Stemmer House

The Stemmer House (2627 Caves Road, Owings Mills, MD) was built c. 1761 and is one of Maryland’s outstanding Georgian houses. VPC is working with the community to protect this Baltimore County Historic Landmark and its environmental setting.

Background: VPC opposed a development proposal in 2004-05, when this property and an adjoining property were slated for development. The zoning commissioner denied the development based on adverse impacts to the Caves Valley Historic District and environmental issues regarding stormwater management and steep slopes.

Current status: The owner filed a development plan in 2015 to subdivide the beautiful 24+ acres of gardens into 5 lots (the historic house on a 3+ acre lot plus 4 new lots). VPC opposed this inappropriate development that would negatively impact the Caves Valley Historic District. The proposed development would increase storm water run-off and sediment in the North Branch of the Jones Falls. Three of the four houses now proposed were denied in the prior decision.

Hearings began in 2016. Decisions were appealed; the Courts of Special Appeals remanded the case back to the administrative law judge, whose order allowed the development. That decision was appealed to the Board of Appeals, which also allowed the development. VPC appealed the Board of Appeals decision to Circuit Court; the case was heard there May 1, 2023, and resulted in an unfavorable decision. In 2025, the Court of Special Appeals upheld the Board of Appeals decision to allow the development.

The property owner met with VPC after the decision was rendered and agreed to some landscaping improvements. VPC will also be able to provide feedback regarding stormwater management. The owner also agreed that before developing the property for sale, VPC will be given the opportunity to find a conservation-minded buyer.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this project in support of Caves Valley.