Wells Planning Board finds existing buffers adequate, orders shed removals and 60-day continuance for Seaview West Campground

The Town of Wells Planning Board on Monday reviewed results of a June 12 site walk at Seaview West Campground and made a series of determinations about required plan revisions, buffers and equipment locations, ultimately granting a 60‑day continuance so applicants can restake boundaries and begin removing items from a required 25‑foot buffer.

The board’s planner, Mike (town planner), summarized the site walk and said, “There were multiple sheds that were still within the 25 foot wide buffer,” and noted propane tanks located very close to electrical meters and utility poles within the buffer. Mike said two main DEP buffer restoration areas were staked for tree planting and that the overall park appeared “very well maintained.”

Why it matters: the board must reconcile existing site conditions — some predating current code — with the town’s buffer and safety rules while the property owner works with the propane provider and the applicant’s engineer to correct code violations. Moving tanks, removing sheds and showing missing plan layers affect what the board can formally approve.

Key determinations and board direction

- Buffer along College Drive: The board reviewed existing trees and mature vegetation along College Drive and voted that the existing buffer is sufficient as shown on the site walk (voice vote; unanimous). The board directed a standard note be added to the plan that existing vegetation will remain unless dead, dying or hazardous and that removed trees may need replacement.

- Southerly buffer adjacent to the seasonal cottage complex: The board concluded the abutting property is a commercial…