Applicants propose 750-sq.-ft. extended-family unit at 33 Cabot Road; commission conditions stormwater review

James and Diane Rau presented a Notice of Intent for 33 Cabot Road (DEP File 14-1435) proposing an attached extended-family living area (EFLA) of roughly 750 square feet, a one-car garage, and driveway reconfiguration that would increase net impervious area by about 600 square feet. The Town of Danvers Conservation Commission discussed the proposal, noted required stormwater management review, and issued an order of conditions subject to engineering/stormwater approval and a requirement to return if the footprint increases into jurisdictional resource areas.

Thor Akerley, a professional wetland scientist with Williams & Spurges, described the lot and proposed work. He said the property’s northern portion contains an unnamed perennial stream and an associated bank; there are no bordering vegetated wetlands mapped at the site. The proposed addition is on existing lawn, where the applicant plans to remove an older area of pavement (used as a play surface) and add a new paved driveway extension that results in a net increase in impervious surface. The applicant has proposed infiltration chambers and other subsurface stormwater measures; the commission was told stormwater management permitting (MassDEP and local engineering review) is still pending.

Commission staff and members queried whether the project triggers other board approvals (zoning or special permits). The applicants and their consultant said the EFLA as designed is at or below the 750-square-foot threshold that would avoid Zoning Board of Appeals relief, but acknowledged that if the final interior layout or footprint changes such that the living area or footprint increases into jurisdictional resource areas, they must return to the commission and potentially seek other board approvals. The commission emphasized that if engineering/stormwater conditions are not met, the project cannot proceed.

Erosion-control measures were shown on the plan (silt fence along the rear fence line and other controls). The applicant expects most work to occur outside the 50-foot buffer; staff asked that stormwater calculations for roof runoff and the proposed infiltration chamber be completed for the engineering review prior to finalization of conservation conditions.

The commission moved to close the public hearing and issue an order of conditions subject to the applicant obtaining appropriate stormwater management approval and returning if the footprint expands or otherwise impacts jurisdictional resource areas; the motion passed by voice vote.