The Suffolk Planning Commission on Sept. 16 approved an exception to the Chesapeake Bay preservation area rules to allow a septic drain field expansion within the 100-foot resource protection area buffer at 1621 Holly Pointe Lane. The motion passed 8–0 and does not require city council action.

Staff said the single-family house on the lot was built in 1955 and the property was platted before the Chesapeake Bay preservation regulations took effect. Meg Pittenger, assistant director of planning, told the commission the proposed drain field would disturb “just over 2,500 square feet within the buffer” and that the health department has approved the location. She said the property is largely inside the buffer and, given topography and soils, “the proposed location is the only suitable location for the drain field to be installed.”

The applicant proposed mitigation and a planting plan to offset the encroachment. Pittenger said the mitigation plan proposes seven red maple trees, 14 dogwoods and 21 wild hydrangeas and that, “staff does recommend approval with the conditions.”

Brian Lane, representing the applicant, said the owner faces a failing septic system and that, in his view, the proposed location is the only feasible alternative. “The owner is aware of all of the condition and he agrees to them,” Lane said.

Discussion focused on the constrained lot and the limited area outside the buffer. The record shows the applicant will install a construction access pass and comply with the buffer mitigation manual; staff recommended four conditions including completion of the mitigation and a prohibition on further encroachment or removal of vegetation beyond what was authorized.

Action and next steps: The commission voted 8–0 to approve exception request CEX2025010 for 1621 Holly Pointe Lane. The item does not go to city council. Any required permits from the health department or other agencies remain separate from the commission’s exception approval.

Ending: The permit conditions require the mitigation planting and limits on additional disturbance; staff said those conditions must be met as part of the approved exception.