Planning commission approves flood‑compliance renovation at 19 Dock Road; homeowners to elevate house and add partial second story

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a proposal by Carlo and Meredith Vona to raise their existing single‑family home at 19 Dock Road to meet FEMA floodplain standards, add a limited second‑story addition and install a tidal wetland buffer.

Attorney Adam Blank, representing the Vona family, said the project will elevate the main living floor above base flood elevation (BFE) plus two feet of freeboard, remove habitable space from the partially finished lower level, and add about 840 square feet of second‑story area so the total area rises from about 2,201 to 2,240 square feet. The design reduces net impervious coverage on the lot from roughly 17.5% to 16.5% — below the 35% maximum for the zoning district.

Architect Jim Jamieson explained the finished lower level must remain at least 50% open in a velocity zone; the design meets that standard and retains nonhabitable open parking/storage below the raised structure. Engineer Wayne DeVanzo said limited grading adjustments were needed to make the lowest level functional and to accommodate a small stormwater retention area; he confirmed the project decreases the site’s peak runoff for design storms.

Landscape architect Matthew Popp said the plans add a 12‑foot tidal wetland buffer behind the house, new native plantings and replacement street‑tree plantings to strengthen shoreline vegetation. The homeowner provided sign-offs from Village Creek homeowners’ association design review and from relevant city departments including Harbor Management, WPCA, fire and building; staff reported health‑department sign‑off was in process.

Commissioners asked about final grading, height and compliance with local regulations. Applicants confirmed the finished‑floor elevation meets the city’s 2‑foot freeboard above the FEMA BFE; the new overall height will be about 31.5 feet, under zoning maxima. Commissioners voted by roll call to approve, with one abstention recorded.

Condition language in the staff memo was discussed and applicant asked to modify a proposed requirement to reflect the city’s stormwater manual rather than a broad “treat all stormwater on‑site” phrasing; staff agreed to the applicant’s requested clarification tying conditions to the city stormwater standards.

The commission approved the application by roll‑call vote; staff will finalize permit language and conditions consistent with the city stormwater manual before issuance of a building permit.