-2021]
B. Front yard fences. Fences are prohibited between the front building line of any residential
dwelling and any dedicated street, private street or parking area.
[Paragraph B. above was unintentionally deleted from the Code by Ordinance _________]
B. Accessory buildings which are not a part of or attached to the main building, although they
may be connected by an open breezeway, may only be located between the rear lot line and
the closest point of the rear wall of the main building, provided that the sum of the building
footprints of all existing and proposed accessory building does not exceed 30% of the area of
the required rear yard and provided the following standards are adhered to: [Amended 9-2-
2021 by Ord. No. 09-2021]
1. Every accessory building shall be set back from side and rear lot lines at least three feet
except as provided herein:
a. The minimum required setback from the side and rear lot lines shall be five feet
up to a maximum height of 15 feet and 10 feet for every height above 15 feet as
shown in the table presented here:
Minimum Setback from Lot Line
Height of Accessory Building (feet)
(feet)
Side Rear Vegetative Buffer
Under 12 3 3 Not required
12 - under 15 5 5 Required
15 and over 10 10 Required
2. The building height shall be no higher than the height of the principal structure on the
lot.
3. The permit application for any building 12 feet or more in height shall include a native
species evergreen buffer planting plan designed to allow only filtered views of the
building from adjoining lots and the street.
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C. Side yard fences. Fences are prohibited between the side street yard building restriction line
of any residential building and any publicly dedicated street, private street or private parking
area; however, in the R-1 Zone, the Zoning Administrator may permit a fence in a side yard
on a corner lot outside of the building restriction line, providing that the fence does not
affect visibility at nearby intersections. If the fence crosses any Town-owned easements, the
property owner shall record a statement among the land records of Queen Anne’s County
that it is their responsibility and that they shall bear the cost of removal if the fence must be
moved or removed in order to access the easement, and that if the fence is damaged for any
reason, there is no liability on behalf of the Town. This section shall not affect any
easements that are not Town owned, which shall be governed by the easement document in
terms of whether fences are permitted int eh easement area. [Amended 5-2-2019 by Ord.
No. 04-2019]
D. Rule of construction. In applying the fence restrictions contained in this section, the term
“front yard’ shall mean the “apparent front yard,” and the side, side street and rear yards of
any lot shall be determined by their relationship to the apparent front yard of the lot. For
through corner lots, one yard abutting a publicly dedicated right-of-way, private right-of-way
or parking area shall be determined to be the apparent front yard as defined herein, and the
other two yards abutting publicly dedicated rights-of-way or parking areas shall be side
street yards.
C. Fences
1. Classification
Fences and walls shall be considered structures for purposes of this chapter and shall
comply with the location requirements set forth herein. Applications for fences and walls
that comply with subsections 1 through 4 shall be processed administratively;
applications that do not comply may be considered only under C.5.
2. Definitions
For the purposes of this subsection, certain terms or words used herein shall be
interpreted as follows:
Interior Side Yard. The required setback area along a lot line between two parcels where
neither parcel boundary abuts a public street, private street, private right-of-way, alley,
or parking area.
Through Lot. A lot, other than a corner lot, having frontage on two (2) generally parallel
streets. The frontage to which the street address is assigned shall be the apparent front
yard, and the opposite frontage shall be the secondary front yard.
Secondary Front Yard. On a lot with more than one front yard, any front yard other than
the apparent front yard.
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Wall. A freestanding wall intended to function as a fence for enclosure or screening.
3. Allowable Locations
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, fences may be located within the
required yard setbacks in the following areas:
a. **Front yard (Apparent Front Yard) – Placeholder for front yard allowance if PC
wishes to add**
b. Secondary Front Yard
(1) Through Lots. On a through lot, fences and walls may be located within
the required secondary front yard.
(2) Corner Lots. Fences and walls may be located within the required
secondary front yard, provided that any portion of a fence or wall located
between the secondary frontage and the principal structure shall not
exceed forty-eight (48) inches in height, measured from finished grade.
The area “between the secondary frontage and the principal structure"
shall mean the area in front of a line projected from the foremost point of
the principal structure to the secondary frontage.
c. Lots with nonconforming principal structure (front setback). Where the principal
structure is a lawfully existing nonconforming structure with respect to a required
front yard setback, a fence or wall may be located within the required front yard
setback between the required front yard setback line and the front wall of the
principal structure, provided that no portion of the fence or wall is located closer
to the front lot line than the front wall of the principal structure and the fence or
wall otherwise complies with this subsection.
d. Interior side yards. Fences or walls shall be located no closer to the front lot line
than the front wall of the principal structure.
e. Rear yards. Fences or walls may be located within the required rear yard.
