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Conservation commission to merge application checklist and set process for short DEM/CRMC deadlines
Summary
Commissioners agreed to merge two draft checklists for application review, solicit input from the Coastal Resilience Committee, and adopt a two-step process for rapid Department of Environmental Management (DEM)/CRMC filings: first attempt a special meeting with quorum, then a two-member office review if a full meeting is impractical.
May 13, 2025 — The New Shoreham Conservation Commission discussed merging a draft application-review checklist and clarified how the commission will handle short-turnaround filings from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC).
Commission member Sue Gibbons presented a draft checklist intended to ensure the commission asks consistent questions when reviewing applications, including whether DEM or CRMC review is needed, whether a project affects wetlands or the coastal zone, whether permeable surfaces or native landscaping are proposed, outdoor lighting compliance with an upcoming lighting ordinance, on-site wastewater (OWTS) or sewer concerns, and potential water-use increases. "I was just thinking that as we review applications, it would be nice to be able to make sure we haven't overlooked important things," Gibbons said when introducing the draft.
Members suggested merging Gibbons' draft with an existing checklist prepared by staff member Jen; Sue volunteered to merge the documents and return a single draft for consideration at the next meeting. Commissioners recommended seeking input from the Coastal Resilience Committee to add questions about erosion, sea-level rise, and flood-zone concerns.
Separately, commissioners discussed handling DEM and CRMC submittals that carry short public-review windows. DEM's internal timelines sometimes require responses in as little as 15 days, commissioners said, creating scheduling pressure for a panel that posts its meeting calendar in advance and whose members travel during the summer. The commission agreed on a two-step approach: first attempt to call a special meeting with a quorum; if a timely full meeting is not feasible, staff will bring the application to two designated commissioners who will review materials in the office and return a signed opinion and draft letter for staff to send.
Commissioners asked staff to pull the state and town regulations that govern emergency or special meeting procedures for review at the next meeting. They also discussed outreach to DEM and CRMC staff to request clearer guidance and to invite CRMC to a joint discussion about procedures.
The commission agreed that Sue will merge the checklists and circulate the draft before the next meeting, at which the panel will consider formally adopting a consolidated checklist and clarifying its fast-track process for DEM/CRMC items.
