Conservation commission approves fence relocation, requires wetland signage at 1 Hayfield Lane

The Fall River Conservation Commission on Monday approved a modification to an enforcement-related order allowing a property owner to locate a proposed fence on the landward edge of a wetlands replication area at 1 Hayfield Lane, provided wetland signage is installed at the replication edges.

The commission’s conservation agent, Dan Aguilar, explained that whether the fence sat on one side of the line or the other would not change the requirement that the owner complete the required wetland replication. Attorney Gregory Bridal, representing the owner, asked that the fence be placed “right on the back edge of the replication” to make the finished yard appear more visually uniform and reduce jogs around the patio. Bridal said he had used an interpreter to ensure his client understood that the replicated area must be maintained as wetlands and not converted to lawn.

Commission members discussed signage placement; Aguilar recommended the same wetland signs used on other properties and suggested locating a sign at the back edge of the patio—where the wetland edge falls. Attorney Bridal and the commission agreed that one or two signs on the fence would suffice.

A motion to approve the fence alteration with wetland signage was made and seconded; the commission voted in favor and the modification was approved. The approved plans will be annotated to reflect the signage requirement and the obligation to complete the previously required wetland replication.

The action resolves a narrow, targeted change to a previously approved order of conditions; commission staff will record the signage locations on the final plans and continue monitoring compliance under the existing enforcement matter.