4. Restrictions.
Notwithstanding the allowable locations set forth in Subsection 3, fences and walls
shall be subject to the following restrictions:
a. Sidewalks and pedestrian access. No fence or wall may be constructed in a
manner that obstructs or encloses a required or public sidewalk or access
easement serving the lot.
b. Front yard fences (Apparent Front Yard). Fences and walls are prohibited forward
of the front wall (front building line) of the principal structure facing the apparent
front yard.
c. Visibility at intersections. All fences and walls shall comply with §170-35, Visibility
at Intersections.
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d. Height. No fence or wall shall exceed eight (8) feet in height, measured from
finished grade, except as approved pursuant to subsection C.5.
e. Materials & Composition
(1) Finished side out. The finished side of any fence shall face outward toward
adjoining properties and public ways.
(2) Prohibited materials. The following are prohibited.
(a) Barbed wire or razor wire, except as approved pursuant to subsection C.5.
(b) Electrified Fences.
(c) Chain link fences, except as approved pursuant to subsection C.5.
(d) Fencing constructed of light duty or temporary materials, including but
not limited to metal T-posts, plastic mesh, construction fencing, snow
fencing, or similar materials shall not be used as a perimeter fence or
installed along any lot line or street frontage, except for temporary use
during active construction or similar short-term activities.
Exception: Wire backing (welded wire, woven wire, or similar open wire
mesh) is permitted when attached to and supported by a structural fence,
(including split-rail or other wood fence) provided that the wire backing
does not extend above the top rail and is not used as the primary
structural support.
5. Planning Commission Approval – Nonresidential/security fencing
The Planning and Zoning Commission may approve fences and walls for properties
used for nonresidential purposes in all zoning districts that do not comply with the
standard height and materials limitations of this subsection, including chain link
fencing, and barbed wire/razor wire, subject to the following:
a. Application and site plan
(1) An application submitted under this subsection shall include the standard
fence permit submittal items required by the Town, including a site plan
showing the location of a proposed fence.
(2) Planning and Zoning Commission approval required. When an applicant
proposes a fence or wall for a nonresidential use that does not comply with
the provisions of this subsection, including but not limited to height or
materials, the application shall be referred to the Planning and Zoning
Commission for approval.
b. Findings.
The Planning and Zoning Commission may approve a request under this subsection
upon finding that the proposed fence or wall:
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(1) Is reasonably necessary for site security, protection of equipment/inventory,
operational safety, or compliance with state or federal regulatory
requirements;
(2) Is compatible with adjacent properties and surrounding development
considering location, height, materials, and appearance;
(3) Meets applicable buffer yard/screening requirements or provides additional
screening measures as a condition of approval; and
(4) Complies with §170-35, Visibility at Intersections.
c. Conditions.
The Planning and Zoning Commission may impose reasonable conditions on
height, materials, placement, screening, lighting, and maintenance to ensure
compliance with this subsection and the findings above.
d. Residential uses in nonresidential districts.
This subsection shall not apply to fences and walls serving a residential use, which
shall comply with the residential fence location, height, and materials standards
of this subsection regardless of underlying zoning district.
6. Easements
Town owned easements. Where a fence or wall crosses or is located within a Town
owned easement, the property owner shall record a statement among the land
records of Queen Anne’s County acknowledging that:
a. The fence or wall is installed at the owner's risk;
b. The owner shall bear the cost of removal or relocation if access to the easement is
required; and
c. The Town shall bear no liability for damage to the fence or wall.
7. Rule of Construction
a. Apparent front yard. The term “front yard” shall mean the apparent front yard of
the lot, as defined in §170-70, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
b. Secondary front yard. On lots with more than one front yard, the term “secondary
front yard” shall have the meaning set forth in this subsection.
c. Yard classification. The side yard, secondary front yard, and rear yard of any lot
shall be determined by their relationship to the apparent front yard and, where
applicable, the secondary front yard of the lot.
d. Lots with more than one frontage. For lots with more than one frontage, yards
abutting a publicly dedicated street, private street, private right-of-way, or
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parking area shall be classified consistent with the apparent front yard and
secondary front yard designations.
e. Administrative determination. If uncertainty exists as to the designation of the
apparent front yard or the classification of yards on a lot for the purposes of this
subsection, the Zoning Administrator shall make the determination consistent
with the intent of this subsection and the definitions in §170-70.
