Maryland Planning ...... ?

that's a high dollar neighborhood. what do you think it would have cost him to have wood columns rebuilt, as opposed to appeals court? my guess would be a factor of one hundred or more. money to burn

Money well spent to fight the evolving system, we all gain from the efforts.
One of the reasons the Colonies chose to sever their ties from England included the right to own and enjoy ownership of property. That right still exists although it is being eroded away by those who seem to want to control what happens on others lands. Zoning may be justified, but the control of others lands if sound engineering principles are utilized is no-ones business. Planning is beginning to overreach its intent, primarily because of the training of the planners, leads them to believe they know best and the world stops if their opinions are not implemented. The more toes they step on, the sooner they will be defunded by the majority and will become an unpleasant footnote in history about overreaching government. People who want to control the neighborhood to attempt to keep that neighborhood pure in their opinion have no more right than those who wish to limit the quality of a home being built in an average area with the intent that a high price home will drive taxes up and then drive those living there for years to be forced to move because of the additional costs. It is really no-ones right to dictate what happens across the boundary lines other than that code be met, that is for safety reasons, not usurping other rights to occupy and enjoy land ownership.
jud

Typical. You should try to get a subdivision approved here. Insanity.

this home is near waterfront, and in the historic part of Naptown. the millers probably had to sign a covenant of historic/architectural preservation at settlement. does this not happen elsewhere?

but yes, jud, i am with you in your general sentiment(s)