Eastham work session weighs new coastal‑resilience bylaw, debates flood model accuracy and next steps

Staff presented a draft coastal resilience bylaw and companion regulations that would apply probabilistic coastal flood models (target years such as 2050 and 2070) to expand or refine the commission’s jurisdiction over land subject to coastal storm flowage and flood areas. The proposal would create a resilience overlay with tiered standards (stricter in more wave‑exposed zones) and performance standards for projects in the floodplain.

Resident Chuck told the commission his house is not at the elevations shown in the model and urged staff to provide source data. "My basement is 20 feet above sea level... Their elevation model is bad," he said, adding that he would provide peer‑reviewed references for the commission to consider. Staff agreed to circulate the model links and the draft regulations and asked Chuck to share his references; commissioners asked that both sides provide curated materials in advance so the group can review the underlying data rather than debate charts in the meeting.

Commissioners debated whether to adopt the state‑recommended probabilistic model (described in meeting materials) or to rely on sea‑level rise plus base flood elevation metrics. They discussed target years, model iteration, and a process for applicants to present site‑specific challenges. The commission agreed to invite the Cape Cod Commission’s flood‑planning experts to a future work session to explain the model and to do public outreach; staff said adopting a bylaw would require public hearings, placement on the town meeting warrant and possible Attorney General review. Commissioners also asked staff to explore performance standards, triggers for security on large coastal projects, and coordination with zoning for height and building‑code changes.