8. Nonconforming Fences
A fence or wall lawfully established prior to the effective date of applicable fence
regulations that does not conform to the provisions of this subsection shall be
considered a nonconforming structure as defined in §170-13 and may remain in
place, subject to §170-14. Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize the
enlargement, extension, reconstruction, or replacement of a nonconforming fence or
wall except as permitted by §170-14.
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EXHIBIT B DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall be added or amended. All other definitions shall remain unchanged.
170-70 Definitions:
For the purposes of this chapter, certain terms or words herein shall be interpreted as follows:
YARD, FRONT. A yard extending between side lot lines across the front of a lot.
A. In any required front yard, no fence or wall shall be permitted which materially impedes
vision across such yard above the height of 36 inches, and no hedge or other vegetation shall
be permitted which materially impedes vision across such yard between the heights of 36
inches and 10 feet.
A.B. In the case of corner lots, a front yard of the required depth shall be provided in accordance
with the prevailing yard pattern, and a second front yard of half the depth required generally
for front yards in the zone shall be provided on the other frontage.
B.C. In the case of corner lots with more than two frontages, the Zoning Administrator shall
determine the front yard requirements, subject to the following limitations:
1. At least one front yard shall be provided having the full depth required generally in the
zone.
2. No other front yard on such lot shall have less than half the full depth required
generally.
C.D. Depth of required front yards shall be measured at right angles to a straight line joining the
foremost points of the side lot lines. The foremost point of the side lot line, in the case of
rounded property corners at street intersections, shall be assumed to be the point at which
the side and front lines would have met without such rounding. Front and rear yard lines shall
be parallel.
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ISSUED BUILDING PERMITS
February 1 - 28, 2026
Permit # Applicant Owner Address Type Issue Date*
Niel Ellick/Economy
BP-7-26 Restoration Lacey Walter 230 Northfield Way Replace Roof 2/5/2026
BP-8-26 Kenda Leager/TL Fence, LLC Will Osterling 225 Autumn Lane Fence 2/18/2026
Convert garage to a
Andrew Harper/Andrew bedroom, storage and
BP-9-26 Harper Builder Steve Smith 106 Turpin Lane hall 2/5/2026
Vanesa Gonzalez/Energy roof mounted solar
BP-10-26 Harbor Dollar General 545 Railroad Ave. panels 2/6/2026
BP-11-26 David Burtis/Monarch Roofing Helen Benchoff 106 Happy Lady Lane Roof replacement 2/26/2026
Niel Ellick/Economy
BP-13-26 Restoration Tori Neales 143 Long Creek Way Roof Replacement 2/26/2026
* based on the approval date by Zoning Administrator

ISSUED BUILDING PERMITS
March 1 - 31, 2026
Permit # Applicant Owner Address Type Issue Date*
BP-12-26 Harvest Alliance Church Island Coursevall Drive 123 Coursevall Drive Add interior walls 3/17/2026
Steven Shipley/Chesapeake
BP-14-26 Fence Nathan McNeill 117 Heritage Way Install white vinyl privacy fence 3/5/2026
BP-15-26 Maryland Elite Exteriors William Seth 99 Glensdale Avenue Roof Replacement 3/3/2026
BP-16-26 Tina Crouse/Solar Energy World Mitchell Scharf 155 Edenderry Avenue Roof mounted solar panels 3/19/2026
Roof mounted solar panels and micro
BP-17-26 Tina Crouse/Solar Energy Works Michael Turner 117 Kings Court inverters 3/19/2026
BP-18-26 Brian Horney/Horneys Masonry Chris Murphy 925 Harmony Way Patio 3/19/2026
BP-19-26 Lauren Jones/Tesla Victoria Pini 218 Concerto Avenue Solar panels 3/24/2026
Willow Construction/Shaquille
BP-20-26 Turner Comet Drive, LLC. 152 Comet Dr. Commercial renovation/walk-in closet 3/26/2026
Steven Shipley/Chesapeake
BP-21-26 Fence LLC Michael Wade 209 Green Street Replace existing fence with new fence 3/24/2026
BP-21-26 Tyrone Sankar Tyrone Sankar 225 Providence Court Shed 3/26/2026
* based on the approval date by Zoning Administrator