DRB unanimously approves two‑lot Gould Hill subdivision with recording condition

The Montpelier Development Review Board on Sept. 15 approved a two‑parcel subdivision at 0 Gould Hill Road, voting 4‑0 to authorize the split while placing a condition that the applicant record a final survey plat and utility easements within 180 days. The decision was made after staff described the application as largely unchanged from an earlier sketch plan and after the applicant responded to conservation commission comments.

Board staff and the applicant said the parcel contains state‑classified wetlands, steep slopes and a nearby stream that together constrain developable areas. Meredith Crandall, planning staff, told the board that “the middle of the class 2 is state regulated, but neither of them hit the town regulation,” and said those constraints informed the proposed building envelope and setbacks. George McCain, the applicant’s consulting engineer, said, “I think, not much has changed from the sketch plan application,” and noted that the design shows a proposed underground power route and that wastewater and drilled‑well designs are ready to be permitted once the subdivision is finalized.

The board’s approval included findings addressing landscaping and screening requirements in the city’s subdivision rules but did not impose an immediate landscaping condition. Staff advised that because the site is limited by wetlands and slope, much of the existing vegetation will be preserved and that landscaping is frequently addressed at the later site‑plan or building‑permit stage. The board’s motion and discussion reflected that approach: members generally supported deferring detailed landscaping plans until a building permit or site plan clarifies final placement and design.

The formal motion to approve the subdivision (application Z20250090) was made by Board Member Joe Crandall and seconded by Brian Jones. The motion requires that within 180 days the applicant record the final survey plat with the Montpelier Land Records Office and include easements for shared water and wastewater systems and the location of survey markers, consistent with section 4405 of the Montpelier zoning regulations. The board completed a roll‑call vote; Joe Crandall, Alex (board member), Brian Jones and Chair Rob Goodwin all voted yes.

Meredith Crandall said the written decision will be issued and signed by the chair; the 30‑day appeal period begins on the date the written decision is signed. Staff told the board that conservation commission comments had been addressed and that a draft Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control (EPSC) plan was included; final EPSC details may be refined if and when a building permit is submitted.

No members of the public testified in opposition during the public portion of this item, and the board did not attach additional conditions beyond the recording requirement. The board’s written decision and permit will be distributed to the applicant and property owners when available.