Commission accepts incomplete application to move house at 59 East Lake, requires licensed engineer to present next month

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission accepted an application to move an existing house and construct a new dwelling on the existing foundation at 59 East Lake Street, but commissioners required that the homeowner be represented at the next hearing by a licensed engineer able to address excavation, piers and runoff controls.

The item was notable because the commission concluded the application as submitted lacked key details about stormwater controls, roof drainage, exact excavation and silt‑control measures needed when adding living space over an area that previously counted as a deck.

Joe, the surveyor representing the applicant, said the new house will reuse the existing foundation and will not increase the building footprint; he provided a zone table showing a slight decrease in impervious percentage from 28.9% to 28.7%. Commissioners asked for specifics on how piers will be installed, how excavated material will be removed (no stockpiling in the review area), and for silt fence between the work area and the lake. One commissioner said: “I think it should go on the plan.” Staff and commissioners also discussed whether adding living space above a deck changes zoning requirements (possible special exception) and asked that the application be supplemented with roof/gutter and runoff plans. The commission voted to accept the application and added the recommendation that the homeowner be represented by a licensed engineer at the next meeting; the acceptance was recorded with an agreement to continue the application while staff and the applicant fill in missing engineering details.