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Commission advises resident to file RDA, avoid first 25 feet of buffer for driveway work
Summary
A resident seeking to clear trees and widen a driveway was advised to file a Request for Determination (RDA), to keep work at least 25 feet from the resource area and to return with a grading plan for the commission’s review.
A resident (Speaker 5) asked how far from a nearby wetland he must stay when clearing trees and preparing a driveway turnaround. Staff and commission members advised him that the driveway lies within a 200‑foot riverfront area and that he should avoid disturbing the first 25 feet of the wetland buffer. "Do anything in that 20 first 25 feet," a commissioner advised, clarifying the sensitivity of the near‑stream area.
Staff recommended that the resident submit a Request for Determination (RDA) with a simple hand‑drawn map or the formal grading plan when ready; there is no charge for an RDA. Staff explained that the RDA package should include the well, septic and proposed grading so the commission can evaluate the proposal. The staff member said the form is free but that the commission runs a required notice in the paper before the next meeting and that it is best to allow at least two weeks lead time so the item can be scheduled.
The resident said he expected to begin clearing in two to three weeks but agreed to prepare the paperwork and a plan for staff review; staff said if the materials miss the regular June meeting the commission can consider a special meeting to accommodate the timeline. "Just put everything in... where the well is, where the septic, all that. Just put it all in there, and then get it back to us," a staff member said.
Next steps: Resident to prepare an RDA and grading map and submit them to conservation staff; staff will review and place the item on the next appropriate agenda.
