Commission approves coastal site plan to raise 38 South Beach Drive house for FEMA compliance
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Summary
A coastal site plan to elevate an existing single-family house at 38 South Beach Drive to meet FEMA elevation requirements plus two feet was approved after the zoning board of appeals granted necessary variances; commissioners voted to approve the plan with standard coastal conditions.
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a coastal site plan to elevate an existing single-family residence at 38 South Beach Drive to meet FEMA minimum elevation requirements plus a two-foot freeboard.
Attorney Liz Saatchi represented the property owner and explained that the elevation work, plus modest additions, satisfied FEMA rules, that required variances had been granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals, and that necessary sign-offs (fire, public works, utilities and Harbor Management Commission consistency) had been secured. Saatchi said the work would occur landward of the coastal jurisdiction line and that the project included a wave analysis, stormwater report and updated planting plans.
Commissioners reviewed drainage and grading; engineer Vince Hynes described the use of stone reservoirs for water quality on a tight lot and explained why that approach was selected instead of a proprietary chamber system. Staff reported two minor comments had been addressed and recommended approval. Commissioner JJ moved the resolution, Chapin seconded, and a roll-call vote produced approval with one abstention by a commissioner who had just arrived.
Why it matters: The measure brings an existing shoreline home into FEMA compliance and follows the ZBA’s variance approvals; the commission noted stormwater treatment and required agency sign-offs in its conditions.
