The Falmouth Zoning Board of Appeals convened on November 7, 2024, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on a special permit application for a property located at 134 Edgewater Drive in East Falmouth.

The meeting began with a review of the existing septic system, which the Board of Health approved for continued use under a variance granted in 2012. The Conservation Commission also provided its approval for the project, issuing an order of condition on August 21, 2024. The engineering department raised concerns regarding stormwater management, specifically addressing runoff prevention and erosion control. They noted that an outfall pipe mentioned in the original submission was not located on the property and posed no concern.

A letter from Falmouth Engineering, dated October 30, 2024, informed the board that the project would include a crushed stone driveway instead of a paved one to comply with water resource protection standards. The proposal also includes dry wells for roof runoff, no increase in septic flow, and native plantings to buffer the pond, with minimal soil disturbance anticipated.

The board discussed the findings related to the special permit under section 240.10.2 a, concluding that the proposed project would not be substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood than the existing structure. They determined that the site was adequate for the proposed use, with no anticipated impact on traffic flow, neighborhood visual character, or affordable housing. The board also found that the project would result in impervious surface coverage of 18.7%, which is within acceptable limits, and would not adversely affect groundwater quality.

The board confirmed that there were no letters of opposition and no public comments against the proposal during the hearing. Conditions for the project were discussed, including normal working hours and parking arrangements for construction workers at a nearby beach parking lot.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote in favor of granting the special permit, allowing Paul T. Cummings Junior of Westwood, MA, to proceed with the project to raise and rebuild the existing non-conforming dwelling, which will increase lot coverage by structure.