Homeowner asked to move proposed garage to meet 50‑foot wetland setback

A homeowner seeking to build a garage/workshop at 2158 Water Street was told by the Dayton Conservation Commission on Feb. 19 to revise plans and stake the proposed building corners so the commission can verify compliance with the town’s 50‑foot wetland setback.

A representative for the applicant explained the lot is small and that the proposed 24‑by‑30 garage/workshop falls within the commission’s 50‑foot jurisdictional setback on the submitted map. Commissioners noted existing on‑site structures and suggested alternatives: sliding the building up toward the house, shortening the footprint to a one‑car garage, or siting the structure on the house’s south side near the driveway where it would meet the 50‑foot limit.

The commission asked the applicant to place stakes on the property marking all four corners so staff and commissioners could confirm the building location in the field. The commission also reviewed the bylaw waiver standard, which requires applicants seeking a waiver to demonstrate clear and convincing evidence that no reasonable alternative exists and that avoidance, minimization and mitigation have been employed to the maximum extent practicable.

“...we’d like to see stakes in the ground, showing where the corner of the building is going to be so that we know that it's 50 feet away,” the chair said, requesting a site verification plan. The commission asked for a revised site map that depicts the shifted position discussed during the hearing and continued the item to March 19 so that commissioners can review the updated plan and confirm whether mitigation or a waiver is appropriate.

What’s next: Applicant to provide revised maps, the staking of the proposed building corners for staff verification, and clarification about the proposed location of any on‑site shipping container before the March 19 meeting.