Residents of Yarmouth are facing significant challenges with flooding, prompting discussions at the recent Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. One homeowner shared their urgent need to raise their house due to persistent water intrusion during rainstorms, which has become a pressing concern for their property.

The homeowner explained that even moderate rainfall leads to flooding in the streets, with water entering their crawl space. To address this issue, they proposed raising their home’s foundation to comply with flood regulations and to protect their property from future water damage. Currently, the house sits at an elevation of approximately 5.15 feet, but the homeowner plans to raise it to about 12.2 feet, a difference of nearly seven feet.

During the meeting, board members inquired whether the homeowner had consulted their homeowners association regarding the proposed changes. While the homeowner indicated that they had received support from neighbors, they had not yet presented their plans to the association. Board members advised that the association might have specific requirements regarding the appearance and landscaping of the elevated foundation, which could impact the approval process.

The homeowner expressed a desire to prioritize raising the house above flood levels, stating, “I just wanna get out of the flood. I mean, I'm gonna float away eventually.” This sentiment underscores the urgency many residents feel as they navigate the challenges posed by flooding in the area.

As discussions continue, the board emphasized the importance of community engagement and compliance with local regulations, highlighting the need for homeowners to work closely with their associations to ensure that any modifications align with community standards. The outcome of this proposal could set a precedent for other residents facing similar flooding issues, making it a critical topic for the Yarmouth community.