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Conservation commission approves conditional use permit for 2 Shady Lane with wetland‑buffer markers
Summary
The Somersworth Conservation Commission approved a conditional use permit allowing construction within wetland buffer areas at 2 Shady Lane, contingent on wetland buffer markers and several plan notes addressing invasive species, erosion control and lighting.
The Somersworth Conservation Commission voted to approve a conditional use permit for construction of a single‑family home and associated site improvements at 2 Shady Lane, allowing disturbance within the wetland buffer with conditions including installation of wetland buffer markers shown on the final plan.
The permit applies to property in the Residential Single Family (R‑1) district, Assessors Map 21 Lot 148 (CUP 12025). Surveyor Joe Berry, representing applicants Eric and Sherry Derfler, presented revised plans addressing comments from the commission and a recent site walk. "At the last meeting, there were comments about, night sky compliant lighting. So we've added a note to the revised plan stating that they should be downlit and shielded," Berry said.
Why it matters: the proposed house and site work intrude into regulated buffers around local wetlands. Commissioners pressed for measures to limit erosion, keep construction materials out of wetlands, manage invasive vegetation and mark the extent of the protected buffer so future owners and contractors know where the limits lie.
Key plan changes and conditions - Culvert and driveway: the culvert location was adjusted so it is not immediately adjacent to the stream; the driveway was raised and pitched so runoff (including road salt) is routed to a roadside ditch and the proposed culvert and level spreader instead of discharging directly into the wetland. - Erosion control and stumps/stockpiles: notes were added that stump piles and on‑site stockpiles are not to be used as fill and must be removed and disposed of properly. - Invasive species and plantings: commissioners identified pervasive invasives at the site including multiflora rose, bittersweet and Japanese knotweed; the plan calls for management of invasives and plantings to stabilize disturbed slopes. Proposed plantings cited on sheet 1 include highbush blueberry, elderberry, mountain laurel, rhododendron and a small number of trees such as scarlet oak and red maple. Commissioners suggested spacing adjustments so tree crowns will not compete at maturity and recommended groundcover to outcompete multiflora rose. - Lighting and markers: plans now include a note for down‑lighting and shielding; the commission required that the applicant install wetland buffer markers and show them on the final plan, with GPS/reference points for future verification.
Commission discussion and condition language Commission members discussed durability and placement of buffer markers (metal posts behind planting lines was the preferred approach) and whether markers must include GPS coordinates on the final plan so the buffer can be re‑established in the future. A staff member confirmed the town has standard wetland buffer placards that could be used.
Vote and procedural notes The commission moved to approve the conditional use permit as presented with the addition that the applicant install wetland buffer markers and show them on the final plan. The motion passed on a voice vote; the meeting record shows the motion and second and that members answered "Aye." No roll‑call tally with individual member votes was recorded in the transcript.
Ending The commission advised the applicant to finalize the marker locations on the final plan prior to installation and to follow the notes on invasive species management, erosion control, stump removal and night‑sky compliant lighting. The permit will proceed to the Planning Board process as the finalized set of plans is prepared.
