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HDC asks for updated elevation certificate for 13A Willard skirt to confirm FEMA/resiliency compliance
Summary
Commissioners on July 1 asked the applicant for 13A Willard to supply an updated elevation certificate from the surveyor/engineer so staff can confirm the as-built skirt and its compliance with FEMA/resiliency guidelines; no formal vote was taken.
During commissioner questions to staff on July 1, the Historic District Commission asked the applicant for 13A Willard to provide an updated elevation certificate or engineer's confirmation that the installed skirt matches the design and meets FEMA requirements and local resiliency guidance.
Staff (Holly) told commissioners the approved work included a lattice-type skirting designed to allow floodwaters to pass, and that the as-built 1-by-6 skirt now shown might not perform the same way. Holly recommended the commission ask for an elevation certificate or a written confirmation from the project surveyor/engineer to show that the as-built solution still meets the elevation and flood-venting conditions that formed part of the original approval.
Why it matters: The board flagged a potential conflict between the approved resilient design (open skirting/lattice allowing hydrostatic flow) and the constructed skirt, which may block water. The commission requested documentation to confirm whether the installed skirt complies with FEMA and local elevation requirements rather than ordering immediate changes.
Details and discussion Commissioner Angus asked staff whether the as-built skirt and the design guidance for hydrostatic breakthrough panels were compatible with lattice approved previously. Holly replied that the original approval and elevation certificate showed open lattice with vents; she said the board could request an updated elevation certificate from the surveyor/engineer (Mr. Bracken) to confirm the installed skirt'and to show the building still meets FEMA and local resiliency requirements.
Direction given No formal enforcement action or vote was taken. The HDC directed staff to request an updated elevation certificate or engineer confirmation from the applicant's surveyor/engineer confirming that the built skirt meets the previously approved elevation and FEMA-resiliency conditions.
Clarifying details - The original approval included lattice or other vented skirting to allow floodwaters to pass; the new as-built skirt uses 1-by-6 boards in places, which staff said "is not going to allow the water to penetrate" and therefore needs clarification. - Staff requested an updated elevation certificate specifically from the surveyor/engineer (Mr. Bracken) to confirm compliance.
Ending The commission left the item as a request for additional documentation rather than initiating enforcement. Staff will follow up with the applicant and surveyor/engineer to obtain the required certificate or confirmation.
