Edward Stafford, owner of 269 D South C Ave, told the Yarmouth Conservation Commission on Dec. 6 that he plans to build a two-car detached garage and an in-ground pool about "4 foot 6" deep and that most work will fall outside the 100-foot buffer to the coastal bank. He said the garage floor will be at elevation 10 feet and the pool at about 9 feet and that only minimal fill would be brought in for backfilling the garage.

Conservation staff member Britney advised the commission that the proposal removes 22 trees overall—18 outside the 100-foot buffer and four just inside the 100-foot mark—and would replace the loss with 13 cedars (nine inside the 100-foot buffer and additional plantings outside). Britney recommended the commission issue a Negative 2 and a Negative 3 determination with special conditions, noting the proposed replacements meet the buffer-zone ratio and that the small regrading in the floodplain (under six inches) was not a concern.

Commissioners asked for clarification after reviewing a submitted drawing that showed fewer planting symbols; Stafford confirmed the map discrepancy and the commission discussed whether additional plantings might be warranted. After discussion, a commissioner moved and another seconded to approve the Negative 2 determination with special conditions and a Negative 3 determination for the project. The motion carried by voice vote.

The commission’s action allows the applicant to proceed subject to the special conditions set by staff and the commission, including the mitigation planting plan and other standard protections for coastal bank and floodplain areas. The commission also reminded the applicant to pick up the determination documentation from the office.

The commission’s next step was procedural: the determination will be documented and issued to the applicant with the listed conditions. No fines or enforcement actions were associated with this item.